The Town of Fort Erie saved a bundle of money in 2017 by switching to LED street lights.

In 2016, 3,175 street lights were converted to LED, resulting in $323,063 savings in 2017 when compared to 2015, said the Town in a media release Monday.

The cost of putting the LED lights in was $2.24 million, though the project is “expected to pay for itself in 7.5 years based on the current energy price,” said Kelly Walsh, director of Infrastructure Services for the Town.

Since LED streetlights have a life expectancy of 25 years, energy consumption and maintenance savings should result in an additional $5.25 million from 2025 to 2041,” said

“By investing in this project, we were able to improve our Town’s environmental footprint, save money and avoid committing to any long-term financial obligations,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop.

“LEDs require significantly less maintenance and energy than the old high-pressure sodium bulbs, therefore allowing for sustained savings over the next 25 years. The plan is to reinvest those savings in the Town’s roads, sidewalks, storm sewers and bridges.”

LED lights also produce a “cleaner, whiter” light which improves visual acuity and community safety, said the Town.