Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCRPS-08-172 - Environment Comm Rec - Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) Power Saving NetworkReport To: Councillor C. Weylie, Chair and Members of the Development & Technical Services Committee Date of Meeting: October 20, 2008 Submitted By: Environmental Committee Prepared By: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner - 741-3400 x 3148 Colin Goodeve, Committee Administrator - 741-2278 Ward(s) Involved: All Date of Report: October 8, 2008 Report No.: CRPS-08-172 Subject: ADDENDUM TO REPORT CRPS-08-152 - ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY WATERLOO (CREW) POWER SAVING NETWORKK Uem At the September 29, 2008 Development & Technical Services Committee meeting, additional information was requested as to whether there is any duplication between the work of Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) Power Saving Network and the Residential Energy Efficiency Project CREEP). �014 Founded in 2003, CREW is a local non-profit organization dedicated to making renewable energy accessible to the citizens of Waterloo Region. Their vision is to be a network of knowledgeable advocates, early adopters and interested citizens who initiate and provide support to local projects that encourage energy conservation, sustainable use of energy and materials from naturally regenerating sources; such as, wind, solar and earth energy. CREW's Power Saving Network initiative is a low cost, volunteer-spread educational program aimed at reducing electricity consumption. Using a toolkit of step-by-step instructions, electricity meters, demonstration items and informative fact sheets, the Power Saving Network hosts "Energy- Aware" meetings at which participants learn to identify where, when, and how electricity is used in their apartment, home or small business. There is no cost for using the toolkit, which can be used without modification by residents who wish to conduct an "audit" of their electricity load as part of planning a renewable energy project. The overall intent of the Power Saving Network initiative is to bring awareness and change to the community's energy consumption habits. Founded in 1998, REEP provides residents with tools for sustainable resource use, energy conservation and efficiency, and renewable energy applications through the facilitation of environmental programs and services, public education, research and community partnerships. In early 2006, REEP became incorporated as a project of Waterloo Region Green Solutions, a community-based non-profit environmental organization that is funded by a combination of local partners, provincial contracts, grants and client fees. REEP's ecoENERGY Home Evaluations program was developed by the Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada, to provide third-party, expert advice to help home and property owners learn how to save energy, reduce their bills and improve home comfort. During a home energy evaluation, a Certified Energy Advisor uses a computer modeling system to determine a home's energy performance and identify sources of heat and energy loss. Certified Energy Advisors deliver the national ecoENERGY program through a variety of local service organizations across Canada like REEP. While CREW provides information to educate individuals as to how they may obtain incentives or grants and how to pursue renewable energy options, REEP evaluates homes under the ecoENERGY program using criteria outlined by Natural Resources Canada; accordingly, only evaluations conducted under the ecoENERGY program are eligible for grants. While the CREW Power Saving Network started from REEP it is not affiliated with REEP in terms of financing. REEP focuses primarily on building envelope and ways to improve energy efficiency in terms of heating and cooling a building. CREW, through their Power Saving Network, is focused on changing societal behaviours with regard to electricity consumption within people's homes and changing the public's habits with regard to their everyday use of electricity. Both CREW and REEP are members of Ontario Sustainable Energy Association and on their websites, both organizations reference the services offered by the other. For example, CREW provides a summary of some of the financial incentives available to residents to help them fund their renewable energy projects. However, they specifically note that homeowners should consider getting a whole-house energy audit from the professionals at REEP, which would make them eligible for substantial rebates and grants. The two groups have collaborated on a number of initiatives; such as, co-hosting a Solar Energy Public Forum at the Kitchener Public Library that was attended by approximately 150 people. Accordingly, the programs offered by REEP and CREW act more to compliment each other, than a duplication of services. Corporate Services Department report CRPS-08-152 and CREW's 2006-2007 Report have been attached for the Committee's reference. