Colourfall Oakville - Home | Oakville Hydro€¦ · inspiration for the cooler days ahead. We’ve...
Transcript of Colourfall Oakville - Home | Oakville Hydro€¦ · inspiration for the cooler days ahead. We’ve...
READ ALL ABOUT IT! Monthly billing’s almost here
HARVEST YOUR
ENERGY SAVINGS
OakvilleColourfall
PREP FOR HEATING SEASON Outwit the elements
SIX SPOTS YOU FORGOT (SURPRISE!)Get the designer look NOW
BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFASTSBeat the morning rush
SHINE BRIGHT FOR LESSCoupons for light fixtures and more
Keeping up with the Kelvins Watt the heck’s a lumen?
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Who else is ready for crisp air, colourful leaves and comfort food? Embracing the change and the beauty of each season makes the transition easier. We’re here to help, with a little inspiration for the cooler days ahead.
We’ve got you covered this heating season, with savings tips from basement to attic and beyond. Time for a new HVAC system? Learn about rebates that can help on page 21.
As nights get longer, you may begin to notice your lighting isn’t up to par, so we’ve also put together a quick guide to help you choose the best bulbs. Find discounts for high-efficiency light fixtures and more great products on page 7. But hurry! Our Coupon Event is only on for a limited time.
Finally, be sure to try our energy-saving breakfast recipe on page 16, just in time for back to school.
Using energy more efficiently is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment, and better protect the four beautiful seasons we’re so lucky to call our own.
Mary Caputi Conservation Leader
20Tried & tested Weatherproofing tips
EDITOR’S NOTE
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4-5Simple reminders Top tips, month by month
6-8Cent-sible solutions Clip. Save. Repeat.
13High-end designGet the look for less
14Better by the dozen Monthly billing’s almost here!
23 Staying safe This tip could save your life
22Litres
Get kitted Top 5 items for your emergency kit
Overnight delight Cook up tasty savings with this easy recipe
First time ever! Load up on LED savings
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Moving inward
Get crafty Seasonal fun with LEDs
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S SM MT TW WT TF FS
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8 127 116 105 94 83 72 6
15 1914 1813 1712 1611 1510 149 13
22 2621 2520 2419 2318 2217 2116 20
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On average, it takes 12 weeks for new habits to stick – so we’re offering you two months of easy green actions! These simple tips can help you consume less and save more, and make being green automatic.
TIP CALENDAR
OCTOBER NOVEMBER
Green your fall
Never wore those Bermuda shorts? Donate unworn summer clothing
Find coupons in stores this month See page 6 for details
Winter ratesWinter Time-of-Use rates start
Smart suds Do laundry on weekends for lowest rates
Micro marvellousCook with a microwave; it uses 2/3 the energy of a stove
Easy chillin’Dust refrigerator coils to help dissipate heat
Daylight Savings Time ends Clean or replace furnace filter
Happy ThanksgivingOff-peak electricity rates all weekend!
Dish it outLet dishes air-dry to save more
Furnace fixerFurnace more than 10 years old? See page 21 for rebates
Low and slowSlow-cooker breakfasts make mornings a breeze – see page 16 for recipe
Go cheque-less Sign up for Pre-Authorized Payments
Deck the halls ’Tis the season for LED lights
Love a mugBring a reusable mug when you buy coffee
Fight the phantomsUse a power bar with a timer or auto-shutoff to fight phantom power – see page 7 for coupon
Old cellphone?Give it a fond farewell: recyclemycell.ca
Halloween safety Use LED tea lights instead of candles
Eee-asy does itSwitch to eBills to cut paper clutter
Switch to LED bulbs to save up to 75%Super-long life too!
Clean coolWash laundry in cold (not hot) water
Ask an Energy Expert at our Coupon Event – see page 6 for details
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IN-STORE COUPON EVENT
RETURNS Sept. 30 – Oct. 30
Score a dealScore
Wait!There’s a coupon
for that—
Indoor motion sensorsConvenient, hands-free lighting – great for laundry rooms and more
$3OFF
$8OFFENERGY STAR® CERTIFIED
Light fixturesUse a quarter of the energy that standard fixtures use Meet the Energy Experts
See our website for the dates, times and stores we’ll be visiting in October.
> Get personalized advice on energy-saving products
> Get tips for more ways to save on energy at home
> Play games and win prizes
Download more coupons and find a participating store near you at oakvillehydro.com/coupons
Power bars with timers or auto-shutoffStop devices from drawing power when idle
$4OFF
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Sign up now at oakvillehydro.com/pap
Switch to paperless at oakvillehydro.com
Go paperless! Switch to eBills It’s better for the environment too! Simply log in to your MyOakvilleHydro account to activate eBilling. Don’t
have an online account yet? It takes just minutes to set one up.
