With over 193,000 people (and growing!), our town has an increasing energy footprint. But we’ve got an even bigger opportunity: to lead the way to a more energy-effi cient future.

It’s so exciting to see conservation eff orts get real results. It’s also why we continue to provide you with fresh new ideas to use electricity wisely through this handy booklet.

In this issue, we share information on coupons for energy-saving products, rebates for central air upgrades and electric vehicles, low-energy party and recipe ideas, as well as the tools and features available at MyOakvilleHydro. We hope you enjoy it.

Keep up the great work,

Mary Caputi | Conservation Leader

Together we save

COMFORT CONTROL How a smart thermostat canhelp you save automatically

10TREND ALERTWhat’s new in home appliance trends?

12MAKE A SAVINGS SPLASHGet a $400 pool pump rebate

13NICE RIDE! Get plugged in to the cars of the future

14REFRESHING REBATESGet up to $650 towards heating and cooling upgrades

20ONGOING SUPPORT Help for households in need

22POWER PUDDING Quick low-energy breakfast or snack

EDITOR’S NOTE

SIX SAFETY STATSHow well can you detect electrical hazards? | page 9

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HOSTING GUESTS? GO GREENHow to throw a laid-back, low-energy get-together that’s easy on the environment

Two ways to go paperless

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IT'S EASIER ONLINE Check out our latest online tools, from our enhanced outage map and move-in/move-out tool, to tracking your electricity usage at MyOakvilleHydro | page 18

LET’S MAKE A DEAL Coupons for six energy-effi cient products | page 4

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wow!

yay!

$4

$3

$5

POWER BARSPlug electronics and other devices in to save up to 10% a month in electricity costs.

INDOOR MOTION SENSORSForgot to turn your lights off ? Sensors save automatically.

LEDswow!

The event everyone’s

talking about!5

LEDs

ENERGY STAR® certifi ed specialty (single or doublepacks)

Single packs of dimmer switches, timers or

OFF

Long-lasting, durable and work well indoors and out.

GET IN ON THE ACTION

Power bars with integrated timer or auto-shutoff

OFF

We’ll be at select stores this spring with energy-saving tips and prizes. See our website for dates and locations.

SAY HELLO TO OUR ENERGY EXPERTS

OFF

INDOOR MOTION

Forgot to turn your lights off ? Sensors save

Single packs of dimmer switches,

DOWNLOAD EVEN MORE COUPONS

ONLINE

FIND COUPONS IN STORES

MARCH 31 – APRIL 30

See a list of participating retailers at oakvillehydro.com/coupons

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LEDs

ENERGY STAR® certifi ed (multipacksof 3 or more)

OFF

They use 75% less electricity and last up to 50,000 hours!

$15INDOOR LIGHT FIXTURESUse a quarter ofthe electricity of standard fi xtures.

ENERGY STAR® certifi ed lightfi xtures (3+ sockets)

$4Put pool pumps on timers to save up to $50 a month on electricity.

Heavy-duty

OFF

OFFOUTDOOR TIMERS

LEDsThey use 75% less electricity and last up to 50,000 hours!

cool!

WHOA!$8

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Are yousafety savvy?It shouldn’t come as a shock that electricity can be dangerous or even deadly – but how well do you know the hazards?

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How close can Isafely get to anoverhead power line?

a. 1 metre (3 feet).

b. 3 metres (10 feet).

c. 10 metres (30 feet).

How dangerous is it to touch a power line?

a. Brushing up against one wouldn't hurt.

b. Maybe just a little jolt?

c. Very dangerous – maybe even deadly!

When planting a tree or building a deck, what should I do fi rst?

a. Start digging.

b. Poke around to fi nd any underground lines.

c. Call ON1Call at1-800-400-2255 to have undergroundlines located safely.

How far away should I stay from a downed power line?

a. 10 metres – about the length of a school bus.

b. 5 metres is a good safe distance.

c. Less than 1 metre.