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Representatives from CREW were circulated this report and will be appearing as a delegation at the October 20, 2008 Development & Technical Services Committee meeting. Colin Goodev- • -- Administrator Carrie Musselman Senior Environmental Planner A Community Renewable Energy Waterloo 2006 -2007 Report CREV� i �I� Activities in 200612007: Following is a partial list of events we attended, displayed at, promoted and /or hosted: • REEP Solar Energy & Electricity Forum, U Waterloo School of Architecture, August 14/06 • Energy Forum, Kitchener Farmer's Market, hosted by John Milloy, MPP, September 16/06 • Energy $ense at KPL: William Kemp, author of the "Renewable Energy Handbook ", October 5/06 • CREW/Woolner Geothermal /Solar Hot Water Project completed, fall /06 • CREW green building group met monthly at REEP offices • "Renewable Energy 101" seminars hosted by Natural Power Products, occasional throughout year • All members meeting to review impacts of the SOP, December 9/06 • Launch of the Power Network, electricity self -audit program , Jan /07 • Consultation with Ontario Minister of Environment Laurel Broten and MPP John Milloy, January 11/07 • WRAC grant writing workshop, Kitchener City Hall, Jan 13/07 • Countryside Energy Co- operative annual general meeting, Jan 16/07 • Energy $ense at KPL: Stephen Dixon: Understanding Your Electricity Load, January 17/07 • CREWgreen talk at KPL: Michael Jones, New Dundee straw bale retrofit project, Jan 17/07 • Waterloo Region Homebuilders Assoc., intro to sustainable housing talk, Jan 18/07 • OSEA Annual Retreat, Ecology Retreat Centre, Hockley Valley, Feb 3/07 • Climate Change Evening, Franklin Public School, Feb 6/07 • David Suzuki "What if" tour, UW Hagey Hall, Feb 13/07 • Presentation to Planning & Works Committee, Region of Waterloo, Feb 20/07 • Community Energy Planning consultation with Peter Garforth, Feb 21/07 • Herman Scheer talk and book launch, Queen's Park, Feb 25/07 • Energy $ense at KPL: Gerald Van Decker: Choosing Your Water Heating Source(s), February 27/07 • CREWgreen tour of YWCA Outdoor Centre, Paradise Lake, Feb 27/07 • Victoria Serda, live presentations of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth, KPL & 8 others site, March 20 -22/07 • Grand House Co- operative "Sprung" event, March 23/07 • OSEA/CanSIA, Community Solar Initiatives workshop, Toronto, March 27/07 • Stirling Mennonite Church, ecology presentation, Kitchener City Hall, April 1/07 • Intro to Wind presentation, Rotary Club, Walper Terrace Hotel, April 10/07 • Alternative Energy Tour, Woolwich and area, April 14/07 • KW Chamber of Commerce, Energy & Environment Forum, Holiday Inn, Kitchener, April 18/07 • Earth Day reflections, Rockway Mennonite Church, April 22/07 • German Canadian Wind Energy Partnership meetings, Kitchener, April 23/07 Our local partners include Kitchener Public Library, the Residential Energy Efficiency Project, Greening Sacred Spaces, Local Initiatives for Future Energy Co- operative, Countryside Energy Co- operative, Waterloo Public Interest Research Group and the Working Centre. CREW is an associate member of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA). Key accomplishments in 2006/2007: • Advocacy on behalf of the standard offer program (RESOP) • Membership growth to over 60 plus continued development of "CREW general" contacts • Organized and hosted 3 Energy $ense talks plus Victoria Serda series • Three issues of quarterly electronic newsletter, "CREWzone" produced and distributed • Launch of a website, crewzone.ca • Creation of a new electricity assessment group (see the Power Network description, below). CREW Incoming board members (2007 -2009) Chantal Cornu, M.Arch, B. E.S. :, Grand House Executive Director. Chantal's interests range from renewable energy to architecture. She has several years of architectural and building experience in conventional and alternative construction, and has worked in Ontario, New York and Europe. She holds a Master's of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Pre - professional, Architecture) from the University of Waterloo, and has also studied architecture at the University of Stuttgart and in Rome. She hopes to bring her experience with the Grand House Co -op and other grass -roots start -up organizations to CREW in order to help expand public consciousness and educational activities around sustainability and community action. Beth Hobson, B.A., B. Ed.. A secondary school educator for 26 years, Beth identifies herself as a typical non- technical Kitchener homeowner wanting to adopt a less- energy intensive lifestyle but not knowing how to do so. Having discovered CREW at a public energy forum less than 2 years ago, Beth is thankful to have discovered a local group with such a breadth of knowledge and experience. Our willingness to share and promote alternate strategies encouraged Beth to play an active role this year in a new initiative, the