Media Advisory - Toronto Hydro-lert

Hot weather expected next week: Toronto Hydro reminds customers to watch air conditioner use during peak afternoon times

TORONTO, May 21 /CNW/ - As the first wave of warm summer heat moves into the City, customers will be dusting off their air conditioners. Toronto Hydro-Electric System ("Toronto Hydro") reminds customers that summer time-of-use (TOU) prices are in effect. Customers should be mindful of the higher 'on' peak price for electricity during weekday afternoons (11am to 5 pm).

Also, it's important to note that weekends - and the upcoming Victoria Day holiday - are off-peak all day.

With TOU electricity rates in effect for the majority of Torontonians, customers should try to conserve and shift non-essential electricity use to off-peak times. Customers can log on to the TOU website to see their usage on an hourly, daily and weekly basis. The data is updated as recent as the day before.

Summer cooling can account for up to 50 per cent of the total bill. Running a central air conditioner for 24 hours at 21 degrees Celsius would cost $6.99 (electricity cost only) versus $4.99 for running it only during off-peak hours(1).

Here are some tips on how to conserve electricity and save money:

    
    -  Set the temperature at least one degree higher than you normally
       would. Turn it off when you're not at home OR use a programmable
       thermostat to turn the AC off (or up) during peak times.
    -  Use a ceiling fan to supplement your AC, you can raise the temperature
       on your thermostat and feel just as comfortable.
    -  Keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioner is running.
    -  Keep window shades drawn during the afternoon to minimize the passive
       solar heating effect of the sun.
    -  Hang clothes to dry - visit www.torontohydro.com/wash to find out how
       to get a free drying rack.
    

For more tips and information on Toronto Hydro's conservation programs like peaksaver(R), PowerShift(R) and the Great Exchange, visit www.torontohydro.com

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(1) Smart Meter Lane

For further information: or to schedule an interview, contact Tanya Bruckmueller, Toronto Hydro, [email protected], W: [phone], C: [phone]