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Detail from Power Smart Month in-store lighting product promotion.

October 1, 2009

Save money this month through Power Smart specials

Nina Winham
for bchydro.com

Have you been meaning to replace a broken lamp? Considering new appliances?  Thinking you need more energy-efficient light bulbs?

If so, it's shopping time! Throughout October – Power Smart month – BC Hydro has partnered with retailers across B.C. to offer specials on energy-saving products. That means it's a great time to improve your home's energy efficiency – just when it really starts to matter.

"The colder, darker months are approaching," says Pat Mathot, BC Hydro's Manager of Residential Marketing. "October is the start of the 'energy consumption season.' That's why Power Smart works with a variety of retail partners to put products on sale and promote energy efficiency. We want to stimulate awareness about energy efficiency – and then make it easy for people get on board."

That means you'll see plenty of Power Smart logos in stores during October, as more than 400 energy efficient products go on sale.

"Power Smart Month is the best time of year to buy energy efficient products," says Pat. "There are more products available, and prices are reduced. Some partners plan to discount their products upwards of $500 – so if you're in the market for efficient lighting, appliances or TVs,  definitely keep your eyes open for Power Smart specials."

Additional specials are offered through BC Hydro Power Smart programs in bchydro.com's Rebates & Savings section. Each month, you'll have opportunities to save on items such as energy efficient windows, lighting and appliances.

For example, during October the Fridge Buy-Back program will arrange for pick-up of old working freezers as well as fridges. (The Fridge Buy-Back program collects old refrigerators that still work but are inefficient. You get $30 and best of all, they haul the beast away for free.)

Power Smart product specials vary from week to week, and retailer to retailer. So how do you find them?

"Both Power Smart and participating partners will be advertising specials," says Pat. "Check BC Hydro's website for the full spectrum of specials, and watch for flyers from retail partners that promote specials: hardware stores, electronic stores, grocery stores – they all support conservation. There's an estimated 40 million flyers being distributed that contain Power Smart Specials, and 500 stores in BC offering Power Smart specials to their customers. If you keep your eyes open, you'll find the deals!"

Of course, the goal behind all the specials is to promote conservation and help people save energy – and to encourage retailers to stock energy efficient products all year round. Once you've checked out the deals and chosen some products that will help you cut your electricity bill, don't forget to join Team Power Smart and make a commitment to reducing your energy consumption 10% over the next year.

So join the team now. You'll help make a difference, save on your energy bill, and get access to exclusive, members-only specials beyond those offered to the general public. And you'll be entered in a monthly draw to win a 2010 Winter Games ticket package.

Nina Winham is a Vancouver-based sustainability consultant and writer.

Participating retailers

The following retailers will be offering specials throughout October, which is Power Smart Month:

Last Modified: Mar 25, 2010