Power Network, where she is playing a key role in developing the toolkit concept. Returning board members (2006- 2008): Dave Klassen: (Secretary) Dave Klassen has spent 22 years living in different parts of Africa working in the areas of construction, peace and development work. He has experience with photovoltaics, solar hot water, biogas, water /energy conservation and a keen interest in other forms of renewable energy. Presently he works as a consultant and landlord. Kevin Rabelais, P.Eng.. Kevin is a professional engineer (electrical) with experience in circuit design, project management and teaching. Kevin is interested in energy efficiency, wind energy and solar energy (both heat and electricity producing) and would like to contribute to the coordination, structure and distribution of volunteer efforts on the board. He has ideas for a trade show initiative as well as connections with FM98.5 CKWR radio and Conestoga College. Derek Satnik, P. Eng., LEED AP: (Vice President) Derek Satnik is a LEED Accredited Professional Electrical Engineer who specializes in alternative energy solutions and in sustainable design in general. Derek participates in the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC)'s Residential Committee (LEED -H) and Real- Estate Committee, is a director at Local Initiative for Future Energy (LIFE) Co- Operative Inc., and a participant in Conestoga College's Program Advisory Committee (PAC) and an emerging alternative energy technologies program there. Derek has experience in nearly all aspects of electrical engineering design, with wind and solar energy projects and with designing and commissioning LEED rated environmentally friendly and sustainable buildings. He is a managing partner at Mindscape Innovations, and will succeed Sandra as President of CREW. Glen Woolner: (Treasurer) Glen is an early CREW associate who revived his membership with the formation of the earth energy group. He sees the value in conserving and wants to do what he can to keep his home comfortable and efficient - a model for others in practicing stewardship of our resources. He has experience in using solar panels — "homemade out of readily available parts and very effective " —to heat a pool, and in his current home has installed as a pilot project a ground source heating /cooling system integrated with solar for the domestic hot water supply. This project was the first urban site in the area to utilize new 'sonic' vertical drilling technology. Glen is a leader of CREW -earth energy, but maintains an interest in all of CREW's activities. Ex- officio: Sandra Mooibroek, Ph. D.: (Past President) Sandra has been a member of CREW since 2004, and has served as President of CREW since its incorporation two years ago. During her tenure, CREW has initiated working groups such as earth energy, green building, wind, and solar, "spun off" partner organizations such as L.I.F.E. and the Power Network, hosted a dozen Energy $ense seminars at Kitchener Public Library and partnered with related groups such as OSEA, BEEP, WPIRG, STEP, One Tonne Challenge, Countryside Energy Co -op and Grand House Co -op. She is the founder and editor of CREW's quarterly e- newsletter, CREWzone, and has overseen the development of CREW's website and extensive network of contacts. Professionally, Sandra holds a PhD in physical chemistry and is an advisory council member and consultant to ARISE Technologies (Silicon feedstock division). She researches energy and environmental issues and writes the occasional piece for the KW Record and other publications. Although her term as President officially ends this spring, Sandra expects to continue to serve CREW as a volunteer executive director and ex- officio board member while funds are raised to hire paid staff for CREW. CREW working groups and affiliates: CREWearth: Ground - source heating systems — leaders are Glen Woolner and Janek Jagiellowicz (former board member). Both leaders have done personal residential earth energy installations. Although this group has not met recently, members `on tap' include Kris Stinson (of Eden Energy), Luke Hatherton (of NextEnergy), and Daniel Coffin (who spear- headed a video - documentary project of the Woolner installation). CREWgreen. The Green - Building group meets regularly to share knowledge and updates on various aspects of designing and constructing environmentally sustainable buildings, especially homes. Leaders include Mary Jane Patterson (executive director of Waterloo Region Green Solutions and manager of BEEP), Derek Satnik and John Sanderson, secretary. Regular members include Trent Bauman (of Menno S. Martin Construction) and Chantal Cornu (executive director of Grand House Co -op, a straw bale residence building project associated with the UW School of Architecture), local energy advisors, trades people, and individuals looking for ideas about how to build their own sustainable home. CREWsolar: Although this group does not meet regularly, industry expertise