Veridian begins rollout of new conservation program

In-home energy display provides customers with meaningful information about their energy consumption

AJAX, ON, Oct. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - The new peaksaver PLUS program has launched in Veridian's service area, providing customers with meaningful information about their energy consumption. An integral part of the new program is the free portable in-home energy display. The device connects wirelessly with the smart meter and displays electricity usage in near-real time, encouraging daily conservation at home.

The new program is open to both existing peaksaver^® customers and new customers. New customers who enrol in peaksaver PLUS will receive the portable in-home energy display and a programmable thermostat free of charge. As with the original peaksaver program, the programmable thermostat that comes as part of the new program can be set using the internet, allowing customers to adjust their thermostat setting remotely. Customers currently enrolled in the original peaksaver program can also receive the in-home energy display by simply switching over to the new program.

"The peaksaver PLUS program is focused on helping Ontarians better manage their electricity use and costs, while protecting the environment," explains Veridian's Conservation Specialist, Eryn Wishnowski. "The new program is also helping customers take advantage of an electricity grid made smarter by internet technology - enabling users to view their energy consumption and price data in near real-time. Customers can choose to use this information to reduce or shift their consumption from higher to lower price periods based on time-of-use rates to achieve savings."

The peaksaver PLUS program is available to eligible homeowners. By enrolling in the program, participants agree to have their central air conditioners cycled down when electricity demand is at its highest. Most participants won't notice a difference in temperature, comfort of convenience since activations will only occur for a maximum of four hours at any one time, and never on weekends or statutory holidays.

The original peaksaver program, launched in 2007, contributed to a reduction in Ontario's peak demand by 117 megawatts in 2010 - equivalent to removing approximately 50,000 homes from the electricity grid. This year's peaksaver PLUS program is capable of achieving even more.

peaksaver PLUS is part of the province-wide saveONenergy program - offered by Veridian and funded by the Ontario Power Authority - that can help customers save energy, manage their electricity costs and contribute to a culture of conservation.

Veridian customers interested in learning more about the peaksaver PLUS program or enrolling can call 1-855-209-7316 or visit www.peaksaverplus-enrolment.com.

Veridian Connections Inc. safely and reliably delivers electricity to more than 115,000 customers in the Cities of Pickering and Belleville, the Towns of Ajax, Port Hope and Gravenhurst, and the communities of Uxbridge, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, Port Perry, Beaverton, Sunderland and Cannington. Veridian Connections Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Veridian Corporation. The City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville jointly own Veridian Corporation.

SOURCE: Veridian

Chris Mace
Sales & PR Representative - Corporate Communications
Veridian Connections Inc.
905-427-9870, extension 2218