Safety First Test Your Electrical Safety Know-How
Summer 2015
Electricity. Can you imagine life without it? Sometimes, though, we all take electricity for granted, forgetting that while it helps run our homes, businesses and lives, it also carries risks. This short quiz will help test your electrical safety know-how. (Answers below.)
2. ________ outlets can cause overheating and present a potential fire hazard. a) Outdoor c) Bathroom b) Small d) Overloaded 3. What percentage of electrical fires are caused by electrical equipment and wiring in Ontario homes? a) Less than 1% c) 10% b) 5% d) Over 25%
4. The power should be turned off from your electrical panel when: a) Electrical work is done in your basement b) Electrical work is done in your kitchen c) Electrical work is done near water d) Any electrical work is done your home 5. Ontario law requires that anyone offering electrical services must: a) Have a university degree b) Have at least 6 years’ experience c) Have a business website d) Be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority
Haldimand County Hydro was presented with the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) Public Relations Excellence Award for its work with the Grade 9 Bill Challenge. The award was presented at the EDA’s Annual Gala in early 2015.
Answers: 1(d); 2(d); 3(d); 4(d); 5(d). Number correct: 5=Master;4=Skilled; 3=Apprentice; 2 or less=Newbie: Get learning. For more information on electrical safety visit: www.esasafe.com
1. You have a fuse that frequently blows, or a circuit that frequently trips. To be safe, you should: a) Reset the breaker each time b) Replace fuses as they blow c) Avoid using electrical products for the rest of the day d) Call a Licensed Electrical Contractor; this could be a sign of overloading which can present a potential fire hazard
Haldimand County Hydro wins at the EDA’s Annual Gala
In 2014, the Grade 9 Bill Challenge was introduced to provide tomorrow’s customers with an opportunity to improve the electricity bill.
Call or Click Before You Dig! Contact Ontario One Call to mark where electrical cables are buried before you do any major digging for outdoor projects.
Web: www.on1call.com • Call: 1-800-400-2255 Questions? Contact our Customer Service Centre at 1 Greendale Drive, Caledonia, ON N3W 2J3 Tel: 905-765-5211 • Toll Free: 1-877-872-2570 Fax: 905-765-8211 • Email: info@hchydro.ca
www.haldimandcountyhydro.ca Twitter: @HCHydro
Two classes of Grade 9 students at McKinnon Park Secondary School in Caledonia participated in the inaugural Grade 9 Bill Challenge. The classes were split into teams and challenged to design Haldimand County Hydro’s next electricity bill. The students were given a presentation on the components of a bill and an overview on the role of local distribution companies. The groups then presented their bill designs to a
panel of judges during a wrap-up pizza party and luncheon at the program’s conclusion. Participating students gained valuable knowledge about the components of a typical electricity bill as well as improving their general electricity literacy, including smart meters, timeof-use and an overview of regulatory components of the industry. Most importantly, each student came away with knowledge of conservation and energy saving tips to share with family and friends. Haldimand County Hydro shared the bill concepts developed by the students with the Independent Electrical System Operator (IESO) and the Minister of Energy. The concepts brought forward by the students may be considered in future bill improvements.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a ceiling fan. Using ceiling fans can save around 25% on your cooling costs while making the temperature seem cooler by 10 degree Celsius!
Inside this issue > Customer Service Survey, Heating & Cooling Incentive, Electrical Safety
Conservation Community
peaksaver PLUS
®
JOIN THE THOUSANDS OF OTHER ONTARIANS
who are participating in peaksaver PLUS® to help manage our electricity use.
The Results Are In – HCH is Tops in Customer Service
During hot summer weekdays, central air conditioners (CAC) are running at their maximum and the demand for electricity is at its highest. A few times a summer when there’s very high demand, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) may send a signal to your peaksaver PLUS device to reduce your CAC electricity consumption. Note: CAC is not turned off completely.
Haldimand County Hydro’s staff is dedicated to providing a positive experience for all customers at all times. Earlier this year, Haldimand County Hydro conducted a survey to customers across the service territory to understand customer opinions and feedback on a number of topics such as conservation, rates, reliability and overall understanding of the electricity system. The results of the survey will be used to enhance customer service and communication practices.
peaksaver PLUS is only activated on very hot summer days (from May 1st until September 30th) when demand is at a peak
A majority of participants in program pilots noted that they could not feel a noticeable difference in temperature
The device will only be activated between Monday to Friday from 12 noon and 7PM
Activations will never occur on weekends or statutory holidays and will only last for a maximum of 4 hours
To sign up call 1-855-952-3466 or go to www.haldimandcountyhydro.ca
All survey participants were entered into a draw to win great prizes. Thank you to our valued customers for participating.Your feedback is appreciated and is key to improving HCH business practices.
With the warm summer season fast approaching, the Heating & Cooling Incentive can save you energy and money. You can receive up to $650* by installing an ENERGY STAR® qualified heating or cooling system† through a participating contractor.
