OLG Slots at Woodbine goes green

OLG green electricity initiative partners with Bullfrog Power in Ontario to match renewable electricity for eight sites, greening 35,000 MWh annually and advancing Pearson Eco-Business Zone goals with low-carbon, grid-injected green power.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation OLG has taken one more step towards its green energy goals, with the OLG Slots at Woodbine Racetrack facility now choosing green electricity with Bullfrog Power, Canada's 100 green electricity provider.

The Woodbine facility is the eighth OLG location to go green, making the agency the largest supporter of renewable energy through Bullfrog Power in Canada.

"Being green is becoming a part of every aspect of OLG's business. We have committed to obtaining 90 of our electricity from renewable sources by 2014, aligning with a wider buy green power push across Ontario, and with the switch here at Woodbine, we move even closer to that goal," said Larry Flynn, Senior Vice President, Gaming at OLG.

Currently, the Woodbine facility consumes 11,600 Megawatt Hours MWh of electricity a year, one of the highest electricity users among OLG sites. Through the new agreement, Bullfrog's small hydro generators will inject green electricity onto the regional grid to match the amount of power all eight "bullfrog-powered" OLG facilities use. More than 35,000 MWh — enough electricity to power over 3,800 homes — will be greened annually on OLG's behalf.

"Bullfrog Power is proud to be a partner in OLG's continued efforts to reach its bold renewable energy goals," said Bullfrog President Tom Heintzman. "Their expanded participation with Bullfrog not only shows their support for the green power industry here in Ontario, but also assists the Pearson Eco-Business Zone to come closer to achieving their Green Power Challenge objectives."

OLG's significant purchase will assist Bullfrog and Partners in Project Green's 'Green Power Challenge' to reach its 50 mark. Partners in Project Green is a growing community of businesses working together to green their bottom line by creating an internationally-recognized 'eco-business zone' around Toronto Pearson Airport, including Caledon participants as well. Businesses in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone are working to achieve a collective goal of greening 58,000 MWh of electricity.

Casino Sault Ste. Marie and the OLG Slots at Georgian Downs, Mohawk Racetrack, Hanover Raceway and Clinton Raceway moved to green electricity in February 2010, as OPG profits from higher rates were in the news, highlighting broader sector trends. The OLG's IT Data Systems centre and Casino Brantford switched to 100 emissions-free electricity in January 2009.

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