Energy Conservation
Uncover the conservation savings. Discover the possibilities.
At Peterborough Utilities Group, we are here to empower our customers with the tools and information needed to better manage daily electricity consumption, which can translate into lower bills and promote a cleaner, safer environment for future generations.
In the changing face of energy, we are moving forward to provide safe, reliable and innovative energy solutions to families and businesses in the Peterborough area. Peterborough Utilities Group offers multiple conservation initiatives to suit our diverse customer base - discover the savings available.
For Your Home
Peterborough Utilities Group offers several low cost initiatives you can take to improve the efficiency of your home, save money on your electricity bill, and reduce your carbon footprint. A simple investment of your time may be all you need to enjoy a healthier and more comfortable home.
Learn more at Save on Energy, and about Lowfoot for your Home Energy Report.
For Your Local Business
When running a small business, the energy you use should be helping you grow. Peterborough Utilities Group can help you make informed choices about the energy you use - and make smart decisions on everything from lighting to refrigeration. Learn more
For Your Enterprise Business
Operating a large business is costly and requires constant maintenance. Peterborough Utilities Group is dedicated to helping you identify ways to use less electricity. Our retrofit programs can help you save energy, save money and increase efficiency. Learn more
AffordAbility Fund
Thank you for your interest in the AffordAbility Fund.
The AffordAbility Fund stopped accepting new applications as of July 31, 2020. We are currently experiencing delays in delivering appliances for applications in process due to COVID-19 related supply challenges. The AffordAbility Fund does not provide rebates or ‘sell’ products. For any questions about your application or if you are contacted by a third-party offering rebates or seeking to sell products to you, please send an e-mail with your application number to info@peterboroughutilities.ca
Electric Vehicles
Plug into the future of green transportation
Why electric vehicles (EV's)? |
Not only are EVs 70% greener than gas cars, they're cheaper to operate and maintain. EVs also perform better, with quick acceleration, smooth handling and a quiet ride. |
How do EVs work? |
Battery-electric vehicles (or BEVs) run 100% on electricity with a battery pack that powers an electric drive train. When depleted, the battery is recharged from a wall socket or a dedicated charging unit. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (or PHEVs) also have an electric motor and battery but use a gas engine when the battery runs low. |
How much does and EV cost to buy and run? |
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Are there any incentives? |
Note: Pre-owned vehicles are not eligible. Some restrictions apply, including vehicle eligibility. More information is available here. |
How much could you save? |
According to Ontario's Ministry of Transportation:
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How will my EV handle the winter? |
While charging overnight, EVs use electricity from the grid to warm and condition the battery so EVs start like a charm in cold weather. But extreme cold, –20⁰C or colder, can drop the range an EV can drive without charging, by 40 per cent because the EV must draw power to keep the battery warm and heat the car's interior. Nevertheless, that's still enough EV driving range on a single charge to meet the daily driving needs of most Canadians. EVs must pass the same rigorous safety tests as gas cars and are fully licensed to drive on Canada's roads and highways. EVs also offer the same comfort options in winter that gas cars do, such as heated seats and heated steering wheels. |
What do I need to know about getting an EV Charging Station installed in my home? |
For more information about EV charging station installation, visit Electrical Safety Authority. To find out more about EVs, visit Plug ‘n drive. This non-profit organization is a trusted and unbiased source of information on electric cars and charging stations. |
How far can an EV run on one charge? |
Battery electric cars sold today can travel at least 120 to 200 km on a single charge, while plug-in hybrids and extended range EVs can travel more than 500 kilometres using a combination of battery and efficient gasoline engine technology. Since most Canadians drive 50 km or less per day, these travel ranges are well within the daily needs of most drivers in Canada.
Note that EVs don't run out of charge unexpectedly. As with gas vehicles, a dashboard display indicates the level of charge and the estimated driving range. EVs also perform more efficiently at stoplights or in traffic jams. When an EV stops, its electric motor doesn't draw energy from the battery, but gas engines continue to burn fuel even when stopped. |
Charging at home? |
All EVs come standard with a cord set that lets you charge the battery using a regular wall socket, also known as Level 1 or 110 volts charging. It can take 8 to 20 hours to fully charge an EV at Level 1.
Level 2 charging stations use a 240-volt system (similar to a clothes dryer or stove plug) and can fully charge a battery electric vehicle in about 4 to 8 hours and a plugin hybrid in about 1 to 4 hours. |
Charging in public? |
In addition to recharging at home, you can recharge your EV at publicly available charging stations. There are more than 500 Level 2 (240 volt) and a growing number of fast-charging Level 3 stations in Ontario today. Level 3 stations can charge fully charge an EV battery in about 20 to 30 minutes. That's at least eight times faster than a Level 2 charging station. Under the Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario (EVCO) program, more than 140 Level 3 charging stations and almost 200 Level 2 stations have been installed across Ontario and more deployments are planned. Peterborough currently has nine Level 3 stations and six Level 2 stations installed, with more coming soon. Throughout the province, charging stations are typically located in or close to major attractions, restaurants, shopping mall parking lots, businesses and municipal properties for in-city travel. The Level 3 or fast-charging stations are generally located along highways and other major roadways to ease inter-city travel for EV drivers. |
How do I find a place to charge up? |
Across Canada, there are almost 7,000 public charging stations, many of which are Level 3 fast-chargers. To find a public charging station in Ottawa, other cities or along your route, visit: |
How Do I Benefit?
Fuel Efficient
With an EV, you use no fuel or less fuel, which can reduce your vehicle operating costs by more than 50%.
Affordable
Electricity is cheaper than gasoline and EV maintenance is minimal.
Low Maintenance
EV drivers save upwards of 60% on maintenance costs, because electric motors typically don't break down as much as gas engines. Say goodbye to oil changes, fluid top-ups and broken mufflers.
Good for the Planet
EVs are 70% greener than gas-powered vehicles and EV batteries are made from Lithium-ion, which are 90% recyclable.
Fun to Drive
Electric cars deliver full torque right away, providing responsive, fast and smooth acceleration. EVs also feature remarkable handling and stability thanks to a lower centre of gravity.
Fit your Life
EV drivers in Ontario can get “green” license plates, allowing them to drive in all provincial high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes – even with only one person on board.
Borrow An Appliance Monitor
As part of our Conservation and Demand-Side Management Program, we are offering “appliance monitors” for customer to use at no charge for a two week period. You can monitor any 120-volt appliance by simply plugging the device into the wall and then plugging the appliance into the device. The monitor caputres the energy consumption of the appliance in kWh so you can calculate approximately how much the appliance costs to use. This can help you determine whether you should replace an old appliance in favour of a new energy efficient appliance.
If you would like to borrow one of the monitors, please visit the library and sign one out.