WEST POINT, Miss. (WTVA) - The city of West Point is looking to spend some money in order to save a lot of cash down the road.
A partenership between Siemans Energy and the Mississippi Development Authority is what's behind it all.
If all goes as planned, a new energy savings program is expected to save the city millions of dollars, according to city officials.
For that to happen, lighting fixtures need to be upgraded and all electric and water meters will be replaced.
"We expect to save in the neighborhood of $6,000,000.00 over fifteen years," said Dwight Prisock, superintendent of West Point Water & Light. "[It] will allow a payback for installing all of the new equipment and in the meantime will get the reduced energy. Plus, we'll get the use of the new lighting and the meters and the other things that we're getting as part of this project."
Homeowners will also be able to save money thanks to a new program called Pre-Pay.
It is designed to help people manage the cost of their utilities.
"You pay up front for your utilities and then you can manage your daily utility use. That way you don't over run your money," adds Prisock.
City officials say the savings can be used to purchase additional tools for their trade.
"Anything that is going to help my budget and give me a little bit of relief...I can spend it on police equipment," said West Point Police Chief Tim Brinkley. "Certainly I am in favor of anything that is going to help us be more energy efficient."
The project was reviewed by the Mississippi Development Authority.
