Torbay Streetlight Upgrade Moves Ahead of Schedule, Cutting Energy and Carbon Costs

Torbay’s major streetlight modernization project is progressing ahead of schedule, with roughly three-quarters of the area’s nearly 15,000 highway lights upgraded by August. The initiative combines a centralized management system with energy-efficient LED fixtures, creating a more responsive network while reducing electricity use, operating costs, and carbon emissions.

Key takeaways

• About 75% of Torbay’s highway lights had been equipped with new control technology by August.

• Twelve base stations support the Telensa Central Management System.

• More than 3,400 older fixtures are being replaced with efficient LED units.

• The project is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 200 tonnes annually.

• The system is scheduled to go live in November.

The progress gives Torbay a practical example of how networked lighting and LED technology can deliver measurable operational benefits. For contractors and property managers planning similar upgrades, the project also highlights the importance of pairing fixture replacement with controls, monitoring, and a long-term maintenance strategy.

How the new system will operate

The Telensa Central Management System will connect to telecells installed on individual streetlights. Engineers will be able to view real-time performance data, identify faults remotely, adjust light levels, and manage the network from a central location.

That approach can reduce routine inspection costs and help maintenance teams respond more quickly. Manual controls will also allow lighting levels to be adjusted for events, emergencies, or maintenance work, while programmed dimming can reduce consumption during periods of low pedestrian and vehicle activity.

LED replacement supports long-term savings

During the summer, contractors fitted more than 3,400 older lights with new LED units. Remaining fixtures are expected to transition through the council’s ongoing maintenance program as they reach the end of their useful life.

LED upgrades are particularly valuable when specified as part of a broader asset-management plan. As a wholesale LED supplier, Led Lumenaires emphasizes spec-ready SKUs, bulk availability, and fast fulfillment for commercial and municipal-style projects—requirements that can help keep large rollouts consistent across locations.

Benefits for safety and environmental goals

Streetlighting represents Torbay Council’s largest energy expense, making consumption reductions a central part of its Climate Change Action Plan. The upgrade is projected to lower the annual energy bill and cut carbon emissions by more than 200 tonnes each year.

Council officials also say improved control will help balance efficiency with public safety. Lighting can be maintained at appropriate levels to support visibility, biodiversity objectives, and responses to anti-social behavior without operating every fixture at full output throughout the night.

A wider clean-energy program

The streetlight project is one element of a broader local effort that includes solar installations at 10 council-owned buildings, heat pumps at Paignton Library and Torre Abbey’s Arid House, electric vehicles, electric buses, and energy improvements at Torbay Leisure Centre. Tree planting is also intended to support biodiversity and carbon storage.

For organizations undertaking comparable upgrades, Led Lumenaires’ contractor and property-management support—including assistance with product selection, layouts, rebates, and large quotes—reflects the planning required to connect energy targets with reliable lighting performance. Torbay’s rollout is expected to be ready for system activation in November.

Sources

• Energy-saving upgrade to streetlight network ahead of schedule, We Are South Devon.