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In 2018 the Fédération québécoise des municipalités (FQM) called for tender for LED luminaire conversion mandates. Energere was chosen to help Quebec municipal organizations with this work through to the end of 2024.

In all, more than 184,000 traditional luminaires have been replaced by more efficient, longer-lasting LED technologies, reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs, while improving the quality of lighting for citizens.

A WINNING FORMULA

The project was undertaken using a turnkey formula with performance guarantees. It ensured a firm cost and guaranteed energy savings, while including service and maintenance throughout the return on investment (ROI) period. This approach has enabled municipalities to benefit from modern, safe lighting at no unexpected extra cost, with full support to maximize results.

From an environmental point of view, LED directional lighting helped reduce light pollution, enhancing the attractiveness of the area and the quality of life of its residents.

TWO KEY PHASES: DEL 1 AND DEL 2

The conversion project was carried out in two key phases:

• DEL 1: The first phase involved replacing 180,346 luminaires with 3,000 Kelvin LEDs. This made it possible to install high-quality, environmentally-friendly lighting while reducing light pollution.
• LED 2: The second phase featured 4,086 more luminaires converted to 2,200 Kelvin LEDs, continuing the effort with an even softer colour temperature for areas requiring less intense lighting.

In all, almost 250 municipalities have participated in the two phases combined, and will now benefit from modernized infrastructures for years to come.

AN ADVANTAGEOUS LIGHTING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The intelligent control system option was offered to municipalities as part of the luminaire conversion program. It offers several advantages:

The system enables precise control of lighting levels, adjusting intensity according to activity, improving visual comfort while reducing light pollution, and contributing to better night-time environment.

Thanks to more precise management, the service life of luminaires and their components is extended, reducing the need for frequent replacement. This also also greatly improves maintenance. Municipalities are informed in real-time of any malfunctions, enabling maintenance teams to react quickly and efficiently, optimizing work and improving citizens’ quality of life.

Finally, the system promotes additional energy savings by adjusting lighting levels according to time and need. This optimization significantly reduces energy consumption, with billing proportional to actual luminaire use, in line with Hydro-Québec rates. By reducing luminaire wattage, municipalities were able to reduce their costs directly and immediately.

MANY CHALLENGES MET AND OVERCOME

The lighting conversion project had to overcome several technical and operational challenges.

Complying with the requirements of the Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ), particularly for provincial roads, required specific adjustments of lighting configuration. Collaboration with Hydro-Québec also raised a number of challenges related to managing equipment belonging to their network.

The implementation of the intelligent control system also had to adapt to the different realities of client municipalities’ lighting fleets, sometimes requiring technical adjustments.

Nevertheless, thanks to the cooperation with select partners – Signify, GE Current, and AEL, as well as local contractors across Quebec – these challenges were successfully met.

COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT FOR MUNICIPALITIES

As part of the luminaire conversion program, Energere also played a key role in supporting the 250 participating municipalities in their communications needs.

An awareness campaign was set up to promote the benefits of converting to LED lighting and inform residents about the progress of the work. Energere provided a variety of tools, including press releases, articles for municipal newsletters and notices to residents, enabling them to follow the progress of the work in real time and better understand the benefits of the project. This approach effectively popularized energy issues and ensured clear, transparent communication throughout the project.

By joining the luminaire conversion program run by Energere in collaboration with the FQM, Quebec municipalities have been able to modernize their public lighting networks while making energy, maintenance and monetary savings. By adopting intelligent, sustainable technologies, they are improving their environmental footprint and making a definitive transition to a sustainable future.