The first component of the initiative, ecoENERGY for Renewable Power, will
invest $1.48 billion to boost Canada’s supply of clean electricity from
renewable sources like wind, biomass, small hydro and ocean energy. A ten-year
incentive program will be established to fund eligible projects to be
constructed over the next four years.The second component, ecoENERGY for
Renewable Heat, will provide more than $35 million incentives and industry
support to increase the adoption of clean renewable thermal technologies for
water and space heating in buildings such as solar air and hot water heating. In
addition, projects for residential solar heating technologies will be explored
with partners such as utilities and community organizations...As such, it is an important part of the Government’s suite of ecoENERGY Initiatives to boost clean energy supplies, help Canadians use energy more efficiently and reduce air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions from conventional energy sources.
So what are some of these initiatives? Here are just four of the hundreds of initiatives of which few people are aware:
1. Gasoline-Electric Hybrid cars are exempt from emissions tests.
Cost: $35
Savings: $35, plus TONS of money off of your gas bills (hybrid cars can get 42mpg in-city!!)
I know what you’re all thinking: “It’s only $35! Who cares?” What can you get for $35 these days?
Compact Fluorescent Lights. These bulbs burn 50%-80% less energy than incandescent
light bulbs, and, at $5-$8 dollars each, they end up costing you much less money in the
long run.
2. Washing Machine and Toilet Rebate Program:
In the city of Toronto, businesses and citizens receive cash back when they buy city-approved energy-efficient washing machines or toilets. If your existing toilet has a flush volume of 13L or more, replace it and receive different amounts of money, based on the type of toilet purchased. Washing machines must be high-efficiency, front-loading machines, and must have this sticker:
Cost: $1000-$2000 for washing machines, $50-$400 for toilets.
Business Savings: $125 for washing machines, $150 for toilets.
Citizen Savings: $60 for washing machines and $60 for a low-flow, 6L toilet, up to $150 for a 6L or less flush valve toilet.
Okay, we have now doubled our reward: $75. What can we do with $75?
Water-Saving Showerheads. The average showerhead uses 5 gallons of water per minute, while an energy-saving showerhead uses between 2 and 2.5. A water-saving showerhead will cost between $5-$70. See http://www.hydroonenetworks.com/en/efficiency/water/upgrading_hotwater/ for more information.
3. Retire your Refrigerator!
A program called “Chill Out!” is currently being run in London, Ontario, in partnership with London Hydro. Participants leave their old refrigerators for pick-up and recycling, and then receive a $25 Energy Savings Kit from London Hydro. As well, participants who purchase an ENERGY STAR appliance will receive $75 in cash!
Cost: $100-$5000.
Savings: $25-$100 max., as well as energy bill savings each month.
Check out http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/equipment/english/page65.cfm?PrintView=N&Text=N to see how your appliances measure up!
Okay, $100! For $100, you could invest in a clothes umbrella! They range in price anywhere between $12 for a small, indoor one, to $260 for a heavy-duty wrought iron family-sized ones.
4. Renovate your Home.
Homeowners can have their homes’ energy efficiency improved. For $350, an energy auditor will visit your home and discuss with you areas that need to be improved. By following these guidelines, household greenhouse gases are reduced (on average) by 4 tonnes per year, and will save 50% on energy costs per year. Homeowners can also receive federal grants from Natural Resources Canada valued up to $5000. See www.thereep.ca for more information.
Cost: $350 plus home renovation costs (sealing, replacing doors, etc)
Savings: Up to $5000 with federal grant, plus all of the money saved on your hydro bills.
$5000… What can we do with $5000? I’ll tell you – a lot. You could add energy-saving mechanisms to all of your home appliances, better insulate your home (especially the plumbing!), and have your heating and cooling systems tuned up. All of these things will cut your energy costs in half.
Here are several calculators that will help you to recognize the areas in your home that can be fixed in order to make your home more energy-efficient:
Heating Cost Calculator:
http://oee.rncan.gc.ca/equipment/english/page31.cfm?attr=4
Greenhouse Gas Calculator:
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/calculator/english/index.asp?pid=50
1 comment:
The information here is great. I will invite my friends here.
Thanks
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