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Hydro One Brampton honours 78 local businesses for energy-saving efforts

May 13, 2013 - Hydro One Brampton recently recognized 78 of the city’s businesses for their energy-saving efforts at the 8th Annual Commercial & Industrial Information Breakfast on April 16.

May 13, 2013  By  Alyssa Dalton



Topics at this years’ Information Breakfast included an introduction to Ontario Power Authority’s (OPA’s) Demand Response 3 (DR3) program and the Smart Shift Challenge which incorporates DR3, information on energy savings and air compressors, learning how to uncover energy savings through an energy assessment, and an update on the latest programs from Hydro One Brampton.

Hydro one Brampton is encouraging business of all sizes and types to take advantage of these program and other energy-efficiency incentives.

Scroll below for more photos.

Jennifer Taves, Project Manager of Partners in Project Green, explained how the Demand Response program (DR3) compensates participating industrial and commercial businesses for reducing their energy demand at specific times of power system need. The DR3 is a contractual initiative that offers incentives to businesses in return for their firm commitment to take part upon notification.

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“A motor operating at full load can cost 10 times its initial capital in operating costs – in its first year of operation,” said Herb Sinnock, manager, Applied Research & Sustainable Practice, Sheridan College.

He has worked with his students to perform full energy assessments, produce reports, and outline specific areas of opportunity for businesses to reduce their energy usage. This assessment cost is partially covered by OPA’s saveONenergy Audit Funding Incentive Program, which is administered by Hydro One Brampton. According to the utility, the program could cover up to 50% of the cost of an energy audit, depending on the size of the building.

Steve Gray, compressed air consultant of Air Solutions, pointed out that the most common areas in need of improvement in compressed air systems are air leaks, incorrect-sized equipment, no air tank, badly designed condensate drains, poor compressor control, and poor distribution piping. He recommended businesses do an air audit to identify all potential energy savings opportunities.

Meanwhile Terry Young, vice president of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), updated the audience on the current evolving electricity supply mix, how sustainable generation is impacting supply and demand, and how demand for electricity has been reduced by energy management programs such as the Demand Response initiative.

Photos courtesy Hydro One.


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