Ontarians redeemed over 1.6 million energy-saving coupons in 2006, surpassing targets by 217%.

TORONTO – Ontarians demonstrated their enthusiasm for conservation by redeeming over 1.6 million coupons for energy-saving products last year. In doing so, they purchased an estimated 2.8 million compact fluorescent light bulbs, according to the Ontario Power Authority.

The coupons were part of a province-wide spring and fall campaign - Every Kilowatt Counts - which twice sent coupon booklets and information on electricity savings to over 4.6 million Ontario households in 2006.

Ontarians redeemed these coupons for savings on products such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats, ceiling fans and timers. Over 3,000 retail outlets participated in the program in 400 communities in every corner of the province. In total, the 2006 program will result in lifetime electricity savings of more than 2 million MWh (megawatt-hours) over the 8-year lifetime of the products, which is enough electricity to power about 24,000 Ontario households (a city the size of North Bay) over the same time period.

“The McGuinty government is committed to fostering a culture of conservation across our province,” said Kevin Flynn, Parliamentary Assistant to Ontario Energy Minister, Dwight Duncan. “Every Kilowatt Counts is an innovative campaign that is delivering results by providing Ontarians with the tools to save energy, and money.”

“Ontarians embraced this program and its goals, and they took full advantage of the opportunity to save money and save electricity, doing some good for our environment in the process” said John Jeza, Director, Mass Market Channels, Program Operations and Sector Development for the Ontario Power Authority. “This success could not have been possible without our retail partners and local electricity distributors across the province.”

Every Kilowatt Counts is an educational and incentive-based program designed to enhance the culture of electricity conservation in the province. It raises awareness of conservation opportunities and identifies readily-available products which can reduce electricity consumption. Coupons encourage consumers to purchase and install these products.

The OPA plans to begin the 2007 Every Kilowatt Counts program in April.

“The success of this program demonstrates that Ontarians are enthusiastic about making small, important changes in their homes in order to conserve,” said Peter Love, Ontario’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer. “With more of these products in more homes, we will all continue to benefit from cumulative electricity savings for years to come.”