Casper Council Reviews Streetlight Modernization Plan

The city aims to address illumination gaps through a 15-year plan focusing on smart controls and energy efficiency.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern LED streetlight fixture on a metal pole, representing city infrastructure planning. — Casper City Council is evaluating a 15-year modernization strategy to replace existing infrastructure with energy-efficient streetlights across the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support prioritizing city funding for infrastructure upgrades like improved street lighting in your area?

Casper City Council is evaluating a new municipal streetlight modernization strategy after a study revealed that most city streets and sidewalks fall below national lighting standards. The proposed initiative seeks to improve safety and reduce energy consumption across the city's inventory of 5,545 fixtures.

Why it matters

The plan addresses critical safety concerns while aiming to cut system energy use by over 50%. It also seeks to mitigate the impact of excessive blue light on human sleep patterns and local wildlife migration.

The city maintains 5,545 streetlights and pays for over 90% of them at an annual cost of $729,000. Officials have proposed six initial capital projects estimated at $3.4 million to begin the modernization effort.

The players

Casper City Council

This is the governing legislative body for Casper, Wyoming, responsible for municipal policy, budgeting, and city-wide infrastructure planning.

Rocky Mountain Power

This is the primary electric utility provider for the region and the owner of the majority of the municipal streetlight assets in Casper.

The details

The city owns about 25% of the lights, while Rocky Mountain Power owns approximately 66%. The modernization project includes updating municipal codes to require field-adjustable output and a pilot program for solar streetlights during winter.

Years 1-2: Initiate talks with Rocky Mountain Power and convert fixtures.
Years 2-7: Convert utility-owned fixtures and build corridor projects.
Up to 15 years: Complete full three-phase streetlight modernization implementation.

Market Landscape

The city is aligning its local infrastructure with national illumination recommendations to modernize aging grids. This shift positions the municipality to reduce long-term operational costs while consolidating control through smart technology.

Residents can expect future improvements to nighttime visibility on streets and sidewalks as the city upgrades outdated lighting systems. These changes are intended to enhance public safety along key corridors while improving energy efficiency for the city.

The takeaway

Upgrading to smart, adjustable lighting systems helps cities balance visibility needs with environmental concerns like light pollution. Residents in affected areas should monitor future council meetings for updates on specific construction schedules for priority corridors.