EDITOR S NOTE Together we save SAVINGS ATTACK! Why it s good to air your (clean) laundry page 7 LET S MAKE A DEAL Coupons for three energy-efficient products page 10 TREND ALERT What s new in home appliance trends? 12 MAKE A SAVINGS SPLASH Get a $00 pool pump rebate NEW ON THE BLOCK Check out the latest tool to help you save electricity the recently revamped PowerLens portal! Set alerts, get personalized reports and earn rewards page 8 With over 2.8 million people (and growing!), our city has a big energy footprint. But we ve got an even bigger opportunity: to lead the way to a more energy-efficient future. 13 NICE RIDE! Get plugged in to the cars of the future It s so exciting to see conservation efforts get real results. It s also why we continue to provide you with fresh new ideas to use electricity wisely through this handy booklet. We ve also refreshed our PowerLens portal with new tools and features to help you manage your electricity use. Log in to get your personalized savings plan, set goals and learn how you can make greener choices in your life. You can even earn e-gift card rewards for taking steps to save! Keep up the great work, Lauren Kirk Manager, Customer Care 18 LIGHTS FOR WARM NIGHTS Budget-friendly DIY lanterns 20 COMMUNITY SUPPORT Help for households in need 22 POWER PUDDING Quick low-energy breakfast or snack 1 COMFORT CONTROL See which smart thermostats qualify for a $100 incentive 16 HOSTING GUESTS? GO GREEN How to throw a laid-back, low energy get-together that s easy on the environment 21 Two ways to go paperless 2 3
GET IN ON THE ACTION The event everyone s talking about! SAY HELLO TO OUR ENERGY EXPERTS We ll be at select stores with energy-saving tips and prizes. See our website for dates and locations. wow! $ 10 CEILING FANS OFF ENERGY STAR certified A fan allows you to raise your thermostat by four degrees and still feel just as cool. $ 8 OFF of 3 or more) LEDs ENERGY STAR certified (multipacks They use 75% less electricity and last up to 50,000 hours! FIND COUPONS IN STORES MARCH 31 APRIL 30 See a list of participating retailers at torontohydro.com/coupons DOWNLOAD EVEN MORE COUPONS ONLINE $ 10OFF OUTDOOR CLOTHESLINE KITS Go au-naturel dry on the line for easy-breezy energy savings. yay! 5
The clothesline comeback WHY MORE PEOPLE ARE DRYING ON THE LINE How s it hanging? PANTS: Pin cuffs with the waist hanging down SHIRTS: Pin from the bottom hem at the side seams SOCKS: Hang in pairs, pinning the toes SHEETS: Fold them in half and pin each end to the line It s no surprise that the humble clothesline is experiencing a resurgence. After all, clothes dryers consume more electricity per use than any other appliance. By using your dryer less often and airdrying whenever possible, you ll save electricity and keep clothes looking newer. 1 2 3 The laundry list: 5 REASONS TO TAKE IT OUTSIDE Reduce electricity costs. Sunlight naturally whitens, disinfects and helps stains to fade. Without wear-and-tear in the dryer, fabrics last longer. Dryers add heat to your home avoid extra cooling. Air-drying prevents static cling. 6 7 5
See your savings, earn rewards Our new PowerLens portal has launched, with fresh features that show you how your home uses electricity and how you can save. Now it s easier than ever to set goals, track progress and even earn points for saving electricity. Explore the new features of PowerLens 1 2 3 SET GOALS AND TRACK PROGRESS Would you like to save money? Make your home more comfortable? Adopt a greener lifestyle? No matter what your goal, PowerLens will help keep you on track. FIND A CONTRACTOR Connect with professionals who can help with your home improvement projects. GET A PERSONAL SAVINGS PLAN Based on your home and habits, get a step-by-step action plan and rebates to help you save. Complete a simple home assessment for the most accurate and relevant recommended actions. SET UP EMAIL NOTIFICATIONS Online bill and usage notifications help you stay on top of your account and avoid surprises. Coming soon SEE WHERE AND WHEN YOU SPEND View your electricity use by hour, month or day in easy-toread charts. Plus, get an annual breakdown of how you use electricity (i.e. appliances, lighting, HVAC