Ontario Transmission Company Launches Pilot Programs

TORONTO - - Ontario's Transmission company, Hydro One has introduced two pilot projects: Residential Load Control and Real Time Monitoring as part of its efforts in promoting energy conservation and helping the Ontario Government meet its energy saving goals.

These programs run from July 2004 to August 2005 and involve about 1,000 customers selected from Hydro One Network's residential customer base across Ontario, and Hydro One Brampton.

The Residential Load Control project tests ways of reducing household electricity use during periods of peak demand. Under this program participants from the Kingston, Newmarket, Simcoe and Brampton areas will be compensated for allowing Hydro One to automatically shut off their large electricity-consuming equipment for short periods of time when the power system is operating near its maximum. During the summer this would be in the afternoon on extremely hot days and involve electric water heaters, central air conditioners and pool pumps. Electric water heaters will be controlled year-round. Supply and installation of the load control equipment is being performed by OZZ Corporation.

The Real Time Monitoring project involves installation of a special device that gives customers the ability to track how much electricity they are using and what it is costing them. Information is displayed on a small unit called a PowerCost monitor, developed by Blue Line Innovations Inc. The device will help consumers identify excessive consumption periods and appliances that are high energy users. It will provide customers with information to make adjustments on their usage and allow them to see immediate results of energy saving actions. PowerCost monitors are being installed in about 500 homes in the Peterborough, Timmins, Lincoln, Barrie and Brampton areas.

"These projects are examples of Hydro One's commitment to help our customers reduce their electricity consumption and save money," explained President and CEO Tom Parkinson. "This not only helps individuals, but lowers strain on Ontario's power system as well."

Once results of the pilot projects have been evaluated, the Company will assess the value of offering such programs to all Hydro One residential customers.

Hydro One owns and operates Ontario's 28,400 kilometre high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 122,000 kilometre low-voltage distribution system that serves about 1.2 million end-use customers and smaller municipal utilities in the province. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Ontario Government.