Energy conservation is a great way to reduce energy use and GHG emissions associated with thermal generation. Since its launch in 2003, HYDROWISE, Hydro’s energy conservation and efficiency program, has been providing consumers with the knowledge and information necessary to make informed decisions about energy usage. Throughout 2007, Hydro continued to strengthen its focus on energy conservation and worked with government, Newfoundland Power, municipalities and other stakeholders on a coordinated approach for conservation education and awareness. CDM POTENTIAL STUDY In 2007, Hydro and Newfoundland Power worked together on a Conservation Demand Management (CDM) Potential study which will serve as a foundation to a longer-term conservation strategy. CDM refers to a range of activities which influence the use of electricity by consumers, either by reducing the amount of electricity consumed or using electricity more efficiently. It also refers to reducing peak usage by controlling the demand for electricity with technologies that help manage use. The CDM Potential study examined what economically viable opportunities exist to help electricity consumers conserve energy. The results of the study provide a strong foundation for provincial energy conservation and efficiency programming. Using profiles created for typical residential, commercial and industrial customers current energy uses, the study examined the potential energy and economic impacts of more than 100 energy conservation technologies. Through this process a final list of potential savings and cost-effective technologies were provided for each consumer sector. The next step for Hydro’s and Newfoundland Power’s CDM programming is to further refine the data and explore ways to bring these energy conservation technologies to electricity consumers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The two utilities are continuing to work on a five-year plan which will describe the technologies targeted, the expected savings and the costs for delivering these programs to consumers. SAVE ENERGY EVENTS DELIVERED IN BURIN AND LABRADOR WEST Hydro, the Department of Natural Resources and Newfoundland Power partnered to help residential customers in Burin and Labrador West (Labrador City and Wabush) conserve energy. This SAVE (Shared Atlantic Vision for Energy Efficiency) community initiative program distributed 22,000 compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) to over 3,700 homes in Labrador West and 1,800 homes in Burin. The SAVE Energy Events were kicked off in both communities with trade shows providing consumers with information on energy conservation and ways to help them save energy in their homes and businesses. Estimated annual savings from the SAVE energy conservation initiative: Labrador West - 373,000 kWh. Burin – 181,440 kWh and approximately 288 barrels of oil and 144 tonnes of GHG emissions. HOLIDAY LIGHTSWITCH LAUNCHED ACROSS THE PROVINCE Hydro also partnered with the Department of Natural Resources and Newfoundland Power to launch Holiday Lightswitch to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians become more energy efficient during the holiday season. Holiday Lightswitch exchanged 10,000 sets of LED (light emitting diode) holiday lights for traditional outdoor holiday lights in 17 municipalities across the province. Residents in participating municipalities were eligible to receive two sets of 70-colored holiday LED lights in exchange for bringing two sets of traditional outdoor holiday lights to their municipal tree-lighting events. In addition, participating municipalities put LED lights on their town’s holiday tree in preparation for the tree-lighting and exchange events. This energy conservation initiative will result in estimated annual reductions of: 410,000 kWh per year 650 barrels of oil from the Holyrood Generating Station, and 315 tonnes of GHG emissions. FIRST ANNUAL HYDROWISE ENERGY CONSERVATION WEEK LAUNCHED From October 22nd to the 26th, 2007, Hydro celebrated the first annual HYDROWISE Energy Efficiency Week. The activities encouraged residents and business owners to take simple steps to reduce their energy usage. Each day of the week featured a different energy conservation theme including purchasing ENERGY STAR® labeled products, switching to CFL bulbs, and challenging residents to a Turn it Off Day. Plans are currently underway for next year’s HYDROWISE Energy Conservation Week. ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAMS FOR RURAL CUSTOMERS The HYDROWISE Wrap Up for Savings Program provides rebates and financing for insulation upgrades (including insulating the basement, crawlspace, main exterior walls and attic) in electrically-heated homes. Hydro offered double rebates to customers between July 1st and November 30th, 2007, with 42 customers receiving double rebates through the program. Hydro also continued with its CFL distribution program to new accounts for isolated diesel customers. Each new account received a HYDROWISE energy conservation package containing CFLs and an education package on how to use energy wisely. This program helps new customers become more aware of the education resources available to them through the HYDROWISE program and promotes Hydro as an on-going partner in energy management. Copyright © 2008 NL Hydro, All rights reserved.