Energy savings for low-income households
VANCOUVER – As summer approaches and British Columbians gear up for warm weather, BC Hydro is reminding everyone that simple energy-saving techniques can help keep the heat out this summer while saving you money.
The company is providing low-income residential customers with free energy saving kits, which contain several simple and easy-to-install products that could save up to $50 a year in electricity costs.
"We know that cost can be barrier to implementing energy-saving measures, especially if you are hesitant to make an investment in a home you don't own," says BC Hydro's Margo Longland, a program manager for Power Smart. "The kits make energy efficiency more accessible to our low-income customers by making products available at no cost."
Each kit includes basic products that can go a long way in reducing energy use, like compact fluorescent light bulbs, weather-stripping, electrical outlet covers, a low-flow showerhead, tap aerators and hot water pipe insulation. Most items require no tools for installation and easy step-by-step instructions are included.
The program has proved very popular with customers so far with more than 10,000 kits distributed in the past year. BC Hydro has plans to exceed that number this year.
"A big component of this program is education," adds Longland. "In addition to the products, customers receive information on how basic changes to your behaviour can also reduce the amount of electricity you use. We are counting on participants to share this information with friends, family and neighbours."
Longland encourages those who do not qualify for a free kit to assemble their own. "The products in the kit can all be bought at any hardware store," she says. "Plus, we are currently offering mail-in rebates on energy efficient products on our web site."
To be eligible for a free kit you must be a BC Hydro residential account holder and meet the income qualification criteria.
Contact:
Simi Heer
Media Relations
Phone: 604 623 3963