Bust peak demand to bust coal

June 5, 2008 - Ontarians can take the heat off our electricity system – and our climate – this summer by signing up for their local utility’s peaksaver peak demand reduction program. To make participation in the free peaksaver program even more attractive, the Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) today launched its Chillin’ Without Coal Contest that offers great prizes to Ontario residents who take action to reduce their electricity usage, particularly in peak periods.

By reducing electricity demand on the handful of very hot days when electricity usage soars, we can reduce the need to operate dirty coal fired power plants on some of our worst air quality days. Ontario’s four remaining dirty coal plants are often run full out to meet the soaring electricity demand from air conditioning on these days -- on peak days, 40% of Ontario’s electricity demand can come from air conditioning. 

“We need to bust peak demand to bust coal and its climate damaging emissions,” says Jack Gibbons, Chair of the OCAA. “Reducing demand is the cheapest, cleanest way to meet our electricity needs and we need to dramatically ramp up programs like peaksaver so that we can go coal free and climate friendly by 2010.”

The peaksaver program allows residents to easily contribute to reducing the need for dirty coal generation and its associated greenhouse gas and smog building emissions. The local utility installs a small radio or internet controlled switch on a home’s central air conditioning unit. It can then turn up the temperature of the home by one or two degrees for up to four hours during peak periods. Because the air conditioner is still running, homeowners rarely notice any difference in comfort levels, but electricity usage across the system can be dramatically cut. 

“If every air conditioner in Ontario were equipped with a peaksaver device, we could eliminate the need for half the power coming from the giant Nanticoke coal station,” Mr. Gibbons said.

The OCAA is offering residents who participate in its Chilin’ Without Coal Contest a chance to win one of six $1,000 gift certificates for Ontario’s Finest Inns and Spas, one of six $200 Lululemon gift certificates, one of six $200 Mirvish Productions theatre gift certificates, one of six $200 Future Shop gift certificates or one of six hand-made Muskoka chairs. Draws will be held in July, August and September.

The contest is sponsored by Bell, Enershift/Rodan Energy, Hydro One, Newmarket Hydro, NOW Magazine, PowerStream, Veridian Connections, and YorkRegion.com.

The online contest runs from June 5 – September, 15, 2008 at www.peakbusters.ca.