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What smart cities can learn from Joondalup's smart lighting journey

Written by Telensa Editorial Team | 18 July 2025

In recently years, the conversation around smart cities has shifted from futuristic concepts to practical, proven solutions. Joondalup, a vibrant city in Western Australia, exemplifies how intelligent street lighting technology can drive measurable energy savings, improve public safety and enhance community services. Here are three essential insights form their successful smart lighting journey:

1. A clear version drives real results

Joondalup started its smart lighting project with clear objectives: energy savings, better control and improved maintenance efficiency. By partnering with Telensa and deploying nearly 1800 connected street lighting using Telecells, the city achieve a remarkable 65% reduction in energy costs. The financial savings were immediately reinvested into further enhancing their street lighting infrastructure, proving that smart city investments can create self-sustaining growth. 

2. Smart technology means smarter maintenance

Before adopting Telensa's PLANet Central management systems (CMS), Joondalup faced costly and reactive maintenance cycles, frequently dispatching crews unnecessarily. Today, the city proactively identifies outages and faults in real-time, significantly cutting down "truck rolls" and call-out fees. Electrical Project Engineer David Hale highlights how remote diagnostics through the CMS ensures issues are addressed swiftly and accurately, eliminating wasted resources.

 

3. Tailored control and community responsiveness

One size does not fit all- especially in city management. Joondalup utilizes PLANet's customisable dimming schedules and remote lighting control capabilities to enhance public spaces. Whether it is adjusting park lighting for community events or improving safety in specific neighbourhoods, responsive lighting solutions empower city officials to deliver tailored, efficient services that enhance residents' quality of life.

As cities worldwide look to smarter, more efficient infrastructure solutions, Joondalup's experience serves as a practical roadmap. Beyond energy savings, it illustrates how smart lighting initiatives can strengthen community engagement, improve operational efficiency, and delivering lasting benefits.

Smart lightings is not longer just a bright idea- it is a foundational component for the smart cities of today and tomorrow. 

Read the full case study here ➡️ https://www.telensa.com/case-studies/smart-streetlights-real-results-with-telensas-smart-control-system/