After the installation of a real-time energy-use moniter, the average home sees a decrease of between
five and 20 per cent in energy consumption. One of the simplest methods to reduce everyday energy usage, it turns out, is simply becoming aware in the moment of how much we're actually using.
It's this lesson that underlies Toronto Hydro's newest energy conservation program,
PeakSaver Plus. PeakSaver Plus, so-called because it's being rolled out as a complement to Toronto Hydro's existing Peaksaver program, includes the free installation of an in-home energy display that moniters A/C usage.
Toronto Hydro spokesperson Tanya Bruckmueller Wilson says PeakSaver Plus not only gives customers up-to-the-minute usage readings, it "indicates to the customers whether it's on-peak, mid-, or off-peak, and gives them the approximate cost."
"It's almost like a diet journal. They say people lose more weight when they actually write down what they're eating," says Bruckmueller Wilson. "This tool is like the energy diet tool.... It prompts the customer to take an active role in conservation."
Toronto Hydro will install the Peaksaver Plus energy moniter in the homes of interested customers already partipating in the Peaksaver program. The original Peaksaver program is an ongoing initiative that allows Toronto Hydro to slow down the cycle of specific appliances during peak energy situations.
While the technology is still making its way into Toronto homes, Bruckmueller Wilson is hopeful that it will not only save Torontonians money, but will reduce strain on the grid.
"We've had great success with our conservation programs in the past. We've got over 60, 000 customers already signed up for Peaksaver and we're starting to see the numbers increase for those customers now signing up for Peaksaver Plus which is a great sign."
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source Tanya Bruckmueller Wilson, Spokesperson, Toronto Hydro