Power Savings Blitz | Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Power Savings Blitz Program? Δ

The Power Savings Blitz program is designed to retrofit small commercial businesses across the province of Ontario. 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 retrofits, with an opportunity to pay costs over the $1,000 limit, at each business' discretion.

Who qualifies for the Power Savings Blitz program? Δ

Program participants must be small commercial businesses in the office or non-food sub-sectors located in the targeted service area of a participating local electricity distribution company (LDC) and have an electricity demand of less than 50kW. This includes a wide range of businesses including; professional dry cleaners, medical offices, beauty salons, and other small retailers.

If I own two businesses in a participating LDC's targeted region, can both businesses be retrofitted? Δ

Each business will qualify provided they have separate accounts with the participating LDC and they each meet the eligibility requirements.

Will it cost me anything to participate in the program? Δ

Funding of up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofits, 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 ($1,000) incentive? Δ

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.

My LDC is not participating in this program, can I still participate? Δ

If your local distribution company is not participating in the program, you are not eligible.

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

Participants in the program will receive a free electricity assessment and energy efficiency retrofits valued at up to $1,000 that will help reduce their electricity consumption and provide savings on their electricity bill. The participants will also receive a window cling sticker for their business that highlights the fact they participated in the program and are doing their part to conserve. Other recognition and promotion opportunities may also be available for participants.

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

Absolutely! By participating, you and thousands of others will allow us to reduce the strain on the electric 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 electric system. This means there will be less need to buy peak demand electricity and 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? Δ

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 electric 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? Δ

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

How does the Power Savings Blitz program work? Δ

Energy assessors working for your LDC may 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. Typically, however, businesses will be contacted by a program representative to schedule a convenient time to conduct the free energy assessment. 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 retrofits, 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? Δ

To request an assessment of your business, just fill out the energy audit request form. Alternatively, you can contact a program representative via telephone or email. Please read over the eligibility requirements before submitting your request form.

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

Retrofits will typically be quick and easy and can generally be done while the business is open. The full retrofit shouldn't take more than two or three 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 landlord's permission? Δ

The customer will need to represent and warrant that it has the authority and right over the property to authorise 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? Δ

Your LDC may offer a number of programs funded by the Ontario Power Authority that your small business can take advantage of. You can find out more by visiting:

What measures are included in the program? Δ

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? Δ

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 compact fluorescent light bulbs save energy? Δ

CFLs are more efficient and use only a quarter of the energy that regular (incandescent) bulbs use and they can last up to eight years.

What should I do if a CFL breaks? Δ

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 jackets save energy? Δ

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? Δ

The wrap insulates the pipes and greatly reduces heat loss as hot water travels throughout your facility. 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? Δ

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.

More information available at www.everykilowattcounts.com