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Power Savings Blitz Frequently Asked Questions


Program Overview

Process

Program Measures


What is the Power Savings Blitz Program?
The Power Savings Blitz program is designed to retrofit small commercial businesses across the province. The program provides turn-key lighting and water heating retrofits for small commercial businesses in the office or non-food sub-sectors whose electricity usage is less than 50kW of demand. Funding up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit, with an opportunity to pay costs over the $1,000 limit, at each business’ discretion.

Who qualifies for the Power Savings Blitz Program?
Program participants must be small commercial businesses, located in Peterborough, Lakefield or Norwood, and have an electricity demand of less than 50kW. This includes a wide range of businesses including; professional dry cleaners, medical offices, beauty salons, convenience stores, food services and other small retailers.  
If I own two businesses, can both businesses be retrofitted?

Each business will qualify provided they each have a separately metered account-location with Peterborough Utilities and they each meet the eligibility requirements.

 

Will it cost me anything to participate in the program?

Funding of up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit, with an opportunity to pay costs over the $1,000 limit, at the discretion of the customer.

 

Do I have to carry out a retrofit costing more than the maximum ($1000) incentive?

There is no obligation to carry out a retrofit costing more than $1000. If the job cost exceeds the $1000 incentive threshold, the retrofit can be scaled down accordingly to a more suitable level.

 

Why would I want to participate in the Power Savings Blitz program?

Participants in the program will receive a free electricity assessment from Peterborough Green-Up and an energy efficiency retrofit valued at up to $1,000 that will help reduce their electricity consumption and provide savings on their monthly bill. The participants will also receive a window cling for their business that highlights the fact they participated in the program and are doing their part to conserve.

 

My business is one of many; is it really possible to make a difference by participating?

Absolutely! By participating, you and thousands of others will allow us to reduce the strain on the electrical system during peak periods. By doing very little on your part, you are making a significant contribution to conserving electricity and helping to improve our environment. We expect that the Power Savings Blitz program will reduce the demand on the electrical system. This means there will be less need to buy peak demand electricity that saves everyone money by keeping electricity prices lower than they otherwise would have been.

 

Do I have to participate in the Power Savings Blitz program?

The program is entirely voluntary. We're confident that people will find it to be an easy way to help reduce the strain on our electricity system and benefit the environment.

 

I'm not comfortable with strangers working on my business. How will I know if the people who arrive are legitimate?

We understand your concern for security. Rest assured that the installation will be done by qualified installers working on behalf of Peterborough Distribution. When the installers come to your door, feel free to ask them for identification to prove that they are working on our behalf for the Power Savings Blitz program.

 

How does the Power Savings Blitz program work?

Energy assessors from Peterborough Green-Up, working on behalf of Peterborough Distribution, go door-to-door within a targeted area and offer to provide a free energy assessment of lighting and water heating, to determine cost and savings opportunities. After the assessment is completed, the customer then decides if they want to have a retrofit completed. If so, a work order form and customer agreement is signed. Funding of up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit, with an opportunity for the customer to pay costs over the $1,000 limit, at their discretion. The retrofit includes material and labour. The minimum amount for a retrofit is $300. Once the assessor completes the work order and customer agreement and it is signed by the customer, an appointment is booked for a licensed electrical contractor to come in and complete the turn-key retrofit.

 

I am interested in the program, how can I book an assessment?

To have an assessment of your business completed, please contact Peterborough Green-Up at 745-3238.  They will first have to confirm that your business is eligible for the program and if so, an assessment will be scheduled.

 

Is the retrofit going to interfere with the operations of my business?

The retrofit is quick and easy and can generally be done while the business is open. The full retrofit shouldn't take more then two hours to complete. There is very little mess because there is no change to the lighting footprint or the electric water heating unit; hence there is no need for repairs or re-painting. 

I don't own the building; do I need to get the landlords permission?
The customer will need to represent and warrant that it has the authority and right over the property to authorize the installation of the energy upgrades. In cases where the customer is unsure if they have authority, the customer should contact the landlord.

 

Are there other programs to save electricity that are available to small businesses now?

Peterborough Distribution does offer other programs funded by the Ontario Power Authority that you or your business can take advantage of. You can find out more by visiting our conservation page.


What measures are included in the program?
The applicable measures include:

 

            Lighting

                        • Fluorescent lighting systems

                        • Compact fluorescent lighting
                        • LED “EXIT” signs

 

            Electric Water Heating

                        • Water heater jacket
                        • Pipe insulation
                        • Faucet Aerator

 

How can T8 fluorescent lighting save energy?

The T8 fixtures are:

  • Highly energy efficient
  • Better able to keep up their light level
  • Able to light up quickly without any delay or flickering

How can the compact fluorescent light bulb save energy?
CFLs are more efficient and use only a quarter of the energy that regular (incandescent) bulbs use and they can last up to 8 years.

What should I do if a CFL breaks?
The amount of mercury in a CFL is very small. If a bulb breaks, your greatest risk is getting cut from pieces of glass. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines.

  • Don’t vacuum - Sweep up all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
  • Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any pieces of glass or fine particles.
  • Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.
  • Please dispose of the bulbs in an environmentally friendly manner.

How can water heater wrap save energy?
Hot water heater insulating blankets are inexpensive and effective. They’ll add to the existing insulation and will help reduce heat loss.

How can water heater pipe wrap save energy?
The wrap insulates the pipes, and greatly reduces heat loss as hot water travels to your bathroom or kitchen.  
When heat loss from hot water is reduced, less energy is required to provide you with the hot water you need.

How can a low flow faucet aerator save energy?
By adding air to the water stream, the aerator reduces the amount of water you use without reducing effectiveness. This also reduces the amount of energy needed for heating and providing water to your sink areas.