Baltimore utility to deploy Itron smart streetlights

Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is to deploy 260,000 smart streetlights as it bids to reduce energy consumption and enhance the wellbeing and safety of the community.

Critical infrastructure solutions specialist Itron is working together with Maryland’s largest gas and electric utility to connect and manage the smart streetlights across the utility’s service territory.

Multi-purpose IIoT network

BGE will use its existing Itron multi-purpose IIoT network to connect the smart streetlights, which are expected to be deployed through 2026.

With safety top of mind, Itron’s smart lighting solution automatically detects lamp and lighting power supply failures when they occur, enabling BGE to respond to problems in a timely manner.

With each issue, maintenance crews will receive critical information, such as the location of the failure and the lamp type, so they can respond immediately and send a maintenance crew to address the issue.

“With Itron’s solution, we can effectively manage, control and monitor the smart streetlights across our network while improving public safety”

According to Itron, its solution monitors several parameters to help identify streetlight problems before they occur. As an additional safety measure for Maryland residents and motorists, BGE will be able to control lighting levels instantly or on a scheduled basis. The utility can adjust each streetlight with on/off and dimming functionality.

“BGE strives to increase the value of our energy infrastructure investments while bringing added benefits to our customers. With Itron’s solution, we can effectively manage, control and monitor the smart streetlights across our network while improving public safety,” said Eric Barger, principal project manager at BGE.

“We also look forward to enhancing our lighting maintenance operations and becoming more energy efficient with Itron’s solution.”