Press Release
August 7, 2007
Successful program leads to energy savings
VANCOUVER – BC Hydro today announced the first year results of its Conservation Research Initiative (CRI). By combining time-of-use rates and the technology of smart meters, nearly two-thirds of British Columbians participating in the pilot program saved electricity and money.
"Smart meters allow customers to track their electricity use and by making a few lifestyle changes, make a big difference in energy savings," said Bob Elton, President and CEO of BC Hydro and a participant in the program. "Currently, BC Hydro is importing electricity to meet the needs of British Columbians. Time of use rates and smart meters will help lead British Columbia towards energy self-sufficiency."
Smart meters are able to measure hourly electricity consumption and can be used to charge different rates for peak and off-peak periods. BC Hydro's Conservation Research Initiative is looking at how time of use rates can encourage customers to switch their energy use to off-peak hours and also lead to overall conservation.
In November 2006, BC Hydro began testing five time-of use-rates in 1,850 homes in six communities – Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Campbell River and Fort St. John. During peak hours, participants reduced their energy use by an average of 11.5 per cent. In the Lower Mainland, the reduction was 10.3 per cent. In Fort St. John savings were 14.4 per cent and in Campbell River customers saved on average 15.9 per cent. Overall, a total of 63 per cent of participants saved money through general conservation activities as well as shifting their energy consumption to off-peak hours. In the Lower Mainland and Fort St. John, peak hours were 4 to 9 p.m. In Campbell River, peak hours were 7 to 11 a.m and 4 to 9 p.m.
The shift in some activities was quite significant. According to participants' reports, the percentage that ran their dishwasher during peak periods dropped from 31 per cent to 9 per cent, while the percentage of participants that washed and dried clothes dropped from 25 per cent to 10.5 per cent during peak periods.
BC Hydro estimates if everyone in the province reduced their energy consumption by just 7.6 per cent over the four winter months, enough energy could be saved to power 44,500 households. In August, BC Hydro will submit an application for the second year to the British Columbia Utilities Commission to begin enrolling customers for the next phase of the CRI.
Contact:
| Gillian Robinson Riddell |
| Media Relations |
| Phone: 604 623-4022 |
| gillian.robinson@bchydro.com |