available to the group includes CREW members drawn from at least 7 local solar distribution and installation companies, REEP and the University of Waterloo. CREWsolar is participating in a provincial Community Solar Initiatives group organized by the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association. Currently, CREW is promoting local solar photovoltaic projects, encouraging purchasers of earth energy systems to augment domestic hot water with solar thermal, encouraging local builders to offer "solar- ready" packages to new home buyers, and has plans to actively advocate for elimination of property tax increases and small generator charges that reduce the economic viability of solar projects. CREWwind: CREW continues to advocate for standard offer contracts and community owned wind power projects, through letters and presentations to MPPs, op -ed pieces in the local paper and on -going information and member sharing with neighbouring co- operatives L.I.F.E. and Countryside Energy. Key leaders of these groups who are also members of CREW include Linda Laepple (L. I. F. E. president), Derek Satnik (L.I.F. E. director), Yvonne Zyma (L. I. F.E. communications) and Doug Fyfe (General Manager of Countryside Energy Co- operative). The Power Network: Founded in the past year by Stephen Dixon, principal of TdS Dixon Inc (Know Energy) with active participants and leaders Rebecca Shewfelt (Lakes Environmental), Trent Bauman (secretary), Beth Hobson, and Rick Williams. This group is developing an innovative program which includes electricity load assessment toolkits designed to help ratepayers identify and reduce their electricity consumption. Actively supported by advisory council members Sandra Mooibroek of CREW, Mary Jane Patterson of REEP and Joe Mancini of the Working Centre, the Power Network has been meeting at the Working Centre and is now conducting field trials at participating members' homes. .� 1 �� r� .� f � }•� � f �r � � r�T � .. r• r .� 1 • 5 7 ' I � � '• ' Acknowledgments CREW would like to take this opportunity to formally thank the City of Cambridge, the City of Kitchener, the City of Waterloo and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for the funding that was provided for this project. Without your generosity, delivering the project to the number of people that it was delivered to would not have been possible. In addition, a special thank you goes to Beth Hobson, Trent Bauman, Glen Woolner, Rick Williams, Sandra Mooibroek, Stephen Dixon and everyone else that helped in developing the Power $aving Network initiative. Through many hours of volunteering, this project developed from one person's idea to where it is today. Executive Summary The Power $aving Network is an initiative developed by Community Renewable Energy Waterloo as a low -cost, volunteer- spread educational program to reduce electricity consumption. Using a toolkit of instructions, electricity meters, demonstration items and informative fact sheets, the Power $aving Network has begun to spread the news about easy and inexpensive ways for individuals to reduce the electricity used in their homes. ............................ . recommended to participants included: Change Light Bulbs • Reduce Usage • Turn It Off • Timers • Power Bars • Unplug p g B implementing he redutl measures Ist above the program identified a potential By p p g p savings 2,501.4 kWh of electrieyeach month, the equivalent monthly electricity needed to nowver, hree homes in Ontario. While homeowers had good intentions of continuing to measure appliances and devices that could not be exanned during the initial visit, most did not do so and the data gathered in the first visit was all the data that was submitted. The lack of follow through is a clear indication that the most effective method of utilizing the kits with members of the community is to continue to have someone deliver the program at their residence. Not only does this help individuals in documenting their usage, it also ensures that electricity usage for the most significant and the easiest to change items is highlighted in order to foster the most significant change. Table of Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................ ............................... 1 2. Project Outline ........................................................................... ............................... 1 3. Project Goals .............................................................................. ............................... 2 4. Target Audience ...................................................................... ............................... 2 5. Methodology ........................................................................... ............................... 2 6. Community Benefits ......................................................... .,............................. 4 ................... 7. Public Acceptance ............................................................. ............................... 