Christmas lights...the staple of the holiday season bringing festive joy to neighborhood streets and houses lighting up the night sky. 

And while some may think that running your lights this season may break your bank, think again. 

Mainly thanks to the changing technology powering said lights. 

"It was only 15 years ago that we only had incandescent technology, you were paying 10 times that a strand,” said Nebraska Public Power District Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer. 

With the major transition to LED lights since its introduction to mainstream displays, Christmas participants have experienced huge savings.  

"I would indicate 11 to 22 cents per strand which used to be a $1 to $2.50 a strand, so definitely invest in LED technology,” Fuehrer said. 

Upon an entire holiday season in Nebraska, the savings add up in a big way. 

"When you start comparing the energy savings though, and that's based upon the average household using those Christmas lights anywhere from 300 to 600 hours a year during the holiday season, you more than cover that, you're looking at probably $10 to $12 of savings per strand,” Fuehrer said. 

When looking at your bill be sure to take into all factors affected by the season not just including the holidays. 

"It's difficult to really identify what are my old lights costing me versus my new lights and what portion of my electric bills is actually contributed to heating because guess what it's getting cold,” Fuehrer said. 

To keep your lights in good shape over time, be sure to store them in the off-season as the sun's UV rays can damage them if they are left out.  

Patrons are also urged to look for the energy star label when looking to purchase new sets. 

Anyone with questions about their bills this holiday season are asked to call 1-877-ASK-NPPD.