A project to convert streetlights in downtown Vernal to LED lighting is scheduled to begin next week. Rocky Mountain Power approached Vernal City over two years ago about the option and earlier this year the two entities finalized the contract. Rocky Mountain Power is who actually owns the street light system and cities and counties pay for the maintenance and upkeep of the lighting infrastructure. Originally, Vernal City was paying a rate of $48 a month for each light. After doing a cost analysis, Rocky Mountain Power lowered that rate but the switch to LED lighting will see that amount slashed much further to around $5 per light each month. This will amount to major savings for Vernal City, a savings that means the conversion costs will be paid off within two years. Rocky Mountain Power will convert close to 600 streetlight fixtures to LED. What the public can expect is to see the same light poles and bases. Just the fixtures will change. The project is expected to be finished by the end of August.