4 ........... 8. Results and Savings Potential .................................. ............................... 5 8.1. Computers ................... ............................... ............... ............................... 5 . . ............................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : : Entertainment .................. ............................... ............... ............................... 8.3. Lighting ............................................................................. ..............................6 9. Reduction Measures ............................:..................... ............................... 7 9.1. Unplug ......... ............................... ..... ............................ ............................... 8 p g 9 . 2 Power Bars . . .... W ..�....... ................... . ............. .., . ................ ............................... 8 9 .3. Timers .... ........... .................. .................................. ............................... ..... ... .. 9 ................. 9.4. Turn It f........... ................................................... ............................... 9 .... 9.5. R educe Usa e. ... ............. ............................ ............................... 1 0 9 .6. C i ht Bu ........ ................................. ............................... bane L lb ....;, 10 10. Prrd ject I 110 Public 'a 12. Future P ............................................. .............................10 13. Conclusion .............................................................................. ............................... 11 Appendices 1. Introduction When someone is considering a renewable energy project for their home, it makes environmental and economical sense to begin by considering how to change the way we use energy by reducing the amount of energy consumed. Eliminating waste, energy that is used when it is not needed, along with increasing efficiency, are among the most cost - effective and environmentally - conscious ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and to achieve sustainable living. Community Renewable Energy Waterloo (CREW) is a local non profit or dedicated to making renewable energy accessible to the citizens of Waterloo Region. CREW's vision is to be a network of knowledgeable advocates, early adopters and interested citizens who initiate and support all local prod es that encourage energy conservation and sustainable use of energy or materials-fro' m naturally regenerating sources, such as wind, solar and earth energy. • attract participants, • demonstrate 11111 too kits worked, • assist participants indocentng their • comnle data. ............... nt usage and potential savings, and By having the Power $aving Network Coordinator go into individual homes, participants were able to receive one -on -one training in order to ensure proper use of the various meters and recording methods. This allowed for greater reach into the community as well as the ability to record and track the data submitted by individuals participating in the project. In addition, having homeowners participate in the inventory- taking aspect of the project encouraged them to identify and implement conservation opportunities in the context of their individual circumstances while being able to brainstorm additional ideas with someone who had been in a variety of homes and exposed to numerous situations. 3. Project Goals • Present a basic introduction to electricity consumption end billing • Assist individuals in identifying and measuring electricity consumption in their homes, specifically focusing on phantom loads (electricity being used when an item to be turned off) • Facilitate behavioural changes to maintain electricity savings by identifying long- term, easy -to -use and inexpensive conservation measures specific to the In lvl a res en ce • Encourage ho "ewners o brainstorm additional ideas with friends and family • motivate individuas so that they are excited to share their findings with other members of the ca unity. 4. Target Au +ne The project was A residents of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo, with a specific focus on those living in Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. Indirectly, the Power $aving Network hoped that individuals would be so excited about their findings that they would share what they learned with friends and family around the world. 