How many lightbulbs does it take to change Toronto?
Two, and they're free.
Toronto Hydro is giving every household in Toronto two compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLs). Using just one of these will apparently save $27 off a hydro bill over the life of the bulb. According to Toronto Hydro, if every household swaps 2 regular light bulbs for CFLs, then the reduction in energy demand from the city of Toronto will be equal to the amount required to power Stratford (Ontario, not east London or Warks, but still, population in excess of 20,000) on an average day. (see www.homedepot.ca for more energy saving initiatives around here)
In a city which can still remember a black out in the summer of 2003, energy availablity is a sore point. Even now, on hot days when demand for air con is high, there are energy saving measures taken, like turning escalators off, or using fewer lifts in skyscrapers...
Incidentally, for anyone at home still confused (it took me weeks to work out what hydro was), Hydro is what they call electricity here. It takes its origins from Hydro electricity, which was first used nearly 100 years ago, channelled from Niagara falls to fuel Toronto.
Even in 2005, two thirds of Canada's electricity is produced by means of hydro electric power. Renewable and clean. Those Canadians were clever people 100 years ago. The rest of us are still trying to work out how we can achieve that kind of energy mix now...
Sadly, I cant bring you guys any lightbulbs home, as these seem to be screw fitting... on the other hand, there's a lad i know in Pboro who might be able to sort you out...
Toronto Hydro is giving every household in Toronto two compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLs). Using just one of these will apparently save $27 off a hydro bill over the life of the bulb. According to Toronto Hydro, if every household swaps 2 regular light bulbs for CFLs, then the reduction in energy demand from the city of Toronto will be equal to the amount required to power Stratford (Ontario, not east London or Warks, but still, population in excess of 20,000) on an average day. (see www.homedepot.ca for more energy saving initiatives around here)
In a city which can still remember a black out in the summer of 2003, energy availablity is a sore point. Even now, on hot days when demand for air con is high, there are energy saving measures taken, like turning escalators off, or using fewer lifts in skyscrapers...
Incidentally, for anyone at home still confused (it took me weeks to work out what hydro was), Hydro is what they call electricity here. It takes its origins from Hydro electricity, which was first used nearly 100 years ago, channelled from Niagara falls to fuel Toronto.
Even in 2005, two thirds of Canada's electricity is produced by means of hydro electric power. Renewable and clean. Those Canadians were clever people 100 years ago. The rest of us are still trying to work out how we can achieve that kind of energy mix now...
Sadly, I cant bring you guys any lightbulbs home, as these seem to be screw fitting... on the other hand, there's a lad i know in Pboro who might be able to sort you out...
posted by CBC at 7:17 pm
1 Comments:
While lighting may take up 1/5th of power use, people change their habits very slowly.
A very good resource on this topic is the Ontario electricity web site.
Post a Comment
<< Home