ALE0011152.0001
ORANGEVILLE St.Thomas . HYDRO energyserv1ces- DISTRIBUTION INC.
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11, 2011
Five Ontario electric utilities to partner on solar initiative Pilot project will measure conservation impact of using solar powered attic vents
COLLINGWOOD, ON - Five Ontario electricity distribution companies are getting together to partner on an initiative that will test the effectiveness of using solar powered attic vents in helping to reduce the electricity consumption required to cool homes.
The announcement was made today at a project launch event on Davis Street in Collingwood where representatives from Callus Power, PowerStream, Orangevillle Hydro, St Thomas Energy, Wasaga Beach Distribution, other key stakeholders and members of the media witnessed the unveiling, on the roof of a new home, two fully-installed solar powered attic vent units that were provided by the project's supplier, International Solar Solutions.
A solar powered attic vent, also referred to as a solar powered roof vent, works during the day and has a solar panel which converts energy from the sun into electricity. This electricity operates a motor that drives a fan inside the vent. Attic ventilation is an important aspect in maintaining a healthy energy-efficient home. Venting cools a roof, extends the life of roof materials and helps to reduce the load on air conditioning systems.
Callus Power, PowerStream and Wasaga Beach Distribution will operate the pilot in their respective service territories using a combination of installing solar powered attic vents on new houses being built by Devonleigh Homes and retrofitting houses in older subdivisions. Orangeville Hydro and St. Thomas Energy will only be installing the vents on new houses built by Devonleigh.
All of the participating utilities, with the exception of PowerStream, will operate the pilot throughout their service territories. PowerStream will only install solar power attic events in the community of Alliston.
"We are excited about measuring the impact that this technology will have in helping homeowners to reduce their electricity consumption, especially during the summer months," said Ed Houghton, President and CEO of Callus Power. "If the data confirms what we already suspect, we look forward to helping to roll this out as a solar and conservation initiative to other areas in the province."
Brian Bentz, President and CEO of PowerSteam, agreed with Houghton, adding that the project is consistent with his utility's efforts to demonstrate leadership within electricity industry.
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"We are grateful to Mr. Houghton and the Town of Collingwood for bringing this opportunity to us," Bentz said. "We expect this partnership to be of benefit to all our utilities."
Homeowners in Collingwood, Alliston and Wasaga Beach seeking additional information or interested in registering for the solar powered attic vent retrofit installation program can call 1-866-337-8089.
About Callus Power
Callus Power is a community-owned utility providing reliable electricity to customers in Collingwood, Stayner, Creemore and Thornbury. Its corporate vision is to grow, maximize opportunities and exceed customers' expectations.
About PowerStream
PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 330,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.
About Orangeville Hydro
Orangeville Hydro operates as a not-for-profit local electricity distribution company, serving the electrical needs of the customers in the Town of Orangeville and the former Village of Grand Valley. The utility's 18 full-time staff serves more than 11,000 customers within the framework of the company's vision to be acknowledged as a leader among electric utilities in the areas of safety, reliability, customer service, financials, and performance.
About St. Thomas Energy
St. Thomas Energy Services Inc. is a progressive ISO 9001:2008 registered company providing electrical design, construction, operation and maintenance services to its customers in and around the St. Thomas area.
About Wasaga Beach Distribution
Wasaga Beach Distribution is the local electricity distribution company for residential and business customers in Wasaga Beach, Ontario
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Media Contacts:
Eric Fagen Ed Houghton PowerStrea m Inc. Collus Power Director, Corporate Communications President and CEO Media Line (24/7): 905-532-4400 Tel: (705) 445-1800 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]