The Old System Had Reached the End of Its Lifespan
Inari took a major step in modernizing its street lighting by upgrading the control system with C2 SmartLight’s solutions. This renewal was necessary because the previous system was outdated and reliant on a separate electricity company, making lighting management cumbersome and inefficient.

Maintenance Engineer Rami Kiviniemi from the municipality of Inari explains that the project was undertaken because the old lighting control system no longer met their needs. "We wanted to regain control over our street lighting while transitioning to a more modern and flexible control solution at the same time."

Freezing Temperatures, Snowmobiles, and a Tight Schedule – Yet a Success!
Through a competitive bidding process, C2 SmartLight was selected as the solution that met Inari’s strict quality requirements. The project was launched in the middle of the darkest winter, yet the schedule remained on track, and work progressed as planned. A new installation and commissioning innovation enabled a swift rollout by simplifying work steps and ensuring the system was operational efficiently. "Despite the freezing cold and the need to locate some lighting control centers by snowmobile in the fells, the installation team did an excellent job," Kiviniemi praises.

The new system has not only provided better control but also created opportunities for energy savings. With smart control, streetlights can be scheduled based on need. For example, in Inari’s harbor area, some lights have been turned off to enhance the experience for Aurora Borealis enthusiasts. "We found a great solution—now the lights don’t disturb the scenery, but street lighting still works effectively when needed."

Light as Needed, Even During the Polar Night
The short days and prolonged darkness of the polar night pose challenges for lighting management. The software has been updated to better account for both the polar night and the midnight sun, adjusting the lighting based on real ambient light conditions. This ensures that outdoor lighting functions optimally even when the sun does not rise at all. "It works exactly as it should—and since our polar night lasts for months, this is a huge advantage for us," Kiviniemi remarks.

Lighting Development Continues
Inari is not planning to stand still when it comes to lighting solutions; the municipality aims to continue developing its system and even enhance the experience factor. Kiviniemi sees particular potential in the lighting of ski trails. "Tourism is our livelihood, so lighting should be part of the visitor experience. We are very interested in the possibility of having lights follow skiers along the trails. Additionally, using sensors, we can gather concrete data on visitor numbers in different areas."

Tested in Extreme Conditions – and It Works!
C2 SmartLight Key Account Manager Juha ”Jussi” Silvennoinen sees the Inari project as an excellent reference in northern conditions. "The fact that the system operates reliably in Inari’s challenging environment—cold temperatures, polar nights, and vast distances—proves that we have a solution capable of withstanding even the most demanding conditions."
Kiviniemi gives the collaboration top marks and is happy to recommend C2 SmartLight to other municipalities considering street lighting control upgrades. "Although we were initially nervous since this wasn’t our core expertise, the cooperation was smooth, and everything was handled professionally. Now we have a system that we can manage and develop independently."