Tallinn to ensure functioning street lighting in cooperation with Tallinna Linnatransport
The Tallinn City Government decided at its cabinet meeting on 19 May to initiate negotiations with Tallinna Linnatransport (TLT) to ensure the provision of street lighting and electrical installation maintenance services starting from 1 August 2025.
The decision was prompted by an appeal filed against a public procurement announced by the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department. The duration and outcome of the legal proceedings are currently unclear. The complaint under review by the Public Procurement Disputes Committee affects the entire procurement process, including the signing of the contract and the launch of the service. Although the new procurement documentation contains more technical information and detailed service descriptions than before, the dispute concerns whether the information provided is sufficient for the bidders.
“The Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department has been prepared to ensure the continuity of the service even in the event of a dispute. There has been no risk of disruption to street lighting, but the city prefers not to let residents worry about a procurement issue over the summer — especially when there's no real reason to. "Rather than argue, it’s smarter for the city to focus on summer roadworks," said Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere, responsible for the environment and public works.
“Of course, I don’t consider municipalisation the ideal solution and would much prefer this service to be provided to the city by a private company. However, given the complicated situation caused by delays in the procurement process, I’m grateful to Tallinna Linnatransport for their willingness to take over the service. There is little time left until 1 August, when the current contract ends, but hopefully Tallinna Linnatransport will be able to handle this unexpected responsibility. They have the necessary competence and infrastructure, including 24/7 capabilities for maintaining and managing electrical networks, as well as a modern control centre that can also be used to manage street lighting,” explained Kristjan Järvan, Tallinn’s Deputy Mayor for Transport.
The City Government decided to cancel the disputed procurement process and initiate direct contract negotiations with Tallinn City Transport to take over the service.
The exact start of the service will depend on the technical readiness of Tallinna Linnatransport. The goal is to ensure the sustainable and uninterrupted operation of street lighting regardless of the developments in the procurement dispute.
“The Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department has been prepared to ensure the continuity of the service even in the event of a dispute. There has been no risk of disruption to street lighting, but the city prefers not to let residents worry about a procurement issue over the summer — especially when there's no real reason to. "Rather than argue, it’s smarter for the city to focus on summer roadworks," said Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere, responsible for the environment and public works.
“Of course, I don’t consider municipalisation the ideal solution and would much prefer this service to be provided to the city by a private company. However, given the complicated situation caused by delays in the procurement process, I’m grateful to Tallinna Linnatransport for their willingness to take over the service. There is little time left until 1 August, when the current contract ends, but hopefully Tallinna Linnatransport will be able to handle this unexpected responsibility. They have the necessary competence and infrastructure, including 24/7 capabilities for maintaining and managing electrical networks, as well as a modern control centre that can also be used to manage street lighting,” explained Kristjan Järvan, Tallinn’s Deputy Mayor for Transport.
The City Government decided to cancel the disputed procurement process and initiate direct contract negotiations with Tallinn City Transport to take over the service.
The exact start of the service will depend on the technical readiness of Tallinna Linnatransport. The goal is to ensure the sustainable and uninterrupted operation of street lighting regardless of the developments in the procurement dispute.