FROM POWER LUNCH TO
POWER LAUNCH
Dial One Wolfedale Electric hosted the first of its Power Lunch events on February 11, with a focus on sustainable energy methods and technology. The event was organized to showcase advances in renewable energy generation and provide the information businesses need to make informed decisions on the implementation of wind and solar systems.
Representatives from 11 local businesses were joined by keynote speaker Brian Wilkinson, of Matrix Energy Inc., who led an informative discussion on renewable energy applications and the opportunities for solar and wind power generation, then answered questions from attendees. Mr. Wilkinson spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy implementation and the future of the industry.
Participants were surprised at the vast array of systems available and the adaptability of the technology to such a variety of business needs. In fact, many noted that they were even more likely to seriously consider implementing their own system, or suggest renewable energy investment to their clients. After listening to real-life examples and the results achieved, participants agreed that the economic savings and the environmental commitment combine to make the switch to wind or solar technology “the right thing to do,” according to one attendee.
During the lively discussion, attendees noted the most significant factor inhibiting their adoption of renewable energy technology: cost. While cost-savings analyses show positive results, start-up costs are comparatively large. Fortunately, this concern can be partially addressed through the many programs now available to offset implementation costs, including grants or rebates available from both the Smart Program from the Ontario Government and the Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP) from Hydro One.
Additionally, Ontario Power Authority has proposed an increase of almost 50% in the feed-in tariffs available in Ontario to companies that produce energy via renewable methods and send that energy into the grid. With solar-generated power expected to earn 80.2 cents per kWh under the proposed plan, the ability to earn back capital costs associated with the set-up of a renewable energy project is significantly improved.
For more information about renewable energy projects that are right for your business, and the programs in place to offset the costs of achieving your energy-efficiency and sustainability goals, contact Dial One Wolfedale Electric today! Download our Solar Energy Fact Sheet.
LAST CHANCE TO GET SMART!
Most businesses understand the importance of efficiency and productivity, but are feeling economic pressure to contain costs – even those associated with the implementation of new systems and technologies that offer long-term benefits. The Government of Ontario, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) is reaching out to small and medium sized manufacturers and offering vital funding to be used toward projects that support productivity improvements in their facilities.
The SMART program provides up to $50,000 of financial support per project and is still seeking submissions. More than 60 companies have already received approval under the program and have been granted a total of more than $3 million in funding! Applications are still being accepted through May 2009, so time is running out to join the growing number of companies getting SMART! Visit www.cme-smart.ca for more information or call Dial One Wolfedale Electric to learn more about improving your energy efficiency!
DID YOU KNOW?
This year’s Food Service Interchange Conference included an invigorating lecture from David Suzuki on the theme of “Solutions for Environmental Sustainability”. The lecture included a great round-up of environmental initiatives and information related to the cause, including these stand out numbers:
| 50% |
The percentage decrease in the amount of garbage headed to landfills since the introduction of organized recycling programs. |
| 30% |
The amount our consumption of the earth’s resources outpaces our renewal of those resources, which leads to a resource depletion rate of 1.3 to 1, which is unsustainable in the long term. |
| 2000 |
The average amount of miles the food we eat must travel to reach our dinner tables, the impact of which is significant on the environment through carbon emissions for transportation. |
Dial One Wolfedale Electric has always encouraged energy efficiency initiatives and encourages all of our customers to do what they can to increase their efficiency. Every small action contributes, and can be the start of real change! Call Dial One Wolfedale Electric today to find out about reaching your ‘green’ goals through increased electrical efficiency!
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