What do I do if a power line falls onmy car?

a. Get out of the car – quickly!

b. Stay in the car until the power has been disconnected.

c. Ask someonenearby to remove the power line.

Are transformerboxes safe?

a. Kids play nearthem all the time – they must be safe.

b. I might get a little shock if I opened one.

c. They are very dangerous.

Answers: 1-b, 2-c, 3-c, 4-a, 5-b, 6-c

Take the quiz to fi nd out

Find more safety tips at oakvillehydro.com8 9

SMART SENSINGSensors make appliances more effi cient, and life a little easier. The latest washers, for example, can adjust cycles automatically according to fabric and load levels to help save water. ENERGY STAR® certifi ed dryers use moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry and stop the cycle automatically.

ENERGY EFFICIENCYWith every generation of products, energy effi ciency continues to improve. This is a priority for consumers, as saving on water and energy costs means the appliance can pay for itself sooner.

CONNECTIVITYMonitor and control the latest appliances right from your smart phone. Think ovens that notify you when your food is ready, or refrigerators with wireless cameras that allow you to peek inside while you’re out getting groceries.

Top of the chartsCustomization and convenience lead the trends in home appliances this year – and don’t forget energy effi ciency.

Four appliance trends to watch for

Christina, oure-correspondence expert, answers your questionsabout eBills.

Ask Christina

IS MY eBILL THE SAME AS A PAPER BILL?

Yes, your electronic bill will contain all the information that appears on your paper bill. The only diff erence is that eBills are accessible online anytime, in one convenient place.

Q:

A:

HOW WILL I KNOW A NEW BILL IS AVAILABLE?

We’ll send you a notifi cation email every time a new bill is ready online.

Q:

A:

DO I HAVE TO BACK UP MYBILLING INFORMATION ON MY COMPUTER?

We securely store up to two years of past bill and payment history online, so there’s no need to make backups during this time.

Q:

A:

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CUSTOMIZATIONNew appliances adjust to your lifestyle with handy pre-set options. Some dishwashers have special programs for half-loads or delicate glasses. You can alsoset them to run automatically during off -peak hours when electricity rates are lowest.

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ChristinaChristinaChristinaChristinaChristinaChristina

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Take the plunge!

COOL TIP! Set your pump on a timer to run only during off -peak hours when prices are lowest. Running it just six hours a day will reduce energy use by 75%.

CONSTANT-SPEED PUMP

VARIABLE-SPEED PUMP

Most swimming pool pumps run 24/7, often at a higher speed than necessary for the task. That’s a big opportunity to save energy! Get $400 to upgrade from a constant-speed to a variable-speed pool pump. You’ll save on the purchase price and on electricity costs year after year.

Get rebates at participating dealers. See full details atoakvillehydro.com/poolsaver

†Based on $0.17/kWh, operating 16 hours per day.

UPGRADE YOUR POOL PUMP WITH A $400 REBATE!

HOW REFRESHING!

Rebates?

Ticket price

Annual energy consumption

Average annual electricity cost†

Total cost over 10 years

$450

2,196 kWh

$369

$3,690

$1,200 – $400 rebate = $800

434 kWh

$73

$730

COMPARE THE COSTS OF UPGRADING

Road warriorsThey’re quiet, convenient and cost less to drive. If you’re thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV), it’s now easier than ever to make the switch.

BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENTReduce your greenhouse gas emissions by asmuch as 90%.

DRIVE FURTHERA single charge can take you 140 to 450 km – and, if you need a boost, there are more than 4,000 public charging stations Canada-wide.

GET A GREEN LICENCE PLATEIt’s smoother sailing with free access to certain high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

GET MONEY BACKGovernment incentives give back up to $14,000 for an EV and up to $1,000 for a home charging station.

SPEND LESSSave hundreds of dollars a year on gasoline and on maintenance. Save even more by charging during off -peak hours. Over time, your car could pay for itself!

