City Council approves LED streetlight conversion agreement with Rocky Mountain Power

The Regular City Council Meeting held on August 26, 2025, in Moab, Utah, focused primarily on the proposed agreement to convert streetlights owned by Rocky Mountain Power to LED lighting that complies with dark sky regulations. This initiative aligns with the city’s goal of becoming a recognized dark sky community, a status achieved last year.

The council discussed the need to replace existing streetlights, particularly the cobra head designs prevalent throughout the city. The transition to LED lighting is part of the city’s budget for the year and aims to enhance compliance with local outdoor lighting codes. The proposed LED lights will have a color temperature of 3,000 Kelvin or less, which is the maximum allowed under city regulations, ensuring that the lighting is both effective and environmentally friendly.

Two options for the LED conversion were presented. The first option involves standard lenses at a cost of $89,060.50, with an estimated annual savings of over $28,000. The second option, which includes a comfort lens designed to diffuse light and reduce glare, would cost approximately $1,500 more but offers similar savings. The council expressed interest in the comfort lens option, as it may help mitigate the brightness perceived by residents, particularly in residential areas.

The discussion also highlighted the potential for residents with barn lights to take advantage of a bulk order discount from Rocky Mountain Power, allowing them to upgrade their lighting in compliance with city codes. The council emphasized the importance of informing the county about this opportunity, as many problematic lights are located in the valley.

Additionally, the council addressed the issue of unassigned streetlights—those not currently billed to any account. Rocky Mountain Power will remove these lights during the replacement process, providing an opportunity for the city to assess which, if any, should be retained.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the streetlight agreement with Rocky Mountain Power for the LED conversion, specifically opting for the comfort lens option. The council authorized the mayor to sign the agreement, marking a significant step towards enhancing the city’s lighting infrastructure while adhering to dark sky principles.