Pilot Project Will Reduce Electricity Use in Industrial Cape Breton
Residential electricity customers in Industrial Cape Breton can cut energy use by at least five per cent with a new power monitor pilot program.
The program was announced today, Dec. 5, by Bill Dooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. Mr. Dooks was joined by Alan Richardson, general manager of customer service at Nova Scotia Power Inc. and Ms. Helen Mersereau, president of the board of directors at Atlantic Coastal Action Program Cape Breton.
"This project is a tangible way for consumers to see how introducing energy efficiency into their homes creates real benefits," said Mr. Dooks. "This is another example of government working with partners to help Nova Scotians make smart energy choices."
Mr. Richardson said the pilot program is hoping to discover what consumers will do when they know how much energy they are using, and how much it costs.
"Our customers have asked Nova Scotia Power for more information on how to make better energy choices that will save money and protect the environment," Mr. Richardson said. "Supporting a project like this one is a great way to do just that."
The coastal action program will select 100 households to participate in the pilot program based on income, location, heating source, and type and age of home. The range of participants will help identify barriers to home energy efficiency.
Under the program, participants will meet with a certified energy adviser. During each household consultation, the energy adviser will use a energy consumption meter to measure the electricity used in each major household appliance. The adviser will also explain how to achieve energy efficiency.
Homeowners will receive five compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) as an incentive to switch to more energy efficient lighting. Households will also be outfitted with a real-time power cost monitor that will help homeowners track energy use throughout the project.
"The use of the power cost monitor will allow residents to see the amount of electricity their home is using from moment to moment, the difference in consumption caused by turning on and off various electrical appliances, and the total amount of money the household is spending on electricity hour by hour," said Ms. Mersereau. "This will have a real impact in terms of motivating residents to reduce their overall energy consumption."
To participate in the program, homeowners should contact the coastal action program at 902-567-1628 or visit www.acapcb.ns.ca for information and application forms.
The "More Power to You" program is funded by the province through its energy efficiency agency, Conserve Nova Scotia, and by Nova Scotia Power Inc.
A similar program in Ontario determined residential electricity consumers could reduce overall energy consumption by up to 15 per cent by using electricity power cost monitors.