The future is looking just a bit brighter. Cape Light Compact announced this week that more than 15,000 town-owned streetlights Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard will be replaced with LED lights. The change is part of the Cape Light Compact’s 2013-2015 Statewide Energy Efficiency Plan.

LED lights are designed to use 40 to 50 per cent less energy and last longer than existing streetlights. According to the Cape Light Compact, the changeover could save towns and fire districts up to $520,000 per year on electric bills and maintenance.

A number of LED lights were installed in Oak Bluffs and Edgartown in February to gauge reaction to the change. Islandwide installation is now expected to begin January 2014. The streetlights are being provided at no charge to the participating communities. For more information, visit capelightcompact.org/ledstreetlights.