and more). SHOP OUR NEW MARKETPLACE Compare the energy efficiency and overall lifetime cost of various appliances, so you can see which will save you the most long-term. Find rebates to save. Log in today at mytorontohydro.com and access MyPowerLens to earn 500 points on your first visit. ENJOY FRESH NEW LIFESTYLE CONTENT Find articles on the latest topics, from recipes to energy-efficient crafts to green cleaning, renovation tips and more. Get rewarded for good habits Take small steps and collect points for every kilowatt hour (kwh) saved, then redeem for e-gift cards! First-time sign-in... 500 pts Complete a home assessment... 1,000 pts Log in monthly... 100 pts Complete recommended actions... 2 pts/kwh saved CHOOSE E-GIFT CARDS FOR: Home Hardware Hudson s Bay Starbucks Tim Hortons For Caplan's Appliances only, 2,000 pts = $100 towards any Whirlpool or Maytag high-efficiency appliance. 2,000 pts e-gift =$ 10 card Best Buy Caplan s Appliances 8 9
Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Ask Annie Annie Hum, our e-correspondence expert, answers your questions on the new PowerLens features. HOW IS MY PLAN PERSONALIZED? The first time you log in, you ll be asked to complete a quick 10-minute home assessment, including questions about your home, habits, recent upgrades, and your appliances. The more accurate and up-to-date your profile, the more relevant your savings plan will be. WHAT S INCLUDED IN MY SAVINGS PLAN? Your plan is based on your home, habits and the goals you set. Your plan could include everything from simple tips to larger investments with estimated savings for each action. HOW DO I EARN POINTS? For every kwh saved, you ll earn two points. You can also earn points for other actions, such as logging in once a month or taking advantage of special offers. Redeem your points for e-gift cards from participating retailers, including Home Hardware, Caplan s Appliances, Best Buy and more! Top of the charts Four appliance trends to watch for Customization and convenience lead the trends in home appliances this year and don t forget energy efficiency. 1 SMART SENSING Sensors make appliances more efficient, 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 certified dryers use moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry and stop the cycle automatically. 2 CONNECTIVITY Monitor 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. 3 CUSTOMIZATION New appliances adjust to your lifestyle with handy pre-set options. Some dishwashers have special programs for half-loads or delicate glasses. You can also set them to run automatically during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lowest. ENERGY EFFICIENCY With every generation of products, energy efficiency continues to improve. This is a priority for consumers, as saving on water and energy costs means the appliance can pay for itself sooner. Coming soon POWERLENS APPLIANCE MARKETPLACE Compare the price and efficiency of different appliances and find rebates to save up front. Log in at mytorontohydro.com 10 11
Take the plunge! UPGRADE YOUR POOL PUMP WITH A $00 REBATE! Most swimming pool pumps run 2/7, often at a higher speed than necessary for the task. That s a big opportunity to save energy! Get $00 to upgrade from a constant-speed to a variablespeed pool pump. You ll save on the purchase price and on electricity costs year after year. Road warriors Why electric vehicles are leading the charge They 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. 1 2 3 GET MONEY BACK Government incentives give back up to $1,000 for an EV and up to $1,000 for a home charging station. SPEND LESS Save hundreds of dollars a year on gasoline and maintenance. Over time, your car could pay for itself! BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90%. Rebates? HOW REFRESHING! Ticket price COMPARE THE COSTS OF UPGRADING CONSTANT- SPEED PUMP $50 VARIABLE- SPEED PUMP $1,200 $00 rebate = $800 Is an EV right for you? Take our short quiz to find out torontohydro.com/ electricvehicles 5 DRIVE FURTHER A single charge can take you 10 to 50 km and, if you need a boost, there are more than,000 public charging stations Canada-wide. GET A GREEN LICENCE PLATE It s smoother sailing with free access to certain high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. Annual energy consumption 2,196 kwh 3 kwh Average annual electricity cost $369 $73 Total cost over 10 years $3,690 $730 Get rebates at participating dealers. See full details at torontohydro.com/ poolsaver That s $2,960 saved! In electricity costs over 10 years. COOL TIP! Set your pump on a timer to run only during offpeak hours when prices are lowest. Running it just six hours a day will reduce energy use by 75%. Based on $0.17/kWh, operating 16 hours per day. 12 13
