[August 2007]

Be Power Smart!

Between 1990 and 2003, lighting energy use in commercial and institutional buildings in Ontario increased by 33% - yet the total floor area for the sector increased by just under 25% during the same period. With statistics like that, is it any wonder that Ontario has forecasted a “supply gap”, by 2025, greater than 80% of our province’s current power generating capacity?

This shortfall will mean dramatic increases in operating costs for businesses, each and every year. Unfortunately, many have yet to take significant action to improve energy conservation and efficiency. If your business isn’t taking advantage of the opportunities for cost-savings, not to mention the opportunity to improve operational sustainability, here are some great reasons to begin right now:

1. Electrical Utility Incentive Programs
   Electrical utilities in many jurisdictions across Ontario have introduced incentive programs to assist businesses in achieving more efficient energy use. By taking advantage of these incentives, your business could save hundreds, even thousands of dollars, every month. A review of your hydro bill will indicate consumption patterns and identify the local utility incentive programs that will benefit your business the most.
   
   
2. Obsolete Lighting Retrofits
   T12 fluorescent lamps are common in most existing manufacturing, distribution or warehouse facilities. These are now obsolete and as a result the availability of T12 fluorescent lamps is limited. That means your business will need to convert to more energy efficient T5 and T8 models within twelve to twenty-four months. Though there will be an up-front cost involved in completing the initial retrofit, the result will be reduced electricity consumption and therefore reduced costs. And, there are currently government incentives available at both the federal and provincial levels to help offset the cost of retrofitting, so your business can enjoy the return on investment from improved energy efficiency much more quickly.
   
   
3. New Safety Regulations
   On January 1, 2007, new regulations came into effect concerning fluorescent fixtures operating at 150V and higher – the typical fixture used in most office and industrial-commercial lighting applications. Current installations require disconnection at the power source, but new installations will include a luminaire disconnect between the lighting fixture ballast and the incoming power. This device enables the fixture to be immediately disconnected by essentially “unplugging” it, eliminating the need to access the electrical panel.
   
   
4. “Green” is Good!
   Though cost savings are always a key priority, environmental and social responsibility are important business issues. Guardianship of the environment is a central theme in both business and social contexts, so looking for and implementing opportunities to make your organization more environmentally friendly makes good business sense.

A wide range of new technologies are available to assist organizations in reducing energy consumption – motion sensors, daylight harvesting systems and efficient lighting fixtures are just a few of them. To learn more about how your organization can become more energy efficient and take advantage of available incentives, contact John MacPherson at (905)-564-8999, ext. 240, today!