Enbridge Gas Distribution: Program Extension Helps Residents in Financial Need With Free Energy Retrofits
Enbridge Gas Distribution's Free Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit Pilot Helps Customers in Peel and Toronto Reduce Energy Bills
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 8, 2008) - Despite predictions of an early spring winter is still in the air, and Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) is pleased to extend its free home energy efficiency retrofit pilot program for qualifying customers in the City of Toronto and Peel Region to late 2008.
Participation in the Home Weatherization Retrofit Pilot Program is free, voluntary and could result in significant savings on customer energy bills. Approximately 300 qualifying customers can receive energy audits to identify and implement the most cost-effective energy upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
The pilot was launched in August 2007 and initially ran until the end of that year. So far, 61 homes have qualified for the program and received an average of more than $2,000 each in free retrofits through the program. Retrofits may include work such as draft proofing which includes caulking and the addition of insulation. On average these customers are expected to save more than 1,100 cubic metres of natural gas each year - or more than $400 a year in savings based on Enbridge Gas Distribution's January 1, 2008 rates.
"Enbridge Gas Distribution is a leader in energy efficiency and committed to helping customers reduce their energy bills," said Enbridge Gas Distribution Vice President Glenn Beaumont. "We're proud to extend this program specifically for customers in Toronto and Peel Region who are in financial need. We encourage eligible customers to apply now so they can benefit from significant financial savings."
Eligible customers can lower energy bills and increase home comfort, while reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Green$aver, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental energy efficiency, will deliver the program. Green$aver calculates that home energy efficiency upgrades can result in an average 30 per cent decrease in energy use.
To qualify for a free energy audit:
- the applicant must live in the City of Toronto or Peel Region
- the total adult household income must fall below a specified level (ie. a family of four with a household income under $30,855 a year)
- the applicant must own or rent from a private landlord a detached, semi-detached, row house or mobile home that was built at least 25 years ago
- the applicant must have a valid Enbridge Gas Distribution account number and pay their own natural gas bill
- the applicant's home must be heated by natural gas
- and the application must be received before November 30, 2008.
Enbridge Gas Distribution customers may be eligible for the pilot if they are benefiting from one or more of the following programs: Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance for Seniors, Allowance for Survivors and the National Child Benefit Supplement.
Enbridge Gas Distribution customers who meet the eligibility criteria can simply fill out an application and send it to Green$aver or Enbridge Gas Distribution, along with proof of eligibility.
An energy advisor will contact customers who qualify for the free energy efficiency audit and schedule a visit to their home. The initial visit will typically include an inspection of the attic, wall and foundation insulation, heating systems, water heaters and ventilation systems. A typical visit will take three hours or less.
If the home can achieve a minimum level of energy savings economically (typically this is the case for homes built more than 25 years ago), a crew of trained contractors will return at a later date to install improvements as recommended by the energy advisor. Once the work is complete, a second audit will be conducted within a few weeks to measure the increased energy efficiency of the home. There is no charge for these visits or upgrades.
More information and application forms are available from:
- Green$aver at 416-203-3106 ext. 304
- or Enbridge Gas Distribution at www.enbridge.com/gas or 1-888-427-8888.
Enbridge Gas Distribution has a 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. Enbridge Gas Distribution is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. As a distributor of energy, Enbridge owns and operates distribution services in Ontario, which distributes natural gas to more than 1.8 million customers in Ontario, New York State, New Brunswick and southwestern Quebec.
Enbridge Gas Distribution offers a wide range of energy efficiency programs and also supports customers in need through initiatives including the Winter Warmth Fund, which offers direct financial assistance to help low-income families and individuals living at or below the poverty line having difficulty paying their energy bills.
Debbie Boukydis
Media
(416) 495-5682
Email: debbie.boukydis@enbridge.com
Website: www.enbridge.com/gas
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 8, 2008) - Despite predictions of an early spring winter is still in the air, and Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) is pleased to extend its free home energy efficiency retrofit pilot program for qualifying customers in the City of Toronto and Peel Region to late 2008.
Participation in the Home Weatherization Retrofit Pilot Program is free, voluntary and could result in significant savings on customer energy bills. Approximately 300 qualifying customers can receive energy audits to identify and implement the most cost-effective energy upgrades to improve energy efficiency.
The pilot was launched in August 2007 and initially ran until the end of that year. So far, 61 homes have qualified for the program and received an average of more than $2,000 each in free retrofits through the program. Retrofits may include work such as draft proofing which includes caulking and the addition of insulation. On average these customers are expected to save more than 1,100 cubic metres of natural gas each year - or more than $400 a year in savings based on Enbridge Gas Distribution's January 1, 2008 rates.
"Enbridge Gas Distribution is a leader in energy efficiency and committed to helping customers reduce their energy bills," said Enbridge Gas Distribution Vice President Glenn Beaumont. "We're proud to extend this program specifically for customers in Toronto and Peel Region who are in financial need. We encourage eligible customers to apply now so they can benefit from significant financial savings."
Eligible customers can lower energy bills and increase home comfort, while reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.
Green$aver, a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental energy efficiency, will deliver the program. Green$aver calculates that home energy efficiency upgrades can result in an average 30 per cent decrease in energy use.
To qualify for a free energy audit:
- the applicant must live in the City of Toronto or Peel Region
- the total adult household income must fall below a specified level (ie. a family of four with a household income under $30,855 a year)
- the applicant must own or rent from a private landlord a detached, semi-detached, row house or mobile home that was built at least 25 years ago
- the applicant must have a valid Enbridge Gas Distribution account number and pay their own natural gas bill
- the applicant's home must be heated by natural gas
- and the application must be received before November 30, 2008.
Enbridge Gas Distribution customers may be eligible for the pilot if they are benefiting from one or more of the following programs: Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance for Seniors, Allowance for Survivors and the National Child Benefit Supplement.
Enbridge Gas Distribution customers who meet the eligibility criteria can simply fill out an application and send it to Green$aver or Enbridge Gas Distribution, along with proof of eligibility.
An energy advisor will contact customers who qualify for the free energy efficiency audit and schedule a visit to their home. The initial visit will typically include an inspection of the attic, wall and foundation insulation, heating systems, water heaters and ventilation systems. A typical visit will take three hours or less.
If the home can achieve a minimum level of energy savings economically (typically this is the case for homes built more than 25 years ago), a crew of trained contractors will return at a later date to install improvements as recommended by the energy advisor. Once the work is complete, a second audit will be conducted within a few weeks to measure the increased energy efficiency of the home. There is no charge for these visits or upgrades.
More information and application forms are available from:
- Green$aver at 416-203-3106 ext. 304
- or Enbridge Gas Distribution at www.enbridge.com/gas or 1-888-427-8888.
Enbridge Gas Distribution has a 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. Enbridge Gas Distribution is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. As a distributor of energy, Enbridge owns and operates distribution services in Ontario, which distributes natural gas to more than 1.8 million customers in Ontario, New York State, New Brunswick and southwestern Quebec.
Enbridge Gas Distribution offers a wide range of energy efficiency programs and also supports customers in need through initiatives including the Winter Warmth Fund, which offers direct financial assistance to help low-income families and individuals living at or below the poverty line having difficulty paying their energy bills.
For more information please contact:
Enbridge Gas DistributionDebbie Boukydis
Media
(416) 495-5682
Email: debbie.boukydis@enbridge.com
Website: www.enbridge.com/gas
