Heating costs, not insulation, falling at Winfield Curling Club
The Winfield Curling Club is impressed that its electricity bills are down. But what most pleases them about the installation of a low-emissivity ceiling is that the ice is more consistent and they no longer need to contend with bits of falling insulation.
“We just wish we did this 10 years ago,” says curling club manager Andrew Barnes with a laugh.
Thanks to BC Hydro’s Product Incentive Program, the Winfield club expects to save nearly $1,500 a year in electricity costs for the District of Lake Country. The Power Smart program offers incentives to business to install energy-efficient products, and like an open draw to the four foot, the Winfield club has taken full advantage of that opening.
“The ice is way better, simply for the fact that we don’t have radiant heat loads to deal with,” says Barnes. “For curling, that’s huge. People want to be able to play from sheet to sheet without worrying about consistency.”
Last year, the club installed a low-emissivity, or “low-E,” ceiling over four of its curling sheets. The energy-efficient technology keeps the facility colder and more uniform in temperature. That makes for a better curling surface, the lighting quality has been upgraded and there’s money saved because the facility’s chiller plant runs only a fraction of the time it used to.
In addition to receiving $2,200 in incentives from the Product Incentive Program, the club’s savings is equal to the amount of electricity needed to supply nearly three homes for an entire year.
“We endorse the concept of the energy-efficient ceiling as a way to improve customer service and conserve energy at the same time,” says Steve Schaffrick, director of Parks and Recreation for the District of Lake Country. “District council is always excited to hear about ways to help with energy conservation, from both a cost-saving and an environmental standpoint.”
"Making your operation more energy efficient doesn’t have to involve huge, capital-intensive energy projects,” says Power Smart marketing manager Jim Nelson. "There are many small, easy upgrades any company can do to save energy and money and benefit its bottom line."
In addition to lighting, the Product Incentive Program also provides incentives for products related to controls and sensors, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and refrigeration for numerous industries. For a complete list of products and program eligibility, visit bchydro.com’s Product Incentive Plan section or call 1 866 522-4713.