Set it & forget itWant to make life even easier? Try Pre-Authorized Payments – they eliminate the hassle of tracking due dates so you’ll
never miss a payment again. Signing up is quick and easy online!
BUSTERClutter
STREAMLINE & SIMPLIFY
HOME ORGANIZATION
Everybody’s got one of those drawers – a catch-all where batteries, spare keys and safety pins all roll around together. Here’s a neat idea to help you stay organized without spending a dime.1 Purge, purge, purge
Do you really need all those soy sauce packets?
2 Hunt and gather Gather up any jewellery boxes, shoebox lids and small bowls you aren’t using.
3 Nest snugly Arrange the containers to fit inside the drawer, storing like items with like items.
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LED SUPER SALE
• How much can LED bulbs save you every year? • What’s the best “colour temperature” for each room?• How do I choose the right bulb for each fixture?
Visit any Oakville location of The Home Depot and get answers to all your lighting questions from a Lighting Expert when you shop the LED Super Sale.
a whole new lookGet ready forBulb
showdown
BRIGHT IDEAS
Produce more heat than light.Federal ban now in effect.
70% more efficient than incandescents. Contain mercury.
INCANDESCENT CFL LED
Is it really worth switching out CFLs and incandescents with LEDs?
YES OH YES!—
Lumen aid
50,000 HOUR LIFE
UP TO
Use 75% less electricity than incandescents and work indoors and out.
10,000 HOUR LIFE
1,000 HOUR LIFE
Switch all your old bulbs at once during the LED Super Sale! Bring home a whole new look and feel with Philips LEDs, not to mention energy savings. The old way to
shop for bulbs was to look at wattage. Now it’s all about lumens.
Lumens measure brightness of light.
Watts measure electrical power used.
Kelvins measure “mood” of light (lower numbers = more golden in colour, higher numbers = more blueish in colour).
Rule of thumbWatts to Lumens
40W 450 lu
60W 800 lu
75W 1,100 lu
100W 1,600 lu
SUPERSALE
SWITCH& SAVE
LED
Mark your calendar LED SUPER SALE WEEKENDSSeptember 17–18 & 24–25
Offer for residential customers only, for use in residential applications. Limit of 25 per item, per customer. Quantities are limited while supplies last. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers, including Save on Energy coupons. Offer applies to select Philips LED bulbs only. Not valid for online purchases. Subject to additional terms and conditions at LEDsupersale.ca.
Find full details at LEDsupersale.ca
†Based on three hours of operation per day, at $0.11/kWh. 9.5W LED is equivalent to 60W incandescent. Source: Philips.
Incandescent
x 50 bulbs x 50 bulbs
LED
PER YEAR
$7.21 $1.14$360.50 $57
Cost to operate one bulb per year† Cost to operate one bulb per year†
Average number of bulbs per home Average number of bulbs per home
Total energy cost per year Total energy cost per year
$300+
Trust the math
SAVINGSvs. {
Only at
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Get a special price on leasing a premium home charging station and help shape the future of electric vehicles when you participate in EVfutureGRID, a first-of-its-kind pilot program.
BRIGHT IDEAS
For more details:[email protected] 905-825-9400, extension 2266futuregrid.ca
Six spots you forgot!
Do you own or plan to buy an electric vehicle?
Ready, set,
Did you know? You may qualify for FREE energy-saving appliances and products with the Save on Energy Home Assistance Program.
How it works:1 An Energy Expert
makes an appointment to visit your home and reviews how you’re using energy.
2 We supply and install upgrades at NO CHARGE to you.
3 We show you how to use your new upgrades to save energy.
Please call GreenSaver, our program partner, at 1-855-234-9376 to find out if you’re eligible.
How we can help
Already have an EV charger at home?
Let us know! We’re mapping residential charging stations to ensure grid stability.
charge
ACCENT LIGHTING
BEDROOMHEADBOARDS
With their slim profile, LEDs are ideal for floating shelves
Create a dreamy ambience that will outlast even your mattress
TOE-KICK AREAS
CURTAINTOPS
Install as path lights for extra safety; add a sense of depth
Accentuate decor and fill the room with soft light
UNDER CABINETS
PUCKLIGHTS
Improve visibility – countertops, home offices and other work areas
Cool-runningLEDs won’t heat the items in your display case
Now everyone can achieve a high-end designer look with LEDs!
