Why conserve energy?

Although we are starting to use sources like water, the sun and wind to get energy, non-renewable fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas are still used to supply more than 90% of the world’s energy.

What is the City doing to conserve energy?

• Participation in the Partners for Climate Protection program
• Energy-saving programs at City facilities
• Developing an Urban Forest Strategy
• Investigating biomass trial with Eastern Power Limited
• Implementing a Sustainable Neighbourhood Plan
• Enforcing its anti-idling by-law
• Providing information on energy conservation to residents and businesses
• Developing an energy-conserving procurement policy
• Pursuing the development of a pedestrian bridge over 401 to link the Pickering GO Station with an office tower to be constructed on the north side of the highway, to make public transit a more convenient option for commuters

What can you do to conserve energy?

1. Power Savings Blitz: Veridian Connections, in cooperation with the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), would like to encourage small businesses to use energy efficient measures in their facilities. By participating in the Power Savings Blitz, your company could be eligible for up to $1,000 in FREE* lighting and electric water heater retrofits. Visit http://www.veridian.on.ca/ for more information.

2. The Electricity Retrofit Incentive Program (ERIP) is designed to remove older, inefficient lighting, motors, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), and other inefficient equipment and systems. Generally, these older systems are no nowhere near as efficient as products currently available in the market. The ERIP program hopes to remedy this by offering strong incentives towards retrofitting buildings up to the highest standard of electrical efficiency. Visit http://www.veridian.on.ca/ for more information.

3. peaksaver®: Join the peaksaver program and help reduce the demand for electricity in your community. Sign up to allow Veridian to cycle down your air conditioning temporarily. It will help reduce the strain on the electricity system on summer days when electricity use is at its peak. Visit http://www.veridian.on.ca/ for more information.

• Turn off the lights when you leave a room
• Install programmable timers or motion sensors on interior and exterior lights
• Run the dishwasher only when it’s full and after 8:00 pm
• Maintain your heating and central air conditioning year round
• During the day in the summer, keep your curtains closed to help save on cooling costs
• Talk to your family, co-workers and friends about what you are doing to save energy
• Avoid idling your vehicle in the drive-through lane or when picking up your kids
• To save an extra 5% off your energy bill, keep the air conditioner no lower than 24˚C / 75˚F. Another easy and inexpensive way to save energy and lower your energy bill is to install and use a programmable thermostat
• Plant deciduous trees on the south, east, and west sides of your home. During the summer they provide shade and in the winter they will shed their leaves to let the warming sunshine through
• Plant evergreens on the north side of your home to provide a windbreak in the winter
• Check the seal in your refrigerator by closing the door on a single piece of paper. If it’s held tightly in place, the seal is okay. If not, the door should be adjusted or the seal replaced
• Use a programmable thermostat
• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulb
• Let food cool before refrigerating
• Buy an energy-efficient appliance when replacing older models
• Be a smart shopper by considering a product’s energy efficiency, recycled content, environmental impact, packaging, manufacturer’s social responsibility and distance the item was transported
• Maintain your vehicle and get regular tune-ups. Vehicle maintenance not only increases fuel economy by up to 10% but also reduces air pollution
• Check your tire pressure often. Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%

Electricity calculator

Use this electricity calculator to see what you are currently consuming and come up with a plan to reduce your usage and save.

Water calculator

Use this water calculator to see your water consumption and come up with a plan to reduce your water usage.