Why electric vehicles are leading the charge

Do you own or plan to buy an EV?

Get a special price on leasing a premiumhome charging station. Sign up for EVfutureGRID, a fi rst-of-its-kind pilot program!

For more details:

futuregrid.ca

engineering@oakvillehydro.com

905-825-9400, ext. 2266

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In electricity costs over 10 years. That’s $2,960 saved!

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Four signs an upgrade’s in order:

It’s over 10 years old

Your home feels too humid

Your system’s noisy

Your system needs frequent repairs

IS YOUR AIR CONDITIONER

PAST ITS PRIME?

Heating & Cooling IncentiveGET UP TO $650* IN REBATES

Upgrade to a high-effi ciency central air conditioner and reduce electricity use by as much as 50%. The latest systems are quieter, more reliable and can keep your air quality consistently good. Get up to $400 for a high-effi ciency central air conditioner and $250 for a high-effi ciency furnace.

See full details at oakvillehydro.com/heatingandcooling

TWO WAYS TO STAY AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER

No sweatSTAY COOL WHILE KEEPING AIR CONDITIONING COSTS IN CHECK

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See more tips atoakvillehydro.com/cooltips

Get set with smart techSMART THERMOSTATS PUT YOU IN CONTROL

Don’t let high-tech intimidate you. With a smart thermostat, saving energy is easier than you think.

Learns your habitsSome thermostats “learn” your patterns by detecting when your smart phone is nearby and adjusting your thermostat automatically.

Set it and forget itReduce cooling costs by setting your thermostat to 25°C for eight hours a day. Then shift to 22°C automatically during off -peak hours to save.

Always in controlAway unexpectedly? No sweat – control your home’s temperature remotely using your smart phone or tablet so you don’t waste energy.

Connect and saveSmart thermostats connect to WiFi, so you can monitor your energy use in real time.

Some thermostats “learn” your patterns by detecting when your smart phone is nearby and adjusting your thermostat automatically.

We’ve all experienced those sticky summer nights when heat and humidity make it hard to stay comfortable. But cooling can account for high seasonal costs! So what’s an eco-friendly, budget-conscious person to do? Here are two ways to stay comfortable without breaking the bank.

*Incentives for installations of eligible equipment completed between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017. Your contractor must enter your online incentive submission by July 8, 2017 and all supporting documentation, including the proof of purchase, mustbe submitted by August 30, 2017.

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Here are a few simple tricks to keep the fun up and energy use down when you entertain this summer.

Throw a low-energy

party

GET YOUR GRILL ON

Less cooktop and oven use also reduces indoor heat gain. Try an all-BBQ menu.

COUNT ON THE COOLER

SMART CLEANUP

DRINK YOUR DRINK

Keep drinks in an ice chest to avoid continually opening your fridge.

Use the “air dry” setting to save up to 50% on dishwasher energy consumption.

Hang onto your glass and wash fewer dishes with name charms.

SUPER SOAKER

Avoid overwatering with sprinkler timers.

LIGHT IT RIGHT

Think solar-powered LED lighting to save.

QUIET CUT

Manual push lawn mowers run on human power only.

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At your � ngertips

GREAT TOOLS AND FEATURES TO HELP YOU

DO MORE ONLINE

Outage? Track it onlineGet real-time outage information, right from your desktop or mobile device.

• See outage-aff ected areas

• Know when your power will be restored

• Find out what caused the outage (if known)

View the map at oakvilleoutages.ca

One-stop servicesSign up for MyOakvilleHydro – The quick and convenient way to manage your account – 24/7.

• Track your electricity usage

• See bill and payment history

• Register for eBilling

• Set up billing alerts and more!

Set up your account at myoakvillehydro.com

Moving? It’s easier onlineScratch one thing off your moving checklist – we’ve made it easier to complete your move online. Just fi ll out the online form seven days before your moving date for seamless service that's ready when you move in.

