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.

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

Together we save

COMFORT CONTROL See which smart thermostats qualify for a $100 incentive

10 TREND ALERT What’s new in home appliance trends?

12 MAKE A SAVINGS SPLASH Get a $400 pool pump rebate

13 NICE RIDE! Get plugged in to the cars of the future

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

EDITOR’S NOTE SAVINGS ATTACK! Why it’s good to air your (clean) laundry | page 7

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HOSTING GUESTS? GO GREEN How to throw a laid-back, low energy get-together that’s easy on the environment

Two ways to go paperless

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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

LET’S MAKE A DEAL Coupons for three energy-efficient products | page 4

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wow!

yay!

$10

$10OFF

CEILING FANSA fan allows you to raise your thermostat by four degrees and still feel just as cool.

The event everyone’s

talking about!

DOWNLOAD EVEN MORE COUPONS

ONLINE

See a list of participating retailers at torontohydro.com/coupons

FIND COUPONS IN STORES

MARCH 31 – APRIL 30

We’ll be at select stores with energy-saving tips and prizes. See our website for dates and locations.

OFF

GET IN ON THE ACTION

ENERGY STAR® certified

OFFSAY HELLO TO OUR ENERGY EXPERTS

OUTDOOR CLOTHESLINE KITSGo au-naturel – dry on the line for easy-breezy energy savings.

$8LEDsENERGY STAR® certified (multipacks of 3 or more)

They use 75% less electricity and last up to 50,000 hours!

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The clothesline comeback

WHY MORE PEOPLE ARE DRYING ON 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 air-drying whenever possible, you’ll save electricity and keep clothes looking newer.

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.

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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

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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.

ENJOY FRESH NEW LIFESTYLE CONTENT Find articles on the latest topics, from recipes to energy-efficient crafts to green cleaning, renovation tips and more.

See your savings, earn rewards

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Explore the new features of PowerLens®

Get rewarded for good habitsTake small steps and collect points for every kilowatt hour (kWh) saved, then redeem for e-gift cards!

First-time sign-in................................................500 ptsComplete a home assessment ..................... 1,000 ptsLog in monthly ................................................... 100 ptsComplete recommended actions ...............2 pts/kWh saved

CHOOSE E-GIFT CARDS FOR:

Home HardwareHudson’s Bay

StarbucksTim Hortons

Best BuyCaplan’s Appliances

2,000 pts e-gift card‡

$10=

SET GOALS AND TRACK PROGRESSWould 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.

GET A PERSONAL SAVINGS PLANBased 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.

SEE WHERE AND WHEN YOU SPENDView your electricity use by hour, month or day in easy-to-read charts. Plus, get an annual breakdown of how you use electricity (i.e. appliances, lighting, HVAC and more).

FIND A CONTRACTORConnect with professionals who can help with your home improvement projects.

SET UP EMAIL NOTIFICATIONSOnline bill and usage notifications help you stay on top of your account and avoid surprises.

SHOP OUR NEW MARKETPLACECompare 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.

Coming soon

‡For Caplan's Appliances only, 2,000 pts = $100 towards any Whirlpool or Maytag high-efficiency appliance.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Top of the chartsCustomization and convenience lead the trends in home appliances this year – and don’t forget energy efficiency.

Four appliance trends to watch for

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.

Annie Hum, our e-correspondence expert, answers your questions on the new PowerLens® features.

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!

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.

Q:

A:

Q:

A:

Q:A:

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Coming soonPOWERLENS® APPLIANCE

MARKETPLACECompare the price and efficiency of different

appliances and find rebates to save up front. Log in at

mytorontohydro.com

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Ask Annie

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Take the plunge!

COOL TIP! Set your pump on a timer to run only during off-peak hours when prices are lowest. Running it just six hours a day will reduce energy use by 75%.

CONSTANT-SPEED PUMP

VARIABLE-SPEED PUMP

Most swimming pool pumps run 24/7, often at a higher speed than necessary for the task. That’s a big opportunity to save energy! Get $400 to upgrade from a constant-speed to a variable-speed pool pump. You’ll save on the purchase price and on electricity costs year after year.

Get rebates at participating dealers. See full details attorontohydro.com/poolsaver

†Based on $0.17/kWh, operating 16 hours per day.

In electricity costs over 10 years.

UPGRADE YOUR POOL PUMP WITH A $400 REBATE!

HOW REFRESHING!

Rebates?

Ticket price Annual energy consumption Average annual electricity cost† Total cost over 10 years

That’s $2,960 saved!

$450

2,196 kWh

$369

$3,690

$1,200 – $400 rebate = $800

434 kWh

$73

$730

COMPARE THE COSTS OF UPGRADING

Road warriorsThey’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.

GET MONEY BACKGovernment incentives give back up to $14,000 for an EV and up to $1,000 for a home charging station.

SPEND LESSSave hundreds of dollars a year on gasoline and maintenance. Over time, your car could pay for itself!

BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENTReduce your greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 90%.

DRIVE FURTHERA single charge can take you 140 to 450 km – and, if you need a boost, there are more than 4,000 public charging stations Canada-wide.

