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Green$aver helps low income households save on utilities - Environmental Communication Options/Huff Strategy

Green$aver helps low income households save on utilities

Aug 17th, 2007 4:04 AM

Media Release – For Immediate Release (*High Resolution Photos are available) Energy Efficiency Assistance Program helps low income individuals in Toronto and Peel save (Toronto, Ontario, August 16, 2007) Today, Toronto’s Dupont and Lansdowne neighbourhood has one less household with higher energy bills. Green$aver, the industry leader in energy efficiency (EE) audits, completed an EE assessment as part of the province’s Energy Efficiency Home Assistance Program. The non-profit organization installed energy efficient light bulbs, arranged delivery of a new ENERGY STAR® fridge and finished weather-stripping for Virginia King and her four children. Green$aver plans to assess 270 electric heat homes like Virginia’s in Toronto and Peel, providing homeowners with energy assessments, customized EE tips, and upgrades. Inefficient refrigerators will be removed, decommissioned with an environmental certificate and replaced with an EnergyStar rated unit. The energy efficiency measures delivered through the program include compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow showerheads and aerators, water heater blankets and pipe wrap, refrigerator replacement, draft-proofing and insulation. “We target homes that are primarily heated by electricity because that is where the greatest energy savings can be achieved. We also work with Enbridge on a similar program for gas heated homes. Reducing energy consumption helps the environment and keeps dollars in the wallets and purses of those who need it most,” observed Vladan Veljovic, President and CEO of Green$aver. As Ms. King watched, Green$aver technician Ray Barrick explained over the roar of the fan on his “blower door” testing equipment how the unit measured the level of air leakage of Ms. King’s home. HD Supply helped install her new GE energy efficient fridge. “This program is extremely important for families who are challenged everyday to decide between paying the utility and buying groceries. By providing education on smart energy use and energy efficient upgrades at no cost, we can help save these families at least 15%, and promote a conservation culture in Ontario,” concluded Mr. Veljovic. Green$aver is the Toronto and Peel Region delivery agent for home energy assessment and upgrades and the project is funded by the Ontario Power Authority. The OPA has provided $2.9 million in funding for the province-wide pilot program, targeting 1,400 homes in 16 communities. Outside of the GTA, the program is delivered by Green Communities Canada members. To find out if you are eligible to participate in the Toronto and Peel programs, call Green$aver at (416) 203-3106, ext.230 or visit www.greensaver.org. -30- For more information contact Don Huff, e|c|o, (416) 972-7404 Green$aver is an independent non-profit corporation dedicated to environmental energy efficiency. They have pioneered Ontario residential energy conservation for 25 years and have a successful history of performing both economically viable and environmentally friendly measures to help individuals and organizations with their energy needs. The Ontario Power Authority (OPA) creates and implements conservation and demand management programs, ensures adequate investment in new supply infrastructure, performs long-term electricity system planning, and facilitates the development of a more sustainable and competitive electricity system.