5. Methodology The first step in the process of visiting homes was to find people interested in participating. As the program name suggests, the intention was to use networking in order to spread the message. Therefore, volunteers were recruited by sending a personal email to friends and family and asking them to forward the email to their acquaintances. This yielded a large response. Once I started visiting homes, people asked if they could refer me to another acquaintance of theirs. Having a personal connection to many of the homes that I visited allowed for the relaxed atmosphere that was initially intended. A minimal number of participants were recruited at our Annual General Meeting, other CREW events and from the CREW website. Once individuals contacted me, we proceeded to find a date and time that was suitable. At the home, I first installed the PowerCost Monitor and then sat down with the homeowner(s) and explained the details of the project. This included a detailed ....... ...... explanation of each item found in the toolkit. Each toolkit contained: • Instruction Guide and Program Overview it ormation related to: -Adv v1.02 (Excel Calculator) Once I had completed a thorough explanation of the program and each of the items in the toolkit, the hrnoner(s) and .1 spent the tes t of the two hours going around their home taking inventory of anything plugged into an outlet. As a wide variety of items were tested in each home, items were grouped into categories for data gathering and analysis purposes The categories and items belonging to each category were discussed as we inventoried the home. Appendix A contains an itemized list of what was included each category. As 'we went throu, the home, homeowners were encouraged to ask questions and in most cases, the answer was provided at that time. In some cases, the answer was not readily known and therefore, I had to get back to the homeowner at a later time. At the end of the two hour visit, I reminded them of the remaining tasks to be completed and told them I would be in touch in about a week to see how things were going and to arrange for the toolkit pick -up date. Provided there were no problems, I picked the toolkit up from the homeowner two weeks after the initial visit. At that time we discussed having a Power Party, an energy -aware event that required they invite friends and family to their home in order to showcase some of their most interesting discoveries. If the homeowner had not submitted their data already, I reminded them of this final step. Once all of the data was received, I combined each Excel worksheet into one master document that allowed me to look at the collective results. 6. Community Benefits The Power $aving Network toolkits provide a simple, low -cost, low- barrier approach to making conservation and energy efficiency attractive and affordable for a diverse cultural, educational, and socio- economic population. The program was developed by the average citizen in conjunction with experts in adult education and energy conservation, and was designed to encourage self - starters to discover and implement their own conservation initiatives. The use of electronic meters and spreadsheets provided the means to measure and learn where and how electricity was consumed. while making the toolkits interesting and enjoyable to use. The Power $aving Network initiative has proven-to' roven to be a motivator and catalyst for change. Immediate benefits are self- evident, with conservation reductions of 5 -50% in electrical usage, and the desire to share with thers...what had been learned In specific households. Aside from attracting homeowners and-renter s, the"', Power $aving Network attracted attention from faith communities and local or wishing to provide conservation education to their members or employees. As with the local One Book One Communit +�ee ;;; he Power $avin Network can yp g .......... ....... 0 become a point of discussion and a source of liigr' between people. The opportunity is here to fost sense of civi c­ build on community awareness around low energy and small carbon footprint lifestys, but most importantly, to create an awareness of howve prsonall ,instead of globally, waste valuable environmental resources. 7. Public Acceptance As a general rule, people were very excited to learn about additional savings opportunities that did not involve a large investment. In many instances, the homeowner was appalled to learn that a particular device was consuming electricity when they thought it was turned off. Several clients request that I not plug an item back in once it was discovered that it used electricity just sitting there. There were a few homes where I was surprised that they had invited me to come to their home as they really did not appear to be interested in making any of the recommended changes required to reduce their electricity consumption. However, those unwilling to change were definitely the exception, not the rule. 8. Results and Savings Potential 8.1. Computers The computer category included laptop, desktop and Apple computers as well as computer components:: such as printers, speakers, scanners, etc. Possible Computers Revised Savings 813 kWh Computers Usage 55% 671 kWh 45% Figure 1: Revised Usage & Possible Savings for the Computer Category 8.2. Entertainment In this study, the entertainment category included televisions, DVD players, VCRs, stereos and various other items that are generally used for entertainment purposes only. One