No sweat 2 TWO WAYS TO STAY AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER Heating & Cooling Incentive GET UP TO $650* IN REBATES Upgrade to a high-efficiency central air conditioner (AC) 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 $00 for a high-efficiency central air conditioner and $250 for a high-efficiency furnace. STAY COOL WHILE KEEPING AIR CONDITIONING COSTS IN CHECK 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, budgetconscious person to do? Get rebates for high-efficiency systems and smart thermostats to stay cool without breaking the bank. SPECIAL LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Get $250 when you upgrade your existing furnace motor to an electronically commutated motor (ECM). Compared to standard motors, ECMs run cooler and use less electricity. Find a participating contractor at torontohydro.com/rebates *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 must be submitted by August 30, 2017. 1 Smart Thermostats Program GET A $100 THERMOSTAT INCENTIVE FROM ENBRIDGE GAS Install a qualifying smart thermostat and get a $100 incentive from Enbridge Gas. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust automatically, so you won t waste energy. You can even control the temperature remotely on your phone, tablet or computer. If you have central air conditioning, half of your $100 incentive will be from Toronto Hydro. Learn more at smartthermostats.ca Four signs an upgrade s in order: Nest Learning Thermostat Model T3007EF ecobee3 Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat Model EB-STATe3c-02 Honeywell Lyric 2.0 Thermostat Model RCH9310WF5011 1 IS YOUR AC PAST ITS PRIME? THESE THERMOSTATS QUALIFY! It s over 10 years old These thermostats learn your routine and adjust to help you save! Your home feels too humid Your system s noisy Your system needs frequent repairs 15
GET YOUR GRILL ON Less cooktop and oven use also reduces indoor heat gain. Try an all-bbq menu. LIGHT IT RIGHT Think solar-powered LED lighting to save. QUIET CUT Throw a low-energy party Here are a few simple tricks to keep the fun up and energy use down when you entertain this summer. Push mowers run on human power only. SUPER SOAKER Avoid overwatering with sprinkler timers. COUNT ON THE COOLER Keep drinks in an ice chest to avoid continually opening your fridge. SMART CLEANUP Use the air dry setting to save up to 50% on dishwasher energy consumption. DRINK YOUR DRINK FIND MORE WAYS TO GO GREEN Log in to PowerLens for fresh content on healthy, conscientious living. Hang onto your glass and wash fewer dishes with clothespin name charms. 16 17
Lights for warm nights THESE OH-SO-EASY TIN CAN LANTERNS ADD RUSTIC WARMTH TO PATIO TABLES WHILE USING NEXT TO NO ELECTRICITY. WHAT YOU LL NEED Tin cans Felt-tip marker Hammer 8 cm (3 inch) masonry nail Pliers 30 cm (12 inch) bailing wire LED tea lights Coarse sand (enough to fill several cans) Just add ambience 1 2 3 LED tea lights provide the same warm, romantic mood as candles without the fuss or flames. With a tiny battery, they are long-lasting and stay cool to the touch, making them ideal for table settings. PREP YOUR CAN FILL WITH SAND DESIGN IT Peel the label and clean any residual glue from the can. PUNCH HOLES MAKE A HANDLE LIGHT TIME Using a hammer and sturdy nail, punch out holes in your can. Punch two holes across from each other for the handle. To prevent your can from denting, fill it ¾ full of sand, add water and freeze overnight. 5 Using pliers, curve each end of the wire into a hook. Feed each end through the opposite holes, twisting to secure them. Print out and tape your template to the can or go freestyle with a marker. 6 To remove sand, run can under hot water to soften. Rinse out. Insert the LED tea light into the can and watch your lantern glow! LOTS OF LEDs Don t stop there LEDs also come in a variety of shapes and styles to suit even your toughest lighting challenges. See more LED benefits at torontohydro.com/ homelighting EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! Find DIY projects, articles, tips and more on the PowerLens portal. 18 19
