New Public Lighting System in Užice to save over 3 Million Euros in 15 Years

2 September 2024, Užice – The City of Užice has successfully completed a project for the reconstruction, optimization, and maintenance of public lighting through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Prior to the project’s implementation, the city’s annual costs for public lighting, including electricity consumption and maintenance, amounted to approximately 900,000 euros.

With the project’s realization, the City of Užice will achieve an annual saving of at least 205,000 euros, resulting in a total savings of over 3 million euros over the next 15 years. The project will significantly reduce electricity consumption from 5.1 million kWh to a projected 950,000 kWh, representing a remarkable 82% savings. Additionally, it will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by over 70,000 tons during the contract period.

The project is fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily through significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Had this project not been implemented, it is estimated that the city’s costs over the next 15 years would have exceeded 15 million euros, with a potential additional increase of 30-50% due to rising electricity prices.

The new equipment, which includes approximately 10,000 lamps and reflectors and 250 switching systems, is expected to last 25 years, almost double the contract period. The equipment was transferred to the ownership of the City of Užice immediately upon installation, without any additional costs to the city.

Through this project, the City of Užice has secured a sustainable financing method for modernizing public lighting without new financial burdens. The city is already realizing significant savings, which can be redirected to other development projects. The project was carried out in collaboration with private partners, Interenergo and Smart Energy Investment, who have enhanced the public lighting system, resulting in substantial savings and improved lighting quality.

This PPP project serves as an example of successful collaboration that benefits all users and significantly contributes to improving the quality of life in Užice.