They’re affordable to buy and use, so you can install them
throughout your home – even in these easily overlooked spots.
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Hip hip MONTHLY BILLING
Better by the dozenBeginning this fall, Oakville Hydro is switching to monthly billing. That means you’ll get 12 bills every year instead of six, making it easier for you to manage your costs.
Oakville Hydro bills for water and wastewater for Halton Region. With the implementation of monthly billing,
electricity will be billed each month. Water and wastewater will continue to be billed every two months.
Give a welcome cheer!
(almost) here
Get a more current view of your electricity habits so you can make smart switches sooner.
Smaller, more frequent bills make it easier to manage your household budget.
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Monthly billing’s
Read more about it at oakvillehydro.com/monthlybilling
Two programs to help you meet your home energy needs.
In a pinch?Year-round emergency grants The Low-Income Energy Assistance program (LEAP) provides one-time grants to those who are having difficulty paying past due electricity bills.
Find out if you qualify at oakvillehydro.com/LEAP
Regular ongoing bill assistance The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides a monthly on-bill credit based on household income and size.
Find out if you qualify at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca
Answers to your top five frequently asked questions from Christina, our e-correspondence expert.
Q: Can I see my account information online?A: Yes! Sign up for MyOakvilleHydro and see your history, billing and electricity usage, along with many other services such as eBill registration, arranging a move online, billing alerts and more.
Q: How do I sign up for MyOakvilleHydro?A: Signing up is quick and easy. Visit oakvillehydro.com, answer a few short questions, create a user name and password, and you’re all set. Remember to have your account and meter number handy.
Q: I’m moving. Can I do that online?A: Yes you can. If you’re a new customer, please go to oakvillehydro.com, click Moving, and provide us with details about your move. It’s available 24/7!
Q: What are all the different charges for on my bill?A: You can learn more about the charges at oakvillehydro.com, Understanding Your Bill.
Q: How do I set up Pre-Authorized Payments?A: It’s easy! Just go to oakvillehydro.com/pap, enter your banking information, and click Register. No need to send a void cheque. It really is that easy! Now your payment will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the due date.
How you benefit from monthly billing
Ask Christina...
ASK CHRISTINA
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OVERNIGHT OATMEAL Serves 4
Ingredients > Cooking spray or butter
> 480 ml (2 cups) water
> 240 ml (1 cup) steel-cut oats
> 480 ml (2 cups) almond milk
> 2 large apples – peeled, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
> 45 ml (3 tbsp) brown sugar or maple syrup
> 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon
Toppings of your choice (optional): milk, dried cranberries or raisins, berries, chopped nuts, maple syrup or brown sugar
Directions1 Coat the inside of your slow cooker with
cooking spray or butter.
2 Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker.
3 Cook on low for about seven hours.
4 Stir and serve warm with toppings.
7:00AM
MO
AUTO
OVERNIGHT DELIGHT
PREP TIME:
5MINUTES
Morningmiracles
Extra energy saving tip
Plug your slow cooker into a power bar with a timer/auto-shutoff
A slow cooker uses 65% less energy
in seven hours than an electric oven uses
in just one hour.Wake up to delicious, energy-efficient breakfasts. There’s a secret weapon in your kitchen for saving energy: the slow cooker. Flip it on during off-peak hours (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.) for a savvy, simple way to cook up some savings.
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Under wraps To begin, gather up all your supplies and place the wreath form on a flat work surface. Wrap the wreath form in burlap ribbon, leaving no gaps.
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Hang out Attach to a wreath hanger with the black ribbon. Come December, replace the seasonal elements with ornaments for a holiday look!
GET CRAFTY
Add an accent Trim seasonal elements to varying lengths and make a loose bunch. Fasten near the centre at the bottom of the wreath with floral wire.
3Change it up!—Get creative with this versatile DIY wreath: adorn it with greenery and bows, or use coloured LEDs – the possibilities are endless!
Thanks to their durability and longevity, LEDs are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use – even at colder temperatures.
We suggest:— > 1 50 cm (20 inch) wreath form
> 1 spool 5 cm (2 inch) wired burlap ribbon
> 1 strand of clear battery-operated LED string lights
> 1 cluster of seasonal elements
> Black ribbon
> Hot glue gun and glue stick
> Floral or craft wire
> Scissors and wire cutters
Door decor
In the loop Use hot glue to secure the ribbon ends at the back, and loop the LED string lights around the wreath. Tuck the battery pack into the back of the wreath at the bottom, and secure with floral wire.
This simple LED wreath adds personality and seasonal sparkle
to your door.
