5:00 PM Power Smart
October is Power Smart month and BC Hydro is challenging us to cut 10 per cent from our energy bills. There are a number of easy ways to accomplish that and it's a win -win. You save money as you save energy and BC Hydro can provide power to more of us without having to build more dams or buy dirty power like coal generated electricity.
A big energy saver: switch from incandescent bulbs to fluorescents whenever possible --
These bulbs work best in lights that remain on for long period of times -not on and off frequently --but at my home for example I changed one bulb that stays on for a few hours every night and I figure that saves me five bucks a year in power. One bulb! And the bulbs are getting cheaper you can buy a six pack right now for about six bucks. Another idea --get rid of that old fridge in your basement. It costs you about $100 a year to run. Ask yourself if you really need it.
Common advice also recommends replacing your windows with energy efficient ones will help you achieve savings on your power bill. That's true, you will use less energy but not enough to pay for the windows. So people often replace their windows for other reasons, appearance, re-sale of the home, less drafty, their home is more comfortable: all valid reasons to do it.
There are several government incentive programs-- 60 million dollars in all available for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient from furnaces, heat pumps, and fireplaces. For other ideas go to Live Smart BC.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