important note is that whenever the term entertainment unit is used, it usually refers to the television and its various components. Entertainment units were measured as a single unit as there are usually multiple components on one power bar and this was the easiest way to measure the consumption accurately. Furthermore,, reduction measures recommended would be for the system as a whole or for multiple components rather than a separate reduction measure for each component, is evident in Figure 2, 52% of the electricity onsumed for entertainment purpose co.... e saved b y p rp �d b y implementing the recommended reduction measures. p g Figure 2: Revised Usa 8.3.rhting The ightmng category inclW homeowners. did not comb being the third highest catc not needed and twitching t Figure 3 displays the possi Revised Entertainment Usage 682 kWh 48% Savings for the Entertainment Category ed lar ightlights and overhead lighting. Although many Le the J Ata entry for overhead lighting, it still showed as Dry of electricity consumption. By turning lights off when CFLs, up to 58% of electricity usage could be conserved. e savings and revised usage for the lighting category. Possible Lighting Revised Lighting Savings 640 kWh Usage 466 kWh 58% 42% Figure 3: Revised Usage and Possible Savings for the fighting category. To summarize, if the reduction strategies outlined ... were implemented a6 io'ss the three categories of computers, entertainment units, and. hghting,:2,190 kWh out of 4,0,09 kWh could be saved. 9. Reduction Measures As previously stated, one of the goals f.... their electricity consumption without ha brainstorming and creativity, homeowner Network Coordinator, were able to come reduce electricity consum tl n,,,,, e project was to each people ways to reduce ..... i to spend a lot of In©ney. With some withth assistance cif the Power $aving p with a 1i �f, inexpensive and free ways to Figure 4 provides a graphical representation of the total monthly kWh savings potential .....:.... based on the reduction measures described below. Breakdown of Current Usage & Savings by Category Exterior Fans /Air Quality Cleaning Gen Appl Sm. Electronics Computers 9-7 Cooking Entertainment Exercise Cooling Heating Lighting 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 Monthly kWh Usage E3 Savings Figure 4: Breakdown of Current Usage & Savi ry oad on a variety of items in the home is is a list of items that are ideal for using 9.2. Power Bars Another saving strategy is to use a power bar. Power bars range in price but can be considered an inexpensive way to save electricity when using more than one item. The best places for power bars include: o Computers o Stereos o Entertainment Units In addition to using power bars for the above items, they can also be used for items that that are located in an awkward spot making it difficult to plug /unplug in order to save electricity. 9.3. Timers 9.4. 'urn It Off There once was a time when:: people were told that it was better to leave their computer on than to turn4-iott on and off each time you wanted to use it. That myth has since been found to be untrue. Unfortunately, there are still a number of people who leave their computers on when they are n t being used. Turning items off while they are not in use does not cost the homeowner anything; however, it requires that people make an extra effort to change their current habits. Below is a list of common items left on when they do not need to be: o Computers o Stereos • Baby Monitors • Lights 10. Project Limitations Considering the project required members of the community to volunteer their time when tabulating their usage and potentials savings, the final response rate was good. Out of the 40 homes visited, 28 homeowners submitted final results. Unfortunately, not everyone gathered data on items that required 24 -hour monitoring. Items that required 24 -hour monitoring are items that have a motor that cycles on and off irregularly (i.e. refrigerators, water softeners, etc.). Furthermore, most people did not gather data on their overhead lighting. After the coordinator's first visit, most people indicated they would continue measuring other appliances and devices that could not be examined during the initial two hour visit. Unfortunately, that was not usually the case and the data gathered in the first visit was all the data that was submitted. This could be due to the time of year the project was carried out (summer) as well as the limited amount of time that homeowners were left with the equipment (generally 2 weeks). The lack of follow through is a clear indication that the most effective method of utilizing the kits with members of the community is to continue to have someone deliver the program at their residence. Not only does this help individuals in documenting their usage, it also ensures that electricity usage for the most significant and the easiest -to- change items is highlighted in order to foster the most significant change. 