For Immediate Release
2005-08-04
Paul MacLatchy, Manager, Environment Division, City of Kingston, 546-4291 ext. 3134;
Jim Keech, President & CEO Utilities Kingston, 546-1181 ext. 2217
CITY, UTILITIES URGE ENERGY CONSERVATION
Further to the power shortage warnings made by the Independent Electrical System Operator (IESO) for Ontario, the City of Kingston and Utilities Kingston are requesting that citizens, institutions and businesses reduce electricity consumption through conservation and wise and considerate use of electrical power.
The IESO has warned Ontarians that if electrical demand outstrips supply they will be forced to reduce grid voltages which could result in localized "brown-outs" or worse.
Some simple conservation steps include using fans instead of air conditioning, increasing indoor temperatures in office buildings to 2 or 3 degrees C above normal summertime levels, turning off unnecessary lighting, and delaying the use of larger electrical appliances until after 8 p.m. Retail shops in particular are encouraged not to leave front doors open when air conditioning is in use.
The City and Utilities Kingston is also reminding residents that conserving water use helps conserve electricity. Use water wisely, particularly during the peak period between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Avoid washing your car and other non-essential water use.
If you wish to water your lawn remember that a lawn watering restriction is still in place and that customers with odd number civic addresses may use outdoor water on odd number calendar days. Customers with even number civic addresses may use outdoor water on even number calendar days. On your scheduled day outdoor water can be used at any time to water gardens and new sod with a hand-held garden hose or watering can. However, lawn sprinklers can only be used in the mornings between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. on your scheduled day.
Where possible, City of Kingston and Utilities Kingston buildings are conserving energy by increasing indoor air temperatures, turning off unnecessary lighting and delaying use of electrical appliances (dishwashers, etc.) until after peak demand times (after 8 p.m.).
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