Missoula, Montana street lights modified with LED fixtures by NorthWestern Energy

Street lights in Missoula, Mont. are getting a makeover thanks to NorthWestern Energy, which is replacing approximately 1,800 fixtures with energy-efficient LED lights.

Until now, these lights were based on high-pressure sodium fixtures. Whereas these lights provide their notable orange-yellow light, the LEDs instead provide significantly whiter light, which the company says will provide better lighting for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians alike. Another benefit will be the approximately 718,000 kw hours of electricity less per year the new lights should use, which could bring annual savings of around $79,000 to the City of Missoula Special Improvement Lighting Districts.

The lights will also be good for stargazers: the NorthWestern Energy says they meet International Dark-Sky Association guidelines, providing no up-light and shining at a color temperature of 3,000 Kelvins or less.

Some of these efforts will extend beyond Missoula proper, as well. Missoula County will benefit from around 600 street light revamps in Rural Special Improvement Lighting Districts. Another 70 sodium bulbs will be swapped for LEDs in city-owned street lights outside of established lighting districts.

The project is a small piece of a larger, state-wide retrofit of 43,000 NorthWestern Energy street lights throughout the state, which has been underway since last year.