11. Public Presentations e_ rTwo presentations were given during the roJ ec iod. one was a J oint R and REEP (Residential Energy Efficiency Project) evert called electricity and you" held the week of the fifth anniversary of the August blackout. 'the "Electricity and You" presentation took place at the Kitchener Public Library, d was open to members of the public. The second presentation was fr , mall church group in Kitchener. 12. Future Plans 13. Conclusion There are many peop. who feel that the small things, like turning off a computer at night or unplugging a coffee maker when it is not in use, will not make a difference. The results of this project provide a clear indication that every small change counts and that collectively, there is a lot of electricity to be saved. Based on the results of the 28 homes that submitted their data and the overwhelming response from participants, it is evident that introducing this project on a larger scale would have a significant impact on the conservation movement locally and globally. Appendix B provides testimonials supporting this from a number of people who participated in the program. Appendix A Categories The following list attempts to include all items in each category; however, as homeowners were not provided with a specific list, some items are found in multiple categories or may be missing from the list. Exterior • Any items outside of the home but on the property that consumes electricity Fans /Air Quality • Fans (furnace and small fans) • CO Detectors • Dehumidifiers /Humidifiers Cleaning • Vacuum Cleaners (regular, central vac, mini vacuums /dust busters) • Washers/Dryers • Dishwashers • Scent Diffusers General Appliances (GenAppl) • Freezers • Refrigerators • Water Softeners • Hot Water Tank Computers • Desktop Computers • Laptops • Wireless Networks/Modems • Printers • Scanners • Speakers Cooking • Microwaves.......,., • Blenders--: • .......:. . Toasters Toaster Ovens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • ................ Coffee markers • Jaffee Grinders Kettles • Stove • Refrigerators • Crck Pots Entertainment • DD Players • VCR:;; . Exercise • Treadmills • Elliptical Trainers Cooling • Air Conditioners (central and window) • Refrigerators/Freezers Heating • Furnaces • Hot Water Tanks • Portable Space Heaters Lighting • Overhead Lighting • Lamp s • Nightlights Appendix B Testimonials It was useful to measure electrical usage of various appliances in our home. We were surprised at the items which use electricity even when they are turned off, and we have started unplugging some of those, such as the printer and a stereo. We also measured the usage of a brand new energy star fridge belonging to a relative and learned that our old fridge didn't do too badly in comparison. We decided to keep it going. Gerry, Cambridge, ON I wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed the experience of ;measuring our energy usage! It was very fascinating and eye - opening to fee hew much energy our appliances and gadgets used. Thank you very mach for coming to our house and taking us through it all. Benita Kitchener ON The program helped us understand o ur energy use and how m uch pb, we wasted simply by having appliances plugged in. Since your initial visit, we have � keeping many of our a pp liances unplugged. Keeping,, them u. n Iv gg ed will save SD this s y ear and will help us keep a drain off the electrical n two k h nk you so Much for helping us save both money and the environment. Denis, Cambridge, ON I found the service to be very revealing.,,,,,,,,,,,,,1 w1i some appliances and it has changed the; w pp g clothes drying racks to avoid using the d ryer on my computers and have, been turning t room with a light on I think of the power me( being consumed. Martin, Kitchener, ON surprised by the rn�unt of power used by 1 them. I have put up some more I har Banged the power saving settings 61 off each right. Every time I walk into unng device counting the electricity that is An eye open ng experience. l/hy is e ec rrc t so ridiculously cheap. A very easy and concrete way o doing your part and making a change with a minimal investment i.e. a powerkar! I love looking t those kilowatts decreasing and decreasing. An electrical diet for your hectic lifesty!e! ............. Guillaume, Cambridge, O Rebecca was a world of information and electrical savings ideas. Wow she was able to teach us a whole 116t abo ut appliances that just use energy without us even knowing it. Looey, Cambridge, OIL . It really is astounding how much energy electronics use when they are "off ". I now think twice about leaving a little -used item plugged in. Caleb, Waterloo, ON Meeting with Rebecca made for a fun Saturday morning figuring out where we were needlessly using electricity. There were a few items whose phantom loads surprised us, so we keep them unplugged until we need them now. It felt good to have our overall awareness raised and would recommend this exercise to others. Meredith, Waterloo, ON