WETHERSFIELD - The installation of retrofit lighting at the interior and exterior of Wethersfield school buildings will allow the district to save money with reduced power costs, as well as be more energy-efficient, according to Wethersfield Superintendent of Schools Michael Emmett.

       The project was approved at the last Board of Education meeting, and will start this spring, Emmett said. The interior and exterior of every school in Wethersfield, with the exception of the high school, which is in the process of completing plans for a large-scale renovation, will be equipped with the L.E.D. lighting.

       Many of the district’s buildings, which were constructed in the late 1960s to early 1970s, utilize aged, less energy-efficient fluorescent lights that need to be replaced.

       An assessment of school grounds in town reported that poor outside lighting presented a security concern, Emmett said.

       “From a safety and security standpoint, it was a win-win,” he said. “This will work to strengthen safety and security of our building at night, and also provide savings.”

       While the savings will vary from school to school, the projected monthly savings per building is at around $128, according to Emmett.

       “Once the Retrofit is paid off, the numbers will become much more significant,” Emmett said.

       The district can finance costs through its CL&P bills for between 36-48 months, he said.