News Release

VANCOUVER – More than 2,500 households on Haida Gwaii will soon be more energy efficient thanks to a new initiative by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, BC Hydro and the First Nations Summit Society.

The organizations have partnered to provide and install free energy-saving kits that could save each household up to 300 kilowatt hours of electricity each year. The kits will be especially useful on Haida Gwaii since the island communities are not connected to BC Hydro's grid, and therefore must rely on diesel generators for power.

"These free kits encourage people to make simple lifestyle changes that can add up to make a significant contribution to our province's environmental goals," said Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. "Not only are we working to make conservation a way of life in B.C., but we are also working towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions by one-third by 2020 and the kits will help us meet both of these goals."

Each kit, valued at $125, contains easy-to-use and easy to install energy efficiency products, like compact fluorescent light bulbs, water-saving showerheads, weatherstripping and faucet aerators.

"We are making big strides in helping remote communities, not connected to BC Hydro's grid, reduce the amount of diesel used to generate power," said BC Hydro president and CEO Bob Elton. "If a kit is installed in every home on Haida Gwaii, the electricity savings would reduce more than 350 tonnes of greenhouse gases."

Contracts have been signed with the Old Masset Village Council and the Skidegate Band Council to install the kits beginning later this month. However, individuals or organizations are still needed to install kits in remaining communities.

Kits have already been distributed to the communities of Uchucklesaht, Hesquiaht, Samahquam and Toad River. Plans are also in place to implement the program in other communities not connected to BC Hydro's grid.

Contact:

Simi Heer
Media Relations
Phone: 604 623 3963