Complete your move at oakvillehydro.com

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Cut clutter, not treesPaper purge SIMPLIFY BILLING WITH TWO QUICK AND EASY SOLUTIONS

SIMPLIFY BILLING WITH eBILLS

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Switch to eBills for simple, secure, 24/7 access to your bills. Simply log in to your MyOakvilleHydro account. Not yet registered? No problem, it takes just minutes to set up.

MAKE PAYMENTS AUTOMATICALLY

2

Make life easier with Pre-Authorized Payments. Save time, save postage and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your payment will always be made on time, even if you’re away.

Go paperless at oakvillehydro.com

Get details at oakvillehydro.com/papIF YOU’RE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP WITH YOUR

ELECTRICITY BILLS, WE HAVE PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP.

3OESP

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Together for OakvilleThree programs to help more homes save

If you qualify for the Home Assistance Program, we’ll install FREE home energy upgrades, from light bulbs to appliances, to help you save energy and make your home more comfortable. To see if you qualify, please call GreenSaver, our program contractor, at 1-855-234-9376

Get ongoing assistance to help you pay your bill. The Ontario Electricity Support Program provides a monthly on-bill credit based on household income and size. Find out if you’re eligible at ontarioelectricity support.ca

In a bind? The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program provides one-time emergency grants to those who are having difficulty paying past-due electricity bills. Learn if you qualify at oakvillehydro.com/leap

2LEAP HAP

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PREP TIME: 10 minutesMakes: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS480 ml (2 cups) almond milk

120 ml (½ cup) white or black chia seeds

10 ml (2 tsp) honey or maple syrup

1 ml (¼ tsp) cinnamon

Toppings of your choice Local berries or other fruit as desired; chopped nuts; shredded coconut.

Try this easy, no-cook recipe to save time and electricity without adding heat to your kitchen.

Switch almond milk with your favourite

choice of milk — whole, organic

or coconut.

Got milk?

WHY A RECIPE?

GOOD TO GO

By saving electricity and keeping your air conditioner from working overtime, low-energy cooking is a great way to go green.

BONUS: It’s also budget- and time-friendly.

Compared to 30 minutes of daily stovetop cooking, this quick breakfast solution could also save about $50 a year in electricity costs!**

**Based on $0.18/kWh using a 1500W stovetop for 30 minutes

Cover and refrigerate until mixture thickens, about six hours.

2

Scoop chia pudding into bowls. Serve with the toppings of your choice.

3

Whisk chia seeds, almond milk, honey and cinnamon together until combined.

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Subject to additional terms and conditions found at oakvillehydro.com/conservation. Subject to change without notice. Save on Energy is powered by the Independent Electricity System Operator and brought to you by Oakville Hydro. OMO� cial Mark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence.

Contact usGeneral inquiries

905-825-9400 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

hydro@oakvillehydro.com

861 Redwood SquareOakville, ON L6L 6R6

Report a streetlight out

905-825-6354lights@oakvillehydro.com

Report an outage

905-825-9400oakvilleoutages.ca

Just as traffi c can peak during rush hour, so can our electricity use. With time-of-use pricing, you pay lower rates for the electricity you use during less busy times.

Time-of-use rates

Emergency kitUpdate your 72-hour emergency kit so you’re set all summer. Add extra bottled water, rain gear and sunscreen. Don’t forget to check batteries and make sure the kit itself is waterproof.

SUMMER STORM A-BREWIN’? DON’T BE CAUGHT OFF-GUARD

Find additional tips and tools to help you save electricity atoakvillehydro.com/ conservation

Off -peak Mid-peak On-peak

We’re social!

SUMMER HOURSMay 1 – Oct. 31

7 p.m. – 7 a.m.

7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

WINTER HOURS Nov. 1 – Apr. 30

7 p.m. – 7 a.m.

7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Year-round weekends and holidays

ALL DAY

Call before you dig

1-800-400-2255 or on1call.com