Smart rurality – Terre Lorraine du Longuyonnais Community of Municipalities (T2L)

The territory and its identity

The Terre Lorraine du Longuyonnais Community of Municipalities brings together a group of rural municipalities with strong identities and varied landscapes. This extensive territory, made up of villages and small towns, places particular importance on preserving its living environment and the quality of its public spaces.

Initial challenges and findings

Before renovation, the public lighting system comprised approximately 3,662 light points spread across a 165 km network, controlled by 130 control cabinets. The installed power exceeded 540 kW, with energy-intensive discharge lamp technologies.

Operating costs were high: nearly €255,000 including tax for annual electricity consumption and maintenance expenses that could reach several hundred thousand euros for certain cycles.

A shared vision and clear objectives

The community wanted to undertake a comprehensive project that would combine energy efficiency, high-quality lighting, and environmental protection. The objectives were multiple: to reduce light pollution, protect biodiversity, improve nighttime visibility, ensure the reliability of the installations, and sustainably control public budgets, while preserving the character of the villages.

The approach and support

The project was developed in collaboration with local stakeholders. An in-depth audit of the park was followed by presentation meetings and discussions with elected officials and technical services. This participatory approach encouraged the gradual involvement of local authorities and enabled the definition of a solution tailored to local constraints.

The Nexiode solution deployed

The Wizard remote management solution, combined with the Wixli platform, was chosen for its open, non-proprietary, and scalable nature. It allows deployment at light points throughout the territory, including on older or heritage lighting fixtures, thanks to retrofit solutions.

The data is hosted in France and the solution is interoperable with third-party tools, including the CityAPP CMMS.

Key features and practical uses

Remote management allows for precise programming of schedules, intensity variations, management of festive lighting, and automatic fault detection. Each light fixture becomes an individually controllable point, capable of adapting to local uses and specific regional constraints.

Results and benefits observed

The economic gains are significant. The annual cost per light point, initially over $150 including tax, is reduced to less than $50 including tax after renovation. The overall return on investment is estimated at less than seven years.

Beyond the figures, the community benefits from more reliable, more economical, and more environmentally friendly lighting.

A scalable solution serving the region

The T2L project fully illustrates the concept of smart rurality: discreet and useful intelligence, adapted to local realities. Remote management provides a sustainable foundation for supporting rural communities in their energy and digital transition, without compromising their identity.