Power Savingss Blitz FAQ

 

Program Overview

What is Power Savings Blitz?
The Power Savings Blitz is designed to retrofit small businesses across the province. It provides turn-key lighting and water heating retrofits for small businesses whose electricity usage is less than 50kW of demand. Funding up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit, with an opportunity to pay costs over the $1,000 limit, at each business' discretion.
Back to Top

What businesses are eligible to participate in Power Savings Blitz?
Power Savings Blitz is for:

• Small businesses with an electricity demand of less than 50kW located in the service area of a participating electric utility company.
• A wide variety of businesses including independent eateries, grocery stores, professional dry cleaners, medical offices, beauty salons, convenience stores and a whole host of other small retailers.

Please note that you’ll need permission from your landlord if you’re renting the building.

Back to Top

If I own two businesses in a participating electricity distribution company’s region can both businesses be retrofitted?
Each business will qualify provided they each have a separate account with the participating electric utility company and they meet the eligibility requirements.
Back to Top

Will it cost me anything to participate in Power Savings Blitz?
It is not going to cost you anything if you choose to participate in Power Savings Blitz and have up to $1,000 in retrofits done to your business. However, if you choose to have extra retrofits beyond what the $1,000 covers, you can certainly do so at your own expense.
Back to Top

Do I have to carry out a retrofit costing more than the maximum $1,000 incentive?
Absolutely not. You are not obligated to carry out a retrofit costing more than the $1,000. If the job exceeds the $1,000 incentive threshold, the retrofit can be scaled down to a level you’re more comfortable with.
Back to Top

My electric utility is not participating in Power Savings Blitz. Can I still participate?
If your electric utility company is not participating, then unfortunately you cannot participate in Power Savings Blitz.
Back to Top

Why would I want to participate in Power Savings Blitz?
You have everything to gain. By participating you’ll receive a free electricity assessment and an energy efficiency retrofit valued at up to $1,000 - a retrofit that will help reduce your electricity consumption and save on your monthly bill.
Back to Top

My business is just one of many. Is it really possible to make a difference by participating?
Absolutely! By participating, you and thousands of other businesses will help reduce the strain on the electrical system. You’ll also be making a significant contribution to conserving electricity and helping to improve our environment.
Back to Top

Do I have to participate in Power Savings Blitz?
There’s no pressure to participate. Your participation is entirely voluntary. We’re confident though that you’ll find Power Savings Blitz to be an easy and simple way to help reduce the strain on our electricity system while benefiting your community and the environment.
Back to Top

I’m not too comfortable with strangers at my place of business. How will I know if the people who arrive are legitimate?
We completely understand your concern for security. Rest assured that the installation will be done by qualified installers working on behalf of your participating electric utility. When the installers come to your door, feel free to ask them for identification.
Back to Top

What is the process for signing up?

How does Power Savings Blitz work?
Power Savings representatives working for your participating utility will go door-to-door or call within a targeted area to offer to perform a free energy assessment of lighting and water heating and they'll determine the cost and savings opportunities.

Once the assessment is done, it'll be up to you to decide if you want to move forward with the retrofit. If you decide to go ahead with the retrofit, a signed work order form and customer agreement will get things underway.

Funding of up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit but you'll have the opportunity to pay costs over the $1,000 limit if you so choose. Please note that the retrofit includes the material and the installation. The minimum amount for a retrofit is $300.

Once the work order and customer agreements are signed an appointment will be made for a licensed electrical contractor to come in and complete the retrofit at a time that is convenient to you.
Back to Top

I’m interested in Power Savings Blitz. How do I book an assessment?
To have an assessment of your business completed, your participating electric utility would first have to confirm that your business is eligible for the program. Once your eligibility is confirmed, your electricity distribution company will use your contact information to schedule an assessment with you. Click here to find out if your electric utility is participating in the Power Savings Blitz.

Back to Top

Is the retrofit going to interfere with the operation of my business?
It’s highly unlikely. The retrofit is quick is easy and can usually be done while your business is open. The assessor will work with you to arrange a time for the retrofit that’s most convenient for you. This way, you can have the retrofit done with minimum impact on your business. The whole retrofit shouldn’t take more than two hours or so to complete. You can expect very little mess since there’s no change to the lighting footprint or the electric water heating unit. Repairs or re-painting shouldn’t be required.
Back to Top

I don’t own the building. Would I need permission from my landlord?
In order to authorize the installation of the energy upgrades, you’ll need to represent and warrant that you have the authority and right over the property. If you’re unsure about this, it’s important that you discuss this with your landlord.
Back to Top

What other programs help small businesses save electricity?
Contact your electricity distribution company. They may offer a number of programs funded by the Ontario Power Authority. It pays to explore all that’s available for your small business to take advantage of. As well, you’ll find additional information by visiting business.everykilowattcounts.com.
Back to Top

 

Program Measures

What retrofits qualify?
With Power Savings Blitz, the following retrofits qualify:

• Fluorescent lighting systems
  
• Compact fluorescent lighting
  
• LED “EXIT” signs
  
• Electric water heating
  
• Water heater jacket
  
• Pipe insulation
  
• Faucet aerator

Back to Top

 

How can fluorescent lighting save energy?
When you replace your older T12s with the newer T8 fixtures, you’ve chosen lighting that’s:

• Highly energy efficient
  
• Better able to keep up their light level
  
• Able to light up quickly without any delay or flickering

Back to Top

How can a compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb save energy?
Since CFLs are significantly more efficient, they only use a quarter of the energy that regular (incandescent) bulbs use and they’re able to last up to 8 years.
Back to Top

What should I do if a CFL breaks?
Rest assured that there’s only a tiny amount of mercury in a CFL. If a bulb does break, there’s a risk of getting cut by the pieces of glass. When you follow the proper clean-up and disposal guidelines, you’ll greatly minimize the risks.

If a CFL does break, it’s important to:

• Not vacuum. Instead, carefully sweep up all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
  
• Place any broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any pieces of glass or fine particles.
  
• Put the used paper towel in the plastic bag as well.
  
• Dispose of the bulbs in an environmentally friendly manner.

Back to Top

How can a blanket for an electric hot water heater save energy?
Hot water heater insulating blankets help reduce heat loss. This means your water heater won’t have to work extra hard to provide you with the same amount of hot water. This is an easy, inexpensive and effective way of saving energy. It’s important to note that blankets should only be added to a water heater that uses electricity. Water heaters that use natural gas should not have a blanket installed.
Back to Top

How can water heater pipe wrap save energy?
The wrap insulates the pipes to greatly reduce heat loss as the hot water travels to your bathroom or kitchen. When you reduce the heat loss from hot water, less energy is needed to supply you with the hot water you need.
Back to Top

How can a low flow faucet aerator save energy?
By adding air to the water stream, the aerator actually reduces the amount of water that’s used without reducing effectiveness. This will also reduce the amount of energy that’s needed for heating and providing water to your sink areas.
Back to Top

Click to return to the Power Savings Blitz homepage.

 

peaksaver® is a registered trademark of Toronto Hydro Corporation and used under license.