GET A GREEN LICENCE PLATEIt’s smoother sailing with free access to certain high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

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Why electric vehicles are leading the charge

4Is an EV right for you? Take our short quiz to find out

torontohydro.com/electricvehicles

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Find a participating contractor at torontohydro.com/rebates

Four signs an upgrade’s in order:

It’s over 10 years old

Your home feels too humid

Your system’s noisy

Your system needs frequent repairs

IS YOUR AC PAST ITS PRIME?THESE THERMOSTATS

QUALIFY!

Nest Learning ThermostatModel T3007EF

ecobee3 Wi-Fi Smart ThermostatModel EB-STATe3c-02

Honeywell Lyric 2.0 ThermostatModel RCH9310WF5011

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 $400 for a high-efficiency central air conditioner and $250 for a high-efficiency furnace. 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.

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

TWO WAYS TO STAY AS COOL AS A CUCUMBER

These thermostats learn your routine and adjust to help you save!

No sweatSTAY 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, budget-conscious person to do? Get rebates for high-efficiency systems and smart thermostats to stay cool without breaking the bank.

*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.

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Here are a few simple tricks to keep the fun up and energy use down when you entertain this summer.

Throw a low-energy

party

GET YOUR GRILL ON

Less cooktop and oven use also reduces indoor heat gain. Try an all-BBQ menu.

COUNT ON THE COOLER

SMART CLEANUP

DRINK YOUR DRINK

Keep drinks in an ice chest to avoid continually opening your fridge.

Use the “air dry” setting to save up to 50% on dishwasher energy consumption.

Hang onto your glass and wash fewer dishes with clothespin name charms.

SUPER SOAKER

Avoid overwatering with sprinkler timers.

LIGHT IT RIGHT

Think solar-powered LED lighting to save.

QUIET CUT

Push mowers run on human power only.

FIND MORE WAYS TO GO GREEN

Log in to PowerLens® for fresh content on healthy,

conscientious living.

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Just add ambience

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.

Using a hammer and sturdy nail, punch out holes in your can. Punch two holes across from each other for the handle.

Find DIY projects, articles, tips and more on the PowerLens® portal.

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!

Lights for warm nightsTHESE OH-SO-EASY TIN CAN LANTERNS ADD RUSTIC WARMTH TO PATIO TABLES WHILE USING NEXT TO NO ELECTRICITY.

PUNCH HOLES MAKE A HANDLE LIGHT TIME

EXCLUSIVE CONTENT!

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To prevent your can from denting, fill it ¾ full of sand, add water and freeze overnight.

Print out and tape your template to the can – or go freestyle with a marker.

PREP YOUR CAN FILL WITH SAND DESIGN IT

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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

Using pliers, curve each end of the wire into a hook. Feed each end through the opposite holes, twisting to secure them.

Peel the label and clean any residual glue from the can.

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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)

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Cut clutter, not treesPurge the paper: SIMPLIFY BILLING WITH TWO QUICK AND EASY SOLUTIONS

SIMPLIFY BILLING WITH EBILLS

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Switch to eBills for simple, secure, 24/7 access to your bills. Simply log in to My TorontoHydro®. Not yet registered? No problem, it takes just minutes to set up.

MAKE PAYMENTS AUTOMATICALLY

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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.

Go paperless at mytorontohydro.com

IF YOU’RE HAVING TROUBLE KEEPING UP WITH YOUR ENERGY BILLS, WE HAVE PROGRAMS THAT CAN HELP.

HAP OESP

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Together for TorontoFour programs to help more homes save

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 1-855-234-9376

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

In a bind? The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program provides one-time emergency grants to those who are having difficulty paying past-due electricity bills. Learn if you qualify at torontohydro.com/leap

Enbridge Gas offers the Home Winterproofing Program which provides new, professionally-installed insulation and draftproofing to help increase comfort and reduce energy costs. Find out if you qualify at enbridgegas.com/winterproofing

LEAP HOME WINTERPROOFING

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PREP TIME: 10 minutes Makes: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS480 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 (1/4 tsp) cinnamon

Toppings of your choice Local berries or other fruit as desired; chopped nuts; shredded coconut.

Try this easy, no-cook recipe to save time and electricity without adding heat to your kitchen.

Switch almond milk with your favourite

choice of milk — whole, organic

or coconut.

Got milk?

WHY A RECIPE?

By saving electricity and keeping your air conditioner from working overtime, low-energy cooking is a great way to go green.

BONUS: It’s also budget- and time-friendly.

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

GOOD TO GO

Cover and refrigerate until mixture thickens, about six hours.

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Scoop chia pudding into bowls. Serve with the toppings of your choice.

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Whisk chia seeds, almond milk, honey and cinnamon together until combined.

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Get more easy, energy-saving recipes

on the new PowerLens® portal. Log in at

mytorontohydro.com

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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. OMOfficial 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.

Contact usGeneral inquiries416-542-8000 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Report a streetlight out416-542-8000, press 1 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

Call before you dig 1-800-400-2255 or on1call.com

Report an outage416-542-8000, press 1 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

Report an emergency416-542-8000, press 1 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

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.

Time-of-use rates

Happy hours

Emergency kitUpdate 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.

SUMMER STORM A-BREWIN’? DON’T BE CAUGHT OFF-GUARD

Find additional tips and tools to help you save electricity attorontohydro.com/ conservation

Off-peak Mid-peak On-peak

We’re social!

SUMMER HOURS May 1 – Oct. 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.

WINTER HOURS Nov. 1 – Apr. 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