Chris Clegg
South Peace News
The first LED streetlights will light up High Prairie in 2017.

It was the message delivered to High Prairie town council at their Nov 22 meeting from ATCO customer service supervisor Amanda Mattern.

Mattern attended to update council on their operations but it was the possibility of LED lights that piqued council’s interest. LED lights are light-emitting diode lights which use less energy.

ATCO is moving toward LED lights, Mattern told council.

“You will definitely be getting some LED lights in 2017,” she said.

The lights will use less power and a less power bill for town council and taxpayers. Lights will be replaced on an individual basis.

Councillor Michael Long was interested in the cost of replacing each light and favoured replacing them all. He asked about the cost of replacement. Mattern was not sure of the exact cost but estimated $500 “but don’t hold me to that,” she said.

If the figure is accurate, the total cost to council would be $188,000 based on the 376 streetlights in town.

Council briefly discussed the possibility of applying for green grants from the Alberta government to reduce costs before considering a decision, realizing the Rachel Notley agenda is to promote green living.

Mattern replied that an engineer could come to High Prairie and give an exact cost of converting to LED lights, if council made the request.