The City of Peterborough is about to replace 7,205 streetlights with new LED fixtures.

The $5.2-million project includes $683,428 from the Save on Energy program. The move is expected to save the city $650,000 a year by reducing electricity costs by 54 per cent, cut maintenance costs by 80 per cent ($187,000 a year) and reduce consumption by 70 per cent, or 3.6 million kilowatt hours, the city states in a press release. The city expects to recover the initial cost of the lighs within seven years.

The lights can be directed in a more precise manner, the city states, reducing glare and enhancing safety for vehicles and pedestrians after dark.

The conversion project is expected to be done by December.