diff --git a/postgres-appliance/scripts/configure_spilo.py b/postgres-appliance/scripts/configure_spilo.py
index fa2f3ca9..c830b0d4 100755
--- a/postgres-appliance/scripts/configure_spilo.py
+++ b/postgres-appliance/scripts/configure_spilo.py
@@ -600,7 +600,7 @@ def get_placeholders(provider):
 
     # only accept true as value or else it will be empty = disabled
     if placeholders['LOG_SHIP_HOURLY']:
-        placeholders['LOG_SHIP_HOURLY'] = os.environ.get('LOG_SHIP_HOURLY', '') in ['true', 'TRUE']
+        placeholders['LOG_SHIP_HOURLY'] = str(os.environ.get('LOG_SHIP_HOURLY', '') in ['true', 'TRUE'])
 
     # see comment for wal-e bucket prefix
     placeholders.setdefault('LOG_BUCKET_SCOPE_PREFIX', '{0}-'.format(placeholders['NAMESPACE'])