PWM Blog

Energy-Efficient Digital Signs: Cutting Costs Without Compromise

Written by PWM Marketing | Jun 6, 2025 4:47:00 PM

For today’s convenience store operators, profitability depends on precision — the right prices, the right margins and, increasingly, the right infrastructure.

“While convenience stores can be profitable, it’s important to keep in mind that retail businesses typically operate on thin margins,” says digital technology platform Toast. “Reducing your energy costs can be [a] good tactic for decreasing your total monthly expenses.”

While price signs are front-and-center for every fuel retailer, their energy use often goes unnoticed. Yet over time, outdated signage can quietly drain resources, raise utility bills and undercut store efficiency.

That’s why many operators are upgrading to energy-efficient digital signs — a smarter, low-power solution that delivers standout visibility without the unnecessary energy costs.

“Ultimately, investing in energy-efficient solutions is not only better for the environment, but also better for your bottom line,” says Toast.

From single-store owners to multi-site operators, the shift to low-power LED signage is proving to be one of the easiest ways to cut costs without compromising performance or brand integrity.

The Hidden Costs of Traditional Digital Signs

While digital price signs are essential for fuel retailers, not all signage is created equal. Many older models consume excessive energy, especially those using outdated display technologies or inefficient lighting systems.

Common issues with legacy signage:
  • High electricity usage from inefficient LEDs or fluorescent elements
  • Shorter product lifespan, leading to more frequent replacements
  • Poor visibility in direct sunlight, causing readability issues
  • Inconsistent brightness and brand presentation
  • Rising maintenance costs over time

If you manage multiple locations, these issues multiply quickly — adding up to thousands of dollars in avoidable overhead each year.

The Power of Low-Power LED Signs

Modern low-power LED signs solve these problems by leveraging advanced lighting technology and smart design. PWM Electronic Price Signs has been at the forefront of this evolution, offering signs that are engineered from the inside out for maximum energy efficiency.

Benefits of low-power LED signage:
  • Up to 70 percent lower energy consumption compared to older sign models
  • High-contrast, crisp displays that remain readable in all weather and lighting conditions
  • Longer component life thanks to optimized heat management and durable construction
  • Less downtime and maintenance, with built-in diagnostics and remote monitoring
  • Reduced environmental impact, aligning with sustainability goals

PWM’s signs are designed specifically for c-stores and fuel stations, making energy efficiency a core part of their value — not an afterthought.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters Now More Than Ever

Energy prices have risen steadily over the past decade — and c-stores, which operate 24/7 with lighting, refrigeration and digital infrastructure, are particularly vulnerable to those increases.

“Convenience-store retailers continuously look for new ways to reduce expenses, and one of the quickest, most effective ways to save is by cutting utility costs,” says the National Association of Convenience Stores.

Making the switch to energy-efficient signage offers three key advantages:
  1. Lower Operational Costs
    Reducing electricity usage means real monthly savings. For multi-site operators, even a small per-location reduction adds up fast.
  2. Improved Brand Visibility
    Low-power LEDs don’t mean dim signs. In fact, PWM’s signs offer brilliant illumination and sharp contrast — day or night — without driving up energy bills.
  3. Future-Proofing Your Business
    Regulatory pressure and customer expectations around sustainability are only growing. Energy-efficient signage helps you meet both with confidence.

What Makes PWM Signage Different?

With over 35 years in the electronic price signage business — and more than two decades serving the U.S. c-store market — PWM Electronic Price Signs is a trusted partner for retailers who demand quality, consistency and savings.

What sets PWM apart:
  • Proven SMD LED Technology
    Since 2006, PWM has led the industry in surface-mounted diode (SMD) technology. These LEDs are smaller, more durable and far more energy-efficient than traditional models.
  • In-House Manufacturing
    All PWM components are designed and produced at our headquarters in Germany, giving us full control over quality and innovation.
  • Smart Control Systems
    Our signs feature intelligent brightness control and remote monitoring, adjusting output based on ambient light to optimize visibility and reduce unnecessary power draw.
  • Industry-Leading Warranties and Support
    PWM stands behind every sign with dedicated customer service and one of the best warranties in the business.

Real‑World Impact: The Numbers Add Up

Switching to energy‑efficient LED signage delivers tangible benefits — not just in theory, but across real convenience‑store environments:

  • Up to 60–70% electricity savings: LEDs consume 50–70% less power than traditional halogen, incandescent or fluorescent lighting.
  • C‑store lighting upgrades cut energy use approximately 21 percent: A field study of 50 Minnesota convenience stores (upgrading lighting, refrigeration, controls) showed average annual savings of 19–21 percent, translating to roughly $5,000 per store.
  • Large chains seeing dramatic ROI: Studies show LED canopy and lot lighting can reduce energy use by 40–60 percent, offering rapid payback — several major c‑store brands (7‑Eleven, Casey’s, QuikTrip) saw major gains when switching to LEDs .
  • LEDs outlast traditional bulbs by years: LEDs typically last 50,000+ hours — far exceeding fluorescent or incandescent bulbs — resulting in lower maintenance and replacement costs.

When applied to digital signage, especially at scale, low‑power LED modules can reduce sign-face energy consumption by up to 75 percent.

For instance, if a legacy gas‑price sign draws 400 W per digit, a modern PWM low‑power LED sign may use just 100 W — a 300 W saving. Across six digits and two signs per store at 100 locations, that could mean over 360 MWh in energy savings annually — representing tens of thousands of dollars in utility savings.

Questions to Ask When Choosing Energy-Efficient Signage

Before making the switch, it’s worth evaluating potential providers based on a few key criteria:

  • Does the manufacturer control its own production and quality standards?
  • Are the signs optimized for 24/7 outdoor use with minimal energy draw?
  • Can brightness and diagnostics be adjusted remotely?
  • What is the expected power usage per digit or sign face?
  • How long is the warranty and what kind of service support is offered?

With PWM, the answer to all of the above is yes.

Upgrade Without Compromise

You don’t have to choose between cost control and performance. With PWM’s energy-efficient digital signage, you get both. Reduce your utility bills. Increase visibility. Simplify operations. And support a more sustainable future for your business.

PWM Electronic Price Signs are engineered to deliver energy efficiency without compromise.
✔ Lower operating costs
✔ Brilliant display performance
✔ Built for the unique demands of fuel retailers

Let’s brighten your bottom line — without burning through your budget.

Contact PWM Electronic Price Signs today to learn more about our energy-efficient signage solutions and request a free quote.