Together for Toronto Four programs to help more homes save IF YOU RE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP WITH YOUR ENERGY BILLS, WE HAVE PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP. 1 2 Cut clutter, not trees Purge the paper: SIMPLIFY BILLING WITH TWO QUICK AND EASY SOLUTIONS Go paperless at mytorontohydro.com 1 SIMPLIFY BILLING WITH EBILLS Switch to ebills for simple, secure, 2/7 access to your bills. Simply log in to My TorontoHydro. Not yet registered? No problem, it takes just minutes to set up. 2 MAKE PAYMENTS AUTOMATICALLY 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. HAP OESP 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 1-855-23-9376 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 torontohydro.com/oesp 3 LEAP HOME WINTERPROOFING In a bind? The Low-Income Energy Enbridge Gas offers the Home Assistance Program provides Winterproofing Program which one-time emergency grants to those provides new, professionallyinstalled insulation and who are having difficulty paying past-due electricity bills. Learn if draftproofing to help increase you qualify at comfort and reduce energy torontohydro.com/leap costs. Find out if you qualify at enbridgegas.com/winterproofing 20 21
Try this easy, no-cook recipe to save time and electricity without adding heat to your kitchen. WHY A RECIPE? By saving electricity and keeping your air conditioner from working overtime, lowenergy cooking is a great way to go green. BONUS: It s also budgetand time-friendly. GOOD TO GO 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 Got milk? Switch almond milk with your favourite choice of milk whole, organic or coconut. 1 Whisk chia seeds, almond milk, honey and cinnamon together until combined. 2 Cover and refrigerate until mixture thickens, about six hours. 3 Scoop chia pudding into bowls. Serve with the toppings of your choice. PREP TIME: 10 minutes Makes: 2 servings Get more easy, energy-saving recipes on the new PowerLens portal. Log in at mytorontohydro.com INGREDIENTS 80 ml (2 cups) almond milk 120 ml (1/2 cup) white or black chia seeds 10 ml (2 tsp) honey or maple syrup 1 ml (1/ tsp) cinnamon Toppings of your choice Local berries or other fruit as desired; chopped nuts; shredded coconut. 22 23
Time-of-use rates Happy hours Just as traffic 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. Contact us General inquiries 16-52-8000 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. :30 p.m.) WINTER HOURS Nov. 1 Apr. 30 7 p.m. 7 a.m. SUMMER HOURS May 1 Oct. 31 7 p.m. 7 a.m. Report an outage 16-52-8000, press 1 (2 hours, 7 days a week) 7 a.m. 11 a.m. 7 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. Year-round weekends and holidays ALL DAY Off-peak Mid-peak On-peak Report a streetlight out 16-52-8000, press 1 (2 hours, 7 days a week) Report an emergency 16-52-8000, press 1 (2 hours, 7 days a week) We re social! Find additional tips and tools to help you save electricity at torontohydro.com/ conservation Call before you dig 1-800-00-2255 or on1call.com SUMMER STORM A-BREWIN? DON T BE CAUGHT OFF-GUARD Emergency kit Update 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. Subject to additional terms and conditions found at torontohydro.com/conservation. Subject to change without notice. Save on Energy is powered by the Independent Electricity System Operator and brought to you by Toronto Hydro. OM Official Mark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence. A registered trademark of Toronto Hydro Corporation used under licence. Toronto Hydro means Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited. All trademarks and copyrights are owned by their respective owners.