The following numbers reflect the 200 surveys respondents:
99% 92% 91% 66% VERY SATISFIED OR SATISFIED with HCH’S OVERALL SERVICE LEVEL
SATISFIED with HCH’S CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION
SATISFIED with HCH’s ABILITY TO RESTORE AFTER POWER OUTAGES
HAVE AN ABOVE AVERAGE UNDERSTANDING OF TIME-OF-USE RATES AND PRICING
57%
BELIEVE RATES & COST OF ELECTRICITY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE
an ENERGY STAR $250 forCentral Air Conditioner (CAC). Receive $400 for CEE “Tier 2” level CAC. high efficiency furnace with Receive $250 an Electronically Commutated ®
Receive Visit our website for more information and a list of participating contractors.
Motor (ECM).
Let us help you! Tel: 905-765-5211 Toll Free: 1-877-872-2570
Email: info@hchydro.ca
Web: www.haldimandcountyhydro.ca
Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Subject to change without notice. †Incentives are available for installation of eligible equipment completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 and submitted no later than Feb. 1 of the following calendar year. Equipment must be purchased from and installed by a participating contractor. peaksaver PLUS® is a registered trade-mark of Toronto Hydro Corporation. Used under sublicence. Energy Display image is for illustration only, may not be exactly as shown. You must have a central air conditioner in good working order to participate. Limited time offer Funded by the Independent Electricity System Operator and offered by Haldimand County Hydro Inc. OMOfficial Mark adopted and used by the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence.
Twitter: @HCHydro
Customer Web Portal
ON1CALL: 1-800-400-2255 www.on1call.com HCH 2015.03
Safety First Test Your Electrical Safety Know-How
Summer 2015
Electricity. Can you imagine life without it? Sometimes, though, we all take electricity for granted, forgetting that while it helps run our homes, businesses and lives, it also carries risks. This short quiz will help test your electrical safety know-how. (Answers below.)
2. ________ outlets can cause overheating and present a potential fire hazard. a) Outdoor c) Bathroom b) Small d) Overloaded 3. What percentage of electrical fires are caused by electrical equipment and wiring in Ontario homes? a) Less than 1% c) 10% b) 5% d) Over 25%
4. The power should be turned off from your electrical panel when: a) Electrical work is done in your basement b) Electrical work is done in your kitchen c) Electrical work is done near water d) Any electrical work is done your home 5. Ontario law requires that anyone offering electrical services must: a) Have a university degree b) Have at least 6 years’ experience c) Have a business website d) Be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority
Haldimand County Hydro was presented with the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA) Public Relations Excellence Award for its work with the Grade 9 Bill Challenge. The award was presented at the EDA’s Annual Gala in early 2015.
Answers: 1(d); 2(d); 3(d); 4(d); 5(d). Number correct: 5=Master;4=Skilled; 3=Apprentice; 2 or less=Newbie: Get learning. For more information on electrical safety visit: www.esasafe.com
1. You have a fuse that frequently blows, or a circuit that frequently trips. To be safe, you should: a) Reset the breaker each time b) Replace fuses as they blow c) Avoid using electrical products for the rest of the day d) Call a Licensed Electrical Contractor; this could be a sign of overloading which can present a potential fire hazard
Haldimand County Hydro wins at the EDA’s Annual Gala
In 2014, the Grade 9 Bill Challenge was introduced to provide tomorrow’s customers with an opportunity to improve the electricity bill.
Call or Click Before You Dig! Contact Ontario One Call to mark where electrical cables are buried before you do any major digging for outdoor projects.
Web: www.on1call.com • Call: 1-800-400-2255 Questions? Contact our Customer Service Centre at 1 Greendale Drive, Caledonia, ON N3W 2J3 Tel: 905-765-5211 • Toll Free: 1-877-872-2570 Fax: 905-765-8211 • Email: info@hchydro.ca
www.haldimandcountyhydro.ca Twitter: @HCHydro
Two classes of Grade 9 students at McKinnon Park Secondary School in Caledonia participated in the inaugural Grade 9 Bill Challenge. The classes were split into teams and challenged to design Haldimand County Hydro’s next electricity bill. The students were given a presentation on the components of a bill and an overview on the role of local distribution companies. The groups then presented their bill designs to a
panel of judges during a wrap-up pizza party and luncheon at the program’s conclusion. Participating students gained valuable knowledge about the components of a typical electricity bill as well as improving their general electricity literacy, including smart meters, timeof-use and an overview of regulatory components of the industry. Most importantly, each student came away with knowledge of conservation and energy saving tips to share with family and friends. Haldimand County Hydro shared the bill concepts developed by the students with the Independent Electrical System Operator (IESO) and the Minister of Energy. The concepts brought forward by the students may be considered in future bill improvements.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a ceiling fan. Using ceiling fans can save around 25% on your cooling costs while making the temperature seem cooler by 10 degree Celsius!
Inside this issue > Customer Service Survey, Heating & Cooling Incentive, Electrical Safety