Savannah approves ‘Light Up Savannah’ deal with Georgia Power to add LED streetlights and network controls

Mayor Van R. Johnson II announced the council’s approval of an asset purchase and lighting services agreement with Georgia Power to convert existing fixtures to LED, add network controls and expand street lighting across phases, with phase one focused on arterial and highway lights.

City Manager (name as provided in the record) said staff negotiated technical contract terms and credited Georgia Power and internal teams for due diligence; he told council the contracts balance benefits for the utility and the city. A Georgia Power representative said the program will improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians, increase energy efficiency and reliability, and add controls to manage and upgrade lighting remotely.

The agreement covers converting existing lights to LED and installing network controls; the mayor and council noted the project’s public-safety aims and its link to a voter-approved SPLOST 8 funding source for initial work. Councilmember comments stressed potential benefits for crime deterrence and reducing illegal dumping in poorly lit areas.

A motion to approve the agreement was made, seconded and passed by voice vote. The council directed staff to proceed with implementation and to continue coordination with Georgia Power on phasing and community outreach. The contract terms discussed include asset purchase, maintenance and an operational framework; no specific capital cost line-item was read into the record during the vote.

The city will begin work under phase one and return to council with implementation details and timelines as the program advances.