Program Sheds Light On Energy Use In Strait-Highlands

Strait-Highlands area residents can participate in a free home-energy awareness survey and receive free compact fluorescent light bulbs, on behalf of Conserve Nova Scotia and the Strait-Highlands Green Action Project.

The two-phase program is part of the Shared Atlantic Vision for Energy Efficiency (SAVE) plan. In the first phase, Strait-Highlands Green Action Project staff will visit participating residents' homes in Richmond and and Inverness counties, and Port Hawkesbury, between June 7 and 21, to measure home energy use, including heating systems, insulation levels, air leakage and appliances. The information will help measure energy use in the area and will be the basis for sustainability goals under the Federation of Green Municipalities green municipalities program.

Staff will also educate participants about the benefits of energy-efficient lighting and energy-efficiency programs offered by Conserve Nova Scotia.

"This program will help residents in the Strait-Highlands area understand their energy use and discover ways to save," said Bill Dooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "Not only will residents save money and save energy with compact fluorescent lights, but they will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the community."

"One of the focuses of the Strait-Highlands Green Action initiative is to educate the public on energy efficiency and conservation," said John Beaton, project co-ordinator for the Strait-Highlands Regional Development Agency. "Partnering with Conserve Nova Scotia to deliver this program to residents of the Strait-Highlands region is a win-win solution."

Compact fluorescent lights use 75 per cent less energy, last up to 10 times longer, and can save about $40 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb. Each compact fluorescent light can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about one-quarter tonne.

The program's second phase will include bulb giveaways in exchange for residents' energy information at locations throughout the Strait Highlands region. Details of the second phase will be announced in the coming weeks.

To schedule a time for your energy-awareness survey, please contact the Strait-Highlands Green Action Plan at 902-625-3929, ext. 230.

The SAVE program is an initiative of the Council of Atlantic Premiers. During the four-province campaign, 97,000 compact florescent light bulbs will be distributed. Of those, Nova Scotia will distribute 45,000 bulbs through municipal electrical utilities, regional development authorities and community not-for-profit groups by September. Similar campaigns have been announced in Canso, Kentville and Pictou County.