Thunder Bay Makes Every Kilowatt Count

May 10th, 2006 7:09 AM

(THUNDER BAY, Ontario, May 10, 2006) Thunder Bay residents lined up today at a local Wal-Mart to redeem coupons designed to save electricity and money as part of the province-wide Every Kilowatt Counts program launched by Ontario’s Conservation Bureau. Every home in Thunder Bay will receive a package of energy saving tips and money saving coupons. The Conservation Bureau, a division of the Ontario Power Authority, is mailing the package to all of the province’s 4.58 million residences in time for peak summer electricity consumption. Coupons arrive in Thunder Bay mailboxes this week. One of the largest programs of its kind, the mailer offers significant savings on compact fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats, ceiling fans and electrical timers at more than 1,600 retailers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. “This program is about giving people the opportunity to really make a difference in the area of energy conservation,” said John Jeza, Director, Residential Programs, Conservation Bureau. “By doing simple things such as installing programmable thermostats and using ceiling fans with their air conditioners, homeowners can cut their power usage, reduce the negative impact on our environment and cut down on the overall strain on the province’s electrical system – all while saving money.” Thunder Bay homeowners will be able to save $5 off a two-pack (or more) of ENERGY STAR qualified compact florescent light bulbs, $15 off a programmable thermostat, $5 off an electric timer, and $25 off an ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fan. The Conservation Bureau is promoting and operating this program in collaboration with local electricity distributors. Householders who take advantage of the entire coupon package can save up to 10 per cent on their summer-time electricity bills. The program will conserve 83,600,000 kWh annually – equivalent to $8.3 million in savings off Ontarians’ annual electricity bills. The lifetime energy savings are forecasted to be 741,600,000 kWh – equivalent to more than $74.1 million in savings on electricity bills. “Thunder Bay is a leader in energy conservation,” said Robert Mace, President and Chief Executive Officer, Thunder Bay Hydro. “The city is part of a number of innovative programs aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the impact on the environment. I have no doubt that Thunder Bay residents will do their part in making the Every Kilowatt Counts program a success.” Participating retailers include Canadian Tire, Home Depot, Home Hardware, Rona, TimbrMart, Tru Value, TSC, Wal-Mart, Zellers and 24 independent lighting dealers. Ontarians will be able to get additional information about the program by visiting www.conservationbureau.on.ca or calling 1-800-663-8400. The Conservation Bureau is a division of the Ontario Power Authority. It was established in 2005 to stimulate electricity conservation and demand management by planning, designing and implementing comprehensive programs that foster a culture of conservation across the province. - 30 - For further information, please contact: Barton Sala, Conservation Bureau, Ontario Power Authority, 416-969-6009, Barton.sala@powerauthority.on.ca Alvin Poon, NATIONAL Public Relations, 416-848-1451, apoon@national.ca

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Thunder Bay Makes Every Kilowatt Count

May 10th, 2006 7:09 AM