Veridian unveils innovative conservation and demand management project at
local food bank

BELLEVILLE, ON, Sept. 30 /CNW/ - Veridian Connections today unveiled the installation of an Ice Bear energy storage system at Gleaners Food Bank in Belleville. The innovative technology enables a powerful change in how and when energy is consumed for air conditioning. It is being deployed as part of a pilot project delivered through a partnership between Veridian and Toronto Hydro, and funded by the Ontario Power Authority's Conservation Fund.

Developed by Ice Energy, the Ice Bear energy storage system uses off-peak power to make ice that is later melted during peak hours to cool buildings. The units consist of a large thermal storage unit that attaches to an existing roof top air conditioning system. Each unit holds 1,700 litres of water and has the cooling capacity of a five-tonne air conditioning unit operating for six hours. The result is an air conditioning system that uses about 300 watts rather than a traditional system that uses 6,000 watts during daytime hours of peak electricity demand.

"Veridian is proud to pilot this innovative technology with a well-respected and vital community resource such as Gleaners Food Bank, the Ontario Power Authority and Ice Energy," said Michael Angemeer, Veridian's President and CEO. "Energy storage systems like Ice Bear have the potential to help customers and utilities improve energy system efficiency and grid reliability. The pilot also presents an opportunity to better understand the contribution this technology can provide to shifting peak demand and reducing greenhouse gasses."

"Gleaners Food Bank is an integral part of the community and has a long tradition of providing assistance to those in need," said Belleville Mayor and Veridian Board Member Neil Ellis. "I commend Gleaners for demonstrating leadership in energy management by piloting this project. They are doing their part to help the province reduce summer peak electricity demand while at the same time assisting the less fortunate in our society."

With the introduction of the Green Energy Act, the Ontario Power Authority's funding guidelines were updated to allow local distribution companies (LDCs) to apply for pilot project support through its Conservation Fund. Veridian, along with Toronto Hydro, are the first LDCs to take advantage of the change - receiving $350,000 in funding. A total of 12 Ice Bear units will be installed within the utilities' respective service areas.

"Ontario is currently leading the way to a cleaner, reliable and sustainable electricity system," said Colin Andersen, Chief Executive Officer at the Ontario Power Authority. "One reason we are leading is because of our commitment to innovation - from our Feed-in Tariff Program for renewable energy, to our portfolio of conservation programs. The Ontario Power Authority's Conservation Fund provides a crucial forum for those harnessing the potential of innovative approaches to conservation, offsetting the future need to build expensive generation and giving Ontario a cleaner, greener tomorrow. We are proud to contribute to this successful project."

Veridian recognizes the importance of energy conservation and is constantly pursuing conservation opportunities and developing programs to help its customers conserve electricity and save money. The Ice Bear pilot reaffirms the company's commitment to finding new and innovative ways for customers who want to shift their cooling loads to lower priced off-peak electricity rates, and backs its corporate vision of providing innovative energy solutions that are the cornerstone for creating the sustainable communities of tomorrow.

Veridian Connections Inc. safely and reliably delivers electricity to more than 113,000 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.

For further information:

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