Holman (Apr 28/03) - Hamlet power bills are expected to be cut significantly this summer after the NWT Power Corporation installs energy-efficient bulbs in the street lights.

NTPC marketing and communications officer Peter Watt said the hamlet can expect to save about $850 per month in power costs once the project is completed.

The corporation will spend about $14,000 on the conversions.

Thirty-three lights -- 75 per cent of streetlights in the hamlet -- will be affected.

Watt said NTPC has been replacing mercury vapour bulbs in several NWT communities with the more efficient high-pressure sodium one for several years, as funding and manpower have permitted. The new bulbs emit more light while using less electricity.

"It's a considerable savings over the long term," said Mayor Gary Bristow.

He said once the bulbs are changed, the hamlet will save about $60 to $70 per streetlight each month.

NTPC is hoping to complete the project sometime during the summer months.