Helping Ontarians Put Conservation First on Their List of New Year's Resolutions

TORONTO, Dec. 31, 2015 /CNW/ - The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and local electric utilities in Ontario are offering programs across the province in 2016 to help homes and businesses of all sizes invest in energy efficiency.

Saving energy helps to reduce electricity costs and can improve home comfort and create business opportunities. Ontario is a leading North American jurisdiction for conservation and demand management (CDM). This year began with the launch of a six-year Conservation First Framework, which is designed to achieve 8.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy savings. The new framework builds on the past success of the 2011-2014 province-wide CDM programs, including the Save on Energy suite of initiatives designed for residential and business customers.

Here are a few examples of the broad range of tools, resources and incentives for energy conservation tailored to Ontario homes and businesses that are available through the Save on Energy programs in 2016:

• Eligible businesses can hire an energy manager and receive funding for up to 80 percent of eligible expenses up to $80,000 plus the potential for performance-based funding.
  
  
• Increased incentive levels and expanded eligibility for small businesses under the Small Business Lighting program have been introduced. Qualifying businesses will be eligible to receive up to $2,000 for energy-efficient lighting and equipment upgrades.
  
  
• Coupons for many household items such as LED light bulbs, clotheslines, dimmers and motion sensors can be downloaded at‎ saveonenergy.ca.
  
  
• Rebates for heating and cooling equipment will continue into 2016. Up to $650 is available for new ENERGY STAR-certified central air conditioning units‎ and high efficiency furnaces.

Read more on how you can save on electricity by implementing low cost or no cost initiatives at www.saveonenergy.ca‎.

About the IESO

The IESO manages the province's power system so that Ontarians receive power when and where they need it. It plans and prepares for future electricity needs and works with its partners to guide conservation efforts. For more information, please visit www.ieso.ca.

SOURCE Independent Electricity System Operator

IESO Media Contact: 416-506-2823, [email protected]