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PowerStream showcases Ontario’s new Conservation First framework

March 31, 2015 - Ontario’s energy minister Bob Chiarelli was recently in Vaughan, Ont. to commend PowerStream and PowerStream customer, Vision Extrusions, for their work towards greater energy conservation.

March 31, 2015  By  Renée Francoeur



Ontario local distribution companies (LDCs) have been submitting Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) Plans to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) as part of the provincial government’s new six-year Conservation First framework.

PowerStream and Collus PowerStream were the first LDCs to have a CDM plan approved by the IESO, said Chiarelli, offering his congratulations.

“PowerStream has always been committed to offering CDM programs that make a significant difference to the customers in the communities we serve,” explained Maurizio Bevilacqua, PowerStream board chair and Vaughan mayor. “We were proud to be the first Ontario LDC, along with Collus PowerStream, to submit our plan under the Conservation First framework, which we firmly believe will help our customers better manage their electricity costs.”

Vision Extrusions, working with PowerStream’s CDM department, recently completed an energy-efficient expansion of its facility. Chiarelli and various other government representatives toured the facility on March 30. The minister later presented the company—which manufactures extrusions lines, vinyl outdoor products and sheds; and steel doors and frames—with a plaque recognizing its conservation agenda.

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Vision Extrusions said it has taken advantage of retrofit initiatives and other conservation offerings provided through PowerStream. They have an embedded Energy Manager and participate in the IESO’s DR 3 Program.

The company’s integration of energy-efficient programs and technologies in its operations, serves as an example of how firms can take advantage of conservation programs offered by their respective LDC under the new framework to help reduce their electricity bills, said PowerStream.

“We have worked closely with PowerStream on numerous CDM initiatives over the last few years,” added James Di Giorgio, Vision Extrusions president. “The savings and incentives earned from these initiatives have enabled us to expand our business and improve our bottom line.”

The Conservation First Framework overseen by the IESO provides LDCs with long-term, stable funding for conservation programs that will reduce electricity consumption by seven terawatt-hours or seven billion kilowatt-hours by December 31, 2020. This is enough to power 700,000 Ontario homes for a year, according to the framework. All LDCs in Ontario must submit a CDM plan to the IESO no later than May 1, 2015.

PHOTO: Ontario energy minister Bob Chiarelli presents a plaque recognizing Vision Extrusions energy conservation work to Vic De Zen, Vision Group founder. (Photo Renée Francoeur)


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