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WEATHERPROOFING DIY GUIDE
Air leaks cost you by letting heat escape. Seal the most common leaks and you can make your home cozier and more efficient while saving money too.
DraftDODGER
Is your HVAC system more than 10 years old, not keeping you comfortable or requiring frequent repairs? Upgrade and save with Save on Energy rebates!
COMFORT AND SAVINGS For better performance, greater comfort and up to $325 a year in energy cost savings, upgrade to new ENERGY STAR® certified systems. Get $250 for a high-efficiency furnace and up to $400 for a high-efficiency central air conditioner.*
Find expert HVAC tips and look for a participating contractor at oakvillehydro.com/rebates
Quick fact As much as 60% of your annual electricity costs go to heating and cooling your home.
Rebates TO HELP YOU
upgrade
Fireplace chimney case Consider inserting an inflatable chimney balloon when your fireplace is not in use.
Light fixtures Flush mounts can be especially leaky.
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61 Windows and doors Vinyl weatherstripping holds up well.
Basement sills Rubber caulking adheres to concrete.
Interior cavity walls Older homes may have large empty spaces.
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Attic hatch Always caulk around the frame.
Outlets and wall switches Foam inserts seal up outlets and light switches.
Quick tip
Dirty spots on ceiling or carpet? They may indicate an air leak.
8 Plumbing Use a flexible seal around pipes and vents.
Trim areas Seal all baseboards and mouldings.
Floors Wool area rugs can act like insulation.
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INDIVIDUAL HOMESAND BUSINESSES
STATIONS ANDFEEDER LINES
CRITICALSERVICES
Q: What’s the process you follow to restore power after a widespread outage? A: We prioritize hospitals, fire and police stations then move onto critical town-wide systems like water treatment plants. We then restore as many customers as possible through system reconfiguration and, finally, repairs.
Q: How do I report an outage in my area? A: You can call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 905-825-9400. Save this number in your phone! Before you call, be sure to check your fuse box for circuits switched off. Get up-to-date outage details at oakvilleoutages.ca through your mobile device.
Q: What are some common causes of outages?A: Severe weather is a very common cause, but outages can also happen as a result of vehicle accidents or even damage caused by squirrels and raccoons.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TEST YOUR SURVIVAL SKILLS
Litres
This tip could save your life
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B
3
C
1
A Stop the vehicle and gently ease out; don’t look up
Stay in the car
Keep driving. The line will fall off eventually.
Did you answer B? You’re right!
Always stay inside your vehicle until Oakville Hydro crews can clear the wires and make the area safe. If you must exit the vehicle because of fire, jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together. If passersby attempt to approach and help you, warn them to stay far back!
Visit our YouTube channel for helpful safety videos.
Imagine you’re driving down the road and
a power line falls on your car…Now what?
Who’s on first?
Tom, the Control Room Operator, explains how Oakville Hydro prioritizes power restoration after an outage.
JUST IN CASE
You can help lessen the impact of an outage by taking the time to prepare in advance.
Build or restock your 72-hour emergency kit with these essentials and make sure everyone in your family knows where the kit is stored.
Top 5 items for an emergency kit1 First aid supplies,
including band-aids and alcohol wipes.
2 Bottled water (four litres per person, per day).
3 Non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
4 Flashlight and extra batteries.
5 Wind-up radio.
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Subject to additional terms and conditions found at oakvillehydro.com/conservation. Save on Energy is powered by the Independent Electricity System Operator and brought to you by Oakville Hydro. OMOfficial Mark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence. *Incentives are available for installation of eligible equipment completed by Dec. 31 and submitted no later than Feb. 1 of the following calendar year. Equipment must be purchased from and installed by a participating contractor. $250 incentive with the purchase and installation of an eligible furnace. $250 OR $400 incentive with the purchase and installation of an eligible central air conditioner system.
FPO
Report an outage905-825-9400 oakvilleoutages.ca
Find additional tips and tools to help you save electricity at oakvillehydro.com/conservation
We’re social!
Get the power of MyOakvilleHydro Log in to your account to view your TOU usage.
We’re here for youGeneral customer inquiries905-825-9400 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
[email protected] 861 Redwood Square Oakville, ON L6L 6R6
CONTACT US
Time your useTake advantage of the lowest Time-of-Use (TOU) rates by shifting your laundry and dishwashing to off-peak hours – evenings after 7 p.m. and all day on weekends and statutory holidays.
Off-peak Mid-peak On-peak
TIME-OF-USE RATES
Weekday until October 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.
Weekday November 1 – April 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
Report a streetlight out905-825-6354 [email protected]