Minister of Energy Glenn Thibeault says the Ontario government is helping Canadore College to reduce hydro bills.
Thibeault spoke after introductions from Mayor Al McDonald, saying that hydro relief is achievable for large businesses who are committed to reducing their electricity use during peak hours. The Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI), an offshoot of the Liberal government’s Fair Hydro Plan and promises to lower electricity costs by up to one-third with the proper measures in place.
Outgoing North Bay Hydro president Todd Wilcox sees value in the larger business entities taking advantage of the ICI program. Wilcox says upwards of 10 businesses in North Bay qualify, and by avoiding peak usage a company or institution with a $100,000 monthly hydro bill could save up to $30,000 simply by getting into the habit of turning lights off when they are not in use or bringing the air conditioning level closer to room temperature.
Launched July 1, the ICI initially had a higher usage threshold to meet, but that has been reduced to businesses with an average monthly peak demand of 1 megawatt. In the manufacturing and greenhouse sectors, the monthly peak demand is lower, starting at 500 kilowatts.
Thibeault adds that the savings that Canadore College will see under the plan will help the school to continue to offer a high-quality education to students, a sentiment that Canadore president George Burton echoed.
