Toronto Hydro announces new pilot programs tailored to its business customers

TORONTO, May 19, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro is the first local distribution company (LDC) to launch three new pilot programs under Ontario's new Conservation First framework.

The new framework was developed in collaboration with LDCs, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and natural gas companies, and is in support of Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan. Under the new framework, LDCs like Toronto Hydro, are encouraged to develop conservation programs tailored to the local and regional needs of their customers.

Toronto Hydro has worked closely with customers to develop three innovative programs:

• OPsaver – encourages continuous energy improvements through operational changes and incentives based on a "pay for performance" model. This pilot is targeted at owners or managers of commercial office buildings.
  
  
• RTUsaver – tests the effectiveness of installing advanced control systems on rooftop units (RTUs). In collaboration with Enbridge Gas Distribution, buildings with four or more RTUs, each with a minimum five-ton cooling capacity, are eligible to participate.
  
  
• PUMPsaver – focuses on rebalancing hydronic systems and is targeted at multi-unit residential and commercial buildings with a main chilled or hot water supply pump more than 25 horsepower in size.

These pilots are designed to collect relevant information and customer feedback, determine their effectiveness, and inform decisions on whether they should be permanent programs that can be rolled out locally or across the province. For more information, please visit torontohydro.com/pilots

With existing business incentive programs continuing, and new pilots being introduced, now is the time to evaluate potential energy savings. Contact one of Toronto Hydro's Energy Experts to get started, visit: torontohydro.com/business

QUICK FACTS:

• Under the Conservation First framework, the target for all LDCs' efforts is 7 TWh, or seven billion kilowatt hours, by 2020.
  
  
• Toronto Hydro has been allocated the largest energy savings target in the province at 1.58 TWh.

QUOTES:

"Toronto Hydro's customers are unique and require conservation programs tailored to their needs in order to achieve the highest energy savings," said Chris Tyrrell, Executive Vice-President and Chief Customer Care and Conservation Officer at Toronto Hydro. "We look forward to being able to offer our customers these pilot programs to help them become more energy efficient and lower their energy consumption and cost."

"We are committed to helping customers use energy wisely - it's an important part of our business," said Norm Ryckman, Director, Market Development and Sales, Enbridge Gas Distribution.  "Over the past 20 years, our energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses have reduced the equivalent of one-and-a-half years of residential consumption.   We continue to look for new and innovative ways to approach energy conservation and deliver value to our customers, and one way we're doing this is by working with Toronto Hydro."

"Ontario's new Conservation First Framework is an important step forward in our collective effort to create efficiencies and savings for Ontarians," said Bob Chiarelli, Ontario Minister of Energy. "As part of this framework, unique collaborations, like the one between Toronto Hydro and Enbridge, are encouraged in order to develop innovative programs to better serve their customers."

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 740,000 customers located in the city of Toronto. It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 18% of the electricity consumed in the province of Ontario.

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ABOUT ENBRIDGE GAS DISTRIBUTION

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 165-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. Enbridge Gas Distribution delivers safe, reliable natural gas in more than 100 communities across Ontario and is a leader in promoting energy efficiency programs. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2013 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2013 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGasNews.

SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation

Toronto Hydro: Tori Gass, 416-903-4037, [email protected]; 24-hours media line: 416-903-6845; Enbridge Gas Distribution: Tanya Bruckmueller, Manager, Media Relations, 1-855-884-5112, [email protected]