August 20, 2020
The Spanish Fork City Power & Light Division is thrilled to announce that the City is going dark, meaning as lights around the city are installed and replaced they will be dark-sky compliant.
The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide, according to its website darksky.org.
“Dark-sky compliant lighting has become a big topic the last few years,” commented Power and Light Superintendent Kelly Peterson. “The new fixtures we are going to install force the light downwards so that it doesn't create as much light pollution, allowing for viewing of the nighttime sky and stars.”
One of the features of these decorative lights is there is no lens. Lenses create a glare and refract light both upward and outward.
Additionally, the new streetlights will be LED. “LED lighting is more energy-efficient and saves our residents money,” said Peterson. “We have been installing LED fixtures the past several years, but the new design follows IDA recommendations.”
In addition to the downward lighting, the new lights will focus the light in an oval shape towards the roadways, and away from residences. Power & Light staff will begin installing the dark-sky lighting in new developments and replacing other lights throughout the city as the fixtures go bad.
The new lights also allow city staff to set the brightness level during the installation of the fixtures allowing for brighter light on busier streets and dimmer light in residential areas.