Smart Grid Technology for Energy Conservation in Street Lights: Lesson Learnt from Six Years’ Operation in Indonesia

The current problem of most existing street lighting is that their illuminance level is fixed regardless changes on pedestrian flows and passing traffic. Adjusting the illuminance level to actual needs of lightings that varies overnight potentially reduces energy consumptions. Such adaptive systems require a smart street lighting (SSL) technology that is able to monitor and automatically control street lightings in real time. Several cities in Indonesia has used SSL since 2012 and, therefore, this study aims to explore potential SSL expansions in the country. This paper uses a systematic review approach to analyze basic features of SSL technology; SSL global market prospects; factors influencing municipalities' acceptance, and evaluations of SSL systems in Indonesia from 2012 to 2018. Based on the review, policy recommendations are then proposed for the sustainable expansions and operations of SSL systems in Indonesia. One of the recommendations is to enhance the cooperation of energy service companies (ESCOs) to solve financing and technical problems faced by municipalities.