City authorities in American city Kinston, North Carolina are planning to swap all traditional streetlights with LEDs, which is expected to cut energy consumption, improve security and save money, reported Kinston.com.

The city’s general tax-paying funds are being used for the LED streetlight installation spending, so tax payers could save up 40% or 45%, said Director of Public Services Rhonda Barwick

LED lights are energy efficient and require less maintenance, and have long lifetimes of up to 10 years, compared to traditional light sources. The lights are also brighter, which could bring a secondary benefit.

"It gives us an edge. It's a benefit to everyone involved probably except for the bad guys,” said Kinston Public Safety Public Information Officer Woody Spencer.

The city has installed nearly 800 LED streetlights, which were installed in 2011 after receiving grants. The city’s new public service has requested close to $600,000 for an upcoming budget to replace the remaining 1,200 lights in the city.

The city council will approve the final budget for the LED streetlight upgrades later this month.