Power Pledge Campaign Shows Ontarians Embrace Saving Energy: Participants
Growing "Conservation Culture"

TORONTO, Sept. 16 /CNW/ - Over 133,000 Ontarians participated in the Ontario Power Authority's 2010 Power Pledge campaign this spring and summer, demonstrating a growing commitment to saving energy, helping the environment and reducing costs.

By acting on their pledges, Ontarians will play a part in achieving significant positive impacts, including:

    
    -  annual energy savings of 291,340,710 kilowatt-hours
    -  annual electricity bill savings of $30,222,435
    -  annual emission savings of 64,583,002 kg of greenhouse gases avoided.
    

This year, the Power Pledge's focus was on reducing "phantom power" - that is, the electricity drawn by many household electronic devices left plugged into outlets, even when turned off. Natural Resources Canada estimates that phantom power is responsible for over 15 percent of annual household electricity use. Consistently using a smart power bar can reduce this waste.

Post-event research by IPSOS Reid confirmed the impact of the five-month campaign, which ended on August 31 and for which World Wildlife Fund-Canada was the major sponsor:

    
    -  Ninety-one percent of pledgers said they are making more of an effort
       to conserve energy on a daily basis because of the Power Pledge.
    -  Participants were more likely than non-participants to say they are
       reducing their energy use by buying energy-efficient items and making
       wise energy choices.
    -  Power Pledge participants were considerably more likely to take
       certain actions to reduce energy consumption, most often mentioning
       using a smart power bar, having a home energy audit, adjusting the
       temperature of their thermostat or removing an inefficient fridge or
       freezer from their homes.
    

"As we build a reliable and clean energy system that our families and businesses can count on, the McGuinty government also recognizes that the best, most cost-effective megawatts are the ones we don't use," said Minister of Energy Brad Duguid. "I am pleased to see Ontarians making conservation a fundamental part of their daily lives. Together we are building a culture of conservation across the province."

"Thank you to all Ontarians who participated. The numbers speak for themselves - the Power Pledge influenced Ontarians' attitudes and actions on energy conservation," said Colin Andersen, Ontario Power Authority Chief Executive Officer. "These results also underscore why Ontario recently received a grade of A+ from the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance. They point to the growing culture of conservation that is our foundation for long-term electricity planning."

"Ontario's electricity distributors understand that promoting energy conservation awareness at the grassroots level - community by community - is the first step in inspiring long-term change," said Brian Bentz, Chair of the Electricity Distributors Association. "The 2010 Power Pledge campaign is proof that individual conservation efforts form the basis of a greater collective movement that will help us ensure a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for all Ontarians."

Building on an effort from last year, a province-wide community conservation challenge was again held, this year on August 11, and almost 90 municipalities representing 82 percent of Ontarians participated. The winning communities (Goderich, Sioux Lookout, Tecumseh, Whitby and Halton Region) were announced at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference on August 16. More details are available on the Power Authority's website.

A key addition to this year's campaign was the inclusion of AIR MILES(R) reward miles. Those taking the Power Pledge earned 20 AIR MILES reward miles and donated an additional 10 to one of three designated charities. The AIR MILES Reward Program is Canada's premier coalition loyalty program. More than 10 million active Collector accounts, representing approximately two-thirds of all Canadian households, actively participate in the Program. The AIR MILES Reward Program allows Collectors to earn a wide variety of rewards, including a distinct range of strictly accredited environmental lifestyle rewards, simply by doing their everyday shopping for products and services at AIR MILES Sponsors.

"We are proud to have contributed to the remarkable success of this year's Power Pledge by enabling the Ontario Power Authority to offer meaningful, simple and authentic environmental incentives to all Ontarians" said Andrew Souvaliotis, Chief Impact Officer & General Manager of AIR MILES for Social Change. "The partnership between our two organizations has now been recognized internationally as a leading example of effective and innovative mass engagement in conservation programs."

The Ontario Power Authority is responsible for ensuring a reliable, sustainable supply of electricity for Ontario. Its four key areas of focus are: planning the power system for the long term, leading and co-ordinating conservation initiatives across the province, ensuring development of needed generation resources and supporting the continued evolution of the electricity sector.

Related Quotes

Association of Municipalities of Ontario

"Municipalities really stepped up to the plate for this challenge," said Norman Sandberg, President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). "More than 90 municipalities and communities representing 82 per cent of Ontarians participated in the Power Pledge this year. Together we can take meaningful actions to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make a positive impact on the environment."

World Wildlife Canada

"WWF-Canada is proud to have been a partner in the Power Pledge initiative, which helps all of us make planet-friendly actions part of our daily lives," said Gerald Butts, President and CEO, WWF-Canada. "With almost 133,000 people pledging support, it shows that Ontarians are ready to stand up and take action to conserve our precious natural resources."

For further information: Media Contacts: Tim Butters, Ontario Power Authority, 416-969-6307/Toll Free: 1-800-797-9604