A common complaint heard from many, especially those in the business community, centres on the price of electricity. While rates are higher than many would like, hundreds of businesses in the Peterborough area have seen declines in their power bills thanks to their participation in energy conservation programs offered by Peterborough Distribution Inc. (PDI).
Many people now know the benefits of buying energy-efficient lights and equipment for their property. Reduced electricity bills usually offset the cost of purchasing energy-efficient equipment — but even knowing this, the thought of all the associated upfront costs for equipment can be daunting. This can be especially discouraging for small businesses. However, there are great opportunities currently available.
Small businesses in the Peterborough area can take advantage of PDI’s Small Business Lighting program. The program is delivered in conjunction with the Ontario Power Authority and is fashioned to not only encourage small businesses to move towards more energy efficient lighting, but also to make it completely affordable to do so.
Under the program, small businesses receive free energy-efficient lighting and other equipment upgrades, including installation. There is absolutely no cost to participate in the program. PDI will also take care of the recycling and proper disposal of your old equipment at no cost.
The program was established to help small businesses decrease their electricity bills and promote a culture of conservation. Businesses can receive up to $1,500 worth of free lighting and upgrades. PDI pays for the electrician to do all the upgrades. Furthermore, the business can choose to use their own electrician assuming they meet basic qualifications.
This is the process in a nutshell. First, a lighting assessor comes to your business to do a free energy-assessment to determine which lights can be replaced with energy-efficient bulbs and if there are any other upgrades that can be made. Next, you’ll receive an email of the possible upgrades you can have installed. You choose which upgrades you want and email back your choices. Once your best options to save energy are laid out for you by the lighting assessor, you then get to decide how much or all of the work you want to have completed. Any work completed can be scheduled to happen after hours, so day-to-day business operations aren’t impacted.
The first $1,500 of cost is covered by PDI, and you then have the option to complete further upgrades above and beyond the $1,500 limit. There may be the opportunity for further financial incentives beyond the $1,500, depending on the individual situation. The representative who completed your lighting assessment can provide you with those details.
The program is a win-win as it helps small businesses who are passionate about conservation but cannot put up the up-front costs. It also helps the whole community because small businesses are vital to community life and programs like this one help them thrive by keeping their costs low.
Additionally, energy-efficient equipment means less electricity needs to be generated. Not only is conservation important for reducing green house gases and preserving the environment, but those in electricity circles also know that if current trends with electricity usage continue, then the province could be facing a shortage of electricity in the next few years.
What businesses qualify for this program? There’s a wide variety that includes everything from diners, grocery stores, restaurants, dry cleaners, beauty salonsm and even medical offices. The wide range of businesses that can participate fit in virtually all aspects of the Peterborough small business community.
If this program sounds like it may be a good fit for your business, call a PDI representative at 1-855-397-7784 or email info@PDIconserves.ca. You can also check out the website at www.pdipeaksaverplus.ca for more information.
