Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles
June 27, 2007
The environment and energy use have become hot topics and North Bay Hydro unveiled two new programs Tuesday that can help fight global warming while saving residents money.
"I think the blackout (in August 2003) brought the issue to people's attention. It was a real wake-up call," said Peter Love, chief energy conservation officer for the Conservation Bureau.
He said the price of electricity and public pressure from environmental advocates like California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former U.S. vice-president Al Gore are also making people pay attention.
"Parents better be ready and have an answer when their five- or 10-year-old asks them what they've done about climate change," Love said.
The Great Refrigerator Roundup and the Summer Savings Program were unveiled Tuesday at Northgate Shopping Centre as part of Energy Conservation Week.
June 27, 2007
The environment and energy use have become hot topics and North Bay Hydro unveiled two new programs Tuesday that can help fight global warming while saving residents money.
"I think the blackout (in August 2003) brought the issue to people's attention. It was a real wake-up call," said Peter Love, chief energy conservation officer for the Conservation Bureau.
He said the price of electricity and public pressure from environmental advocates like California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former U.S. vice-president Al Gore are also making people pay attention.
"Parents better be ready and have an answer when their five- or 10-year-old asks them what they've done about climate change," Love said.
The Great Refrigerator Roundup and the Summer Savings Program were unveiled Tuesday at Northgate Shopping Centre as part of Energy Conservation Week.
The programs were created to help Ontario residents curb their energy consumption, which is highest during the summer.
The refrigerator program provides homeowners with an opportunity to get rid of their old, energy-guzzling refrigerators at no charge, Love said.
He said fridges more than 10 years old use double the energy of new appliances.
"A homeowner who has one of these old refrigerators could save $150 per year," Love said, adding the second refrigerators in people's homes are mostly used for storing a couple of bottles of beer.
The program includes free pickup of working refrigerators and disposal in an environmentally responsible manner.
Penny Charette, manager of human resources and administration for North Bay Hydro, said the average cost to dispose of the appliance is about $75.
She said the provincewide service will be free starting July 30 and available to the end of the year.
The Summer Savings Program encourages homeowners to lower their electricity use by 10 per cent between July 1 and Aug. 31 with the promise of 10 per cent credit on their fall bills.
Love said cutting down on energy use is as simple as turning off air conditioners and lights when no one is home, using the microwave instead of the oven, and drying clothes outside instead of using the dryer.
Coun. Dave Mendicino said city hall is leading by example and curbing energy use at all municipally owned buildings.
He said every light at city hall has been upgraded and the city is now seeing a savings of about $24,000 per year.
Mendicino said the savings are only expected to grow when changes are made to the city's three fire stations, YMCA and the Capitol Centre.
North Bay Hydro will celebrate Energy Conservation Day Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Sears Court at Northgate. The event will include a free light bulb exchange, environmental tools giveaways, a chance to win one of three PowerCost monitors and booths featuring conservation tips.
The refrigerator program provides homeowners with an opportunity to get rid of their old, energy-guzzling refrigerators at no charge, Love said.
He said fridges more than 10 years old use double the energy of new appliances.
"A homeowner who has one of these old refrigerators could save $150 per year," Love said, adding the second refrigerators in people's homes are mostly used for storing a couple of bottles of beer.
The program includes free pickup of working refrigerators and disposal in an environmentally responsible manner.
Penny Charette, manager of human resources and administration for North Bay Hydro, said the average cost to dispose of the appliance is about $75.
She said the provincewide service will be free starting July 30 and available to the end of the year.
The Summer Savings Program encourages homeowners to lower their electricity use by 10 per cent between July 1 and Aug. 31 with the promise of 10 per cent credit on their fall bills.
Love said cutting down on energy use is as simple as turning off air conditioners and lights when no one is home, using the microwave instead of the oven, and drying clothes outside instead of using the dryer.
Coun. Dave Mendicino said city hall is leading by example and curbing energy use at all municipally owned buildings.
He said every light at city hall has been upgraded and the city is now seeing a savings of about $24,000 per year.
Mendicino said the savings are only expected to grow when changes are made to the city's three fire stations, YMCA and the Capitol Centre.
North Bay Hydro will celebrate Energy Conservation Day Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Sears Court at Northgate. The event will include a free light bulb exchange, environmental tools giveaways, a chance to win one of three PowerCost monitors and booths featuring conservation tips.
Source : http://www.nugget.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=587861&catname=Local%20News&classif=
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