Baugy, France's first "connected" village

The “Innovative Baugy” Project

Launched in 2019 by Equans, the Cher Departmental Energy Syndicate (SDE18), and the municipality of Baugy, the “Baugy Innovant” project demonstrates that it is possible to adapt the smart city model to rural areas. Regional appeal, economic vitality, public safety, and operational cost savings: the challenges are numerous.

Equans France's "Rural-IT" Offering

Municipalities with fewer than 5,000 residents—including Baugy (1,500 residents)—account for more than 90% of French municipalities and are home to more than 35% of the population. Recognizing that their challenges differ from those of large metropolitan areas and that they are often excluded from “smart city” services, Equans has developed the “Rural-IT” solution, a customized offering for which Baugy serves as a showcase.

In practical terms, the project involves deploying high-speed internet connectivity, ensuring the safety of children’s daily walking routes, and securing several areas on the outskirts of the town center. Connectivity is also integrated into the street lighting system, which can be controlled directly via a smartphone; a valuable innovation that allows for rapid adaptation when needed.

This open-air laboratory represents a significant step forward for EQUANS and paves the way for the deployment of smart city solutions tailored to rural communities, their constraints, and their ambitions.

The Challenge for Baugy

For Baugy, the goal is to revitalize local businesses, boost the town’s appeal, and foster a sense of community. Installed in the town square, a multifunctional pole provides street lighting and video surveillance while offering Wi-Fi access and USB charging ports. A scalable LED display shows real-time updates from city hall, local businesses, the weather, and even air quality.

Additional work on the networks

As a key public player in the energy transition in the Cher department, SDE 18 is overseeing the earthwork project in the town center. Carried out in conjunction with the “Baugy Innovant” project, the underground installation of the low-voltage network covers a length of approximately 860 m, including the relocation of 58 service connections, the removal of 27 poles, and the replacement of streetlights with LED fixtures, complemented by a dimming and light-reduction system.