Early 2014 conservation results showcase Ontario LDC efforts

The results show that local distribution companies LDCs across Ontario achieved 98 percent 5,882 gigawatt-hours GWh of cumulative energy savings, against their energy-savings target set by the Ontario Energy Board of 6,000 GWh for the 2011-2014 period. The Independent Electricity System Operator IESO expects this target to be surpassed when verified results are reported.

On the peak-demand reduction target of 1,330 megawatts MW, LDCs achieved 60 percent 798 MW. Reductions in peak demand associated with programs such as the Industrial Conservation Initiative have contributed additional peak demand reduction and overall conservation results.

Some highlights of 2014 saveONenergy conservation programs include: - More than 22,000 old, inefficient appliances were picked up and recycled from homes free of charge as part of the FRIDGE & FREEZER PICKUP program.

- Almost five million energy-saving products were purchased using saveONenergy COUPONs across the province for discounts on a wide range of eligible energy-efficient products to help reduce energy use. The 2015 Spring COUPON event begins on March 27.

- Eligible homes and business received rebates of up to $650 to purchase more than 92,000 units of high-efficiency central heating or cooling equipment as part of the HEATING & COOLING INCENTIVE.

- More than 500 facilities participated in DEMAND RESPONSE 3, which has helped to reduce peak demand and provide a valuable and cost-effective resource to the province's electricity system.

On January 1, 2015, the province launched its new Conservation First Framework to support the continued delivery of electricity conservation programs in Ontario. The new, six-year framework is expected to achieve 7 TWh of electricity savings between 2015 and 2020 through the delivery of LDC province-wide and local conservation programs. It gives LDCs greater flexibility to design and deliver conservation programs that meet local needs, strengthens regional collaboration and benefits both customers and the provincial electricity grid. An additional 1.7 TWh is targeted through conservation projects with the province's transmission-connected customers.

Preliminary 2014 conservation results will undergo a rigorous evaluation, measurement and verification process. Final verified results for 2014 and for the 2011-2014 period will be released by the IESO later this year in the annual Conservation Results Report.