Save on Energy Fall Coupon Event starts today at participating retailers across Ontario

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - As the warm days of summer give way to cool days and nights, Ontarians can now take advantage of savings on energy-efficient products at retailers across the province.  Starting today until October 30, the Save on Energy Fall Coupon Event provides discounts and tips to help Ontarians tune up their homes with energy-efficient products.

The Fall Coupon Event is one of many Save on Energy programs offered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and local hydro companies to help Ontario residents better manage their electricity use. The event offers discounts on energy-efficient products, such as ENERGY STAR^® certified light fixtures, lighting controls (timers, dimmers, motion sensors), LED bulbs, power bars with integrated timers or auto-shutoff, and heavy-duty outdoor timers. 

"Fall is a great time for Ontarians to take a look at how they manage the energy they use in their homes," said Terry Young, Vice-President of Conservation and Corporate Relations, IESO. "Homeowners can go to their local hardware or big box stores and take advantage of in-store coupons to help them get their home ready for winter."

Coupons are available online (saveonenergy.ca/retailers), at Save on Energy booths at a number of fall festivals, and in more than 1,700 participating retail locations across Ontario, including Canadian Tire, Costco, Home Hardware, Dollarama, Giant Tiger, Lowe's, RONA, The Home Depot and Walmart, as well as independent neighbourhood stores. Throughout the event, local hydro company representatives will be at select stores sharing tips and answering questions about energy conservation.

Purchasing energy-efficient products can provide noticeable savings. For example, by replacing 10 incandescent lightbulbs with energy-efficient LED ones, using an advanced powerbar that prevents electronics from drawing power when they are off or not being used, and wrapping an electric water heater with insulation, savings can add up to $11 a month, on top of the $37 in savings from purchasing these items with Save on Energy coupons.

In addition to integrating energy-efficient products at home, Ontario residents can also manage their energy use, while maintaining a comfortable home by following these simple tips:

• Add motion sensors – Motion sensors shut lights off automatically when people forget to do so when they leave a room. Sensors can also provide security by lighting up hallways, backdoors and garages automatically, avoiding the need to leave lights on for hours at a time.
• Use power bars with integrated timers – Ideally suited for game consoles or home theatre systems, power bars with timers shut off electricity to electronic devices typically left on or in stand-by mode. They reduce energy waste (often called "phantom power") from devices in standby mode, which can account for as much as 10 per cent of a home's energy use.
• LED lights –LEDs are ideal for any room in your home and use 75 – 90 per cent less energy than incandescent lights. Bulbs come in a wide variety of colours and shapes, enabling consumers to choose the correct setting and mood for their homes.

Since 2011, Ontarians have saved approximately 985 million kilowatt-hours of electricity by using Save on Energy coupons – enough energy to power a city the size of Thunder Bay or Whitby for a year.

To learn more about Save on Energy and find a participating retailer near you, visit: saveonenergy.ca/coupons

About Save on Energy

The Save on Energy programs for homes and businesses are offered through your local hydro company with the support of the IESO. Twice each year (spring and fall), Save on Energy coupons are available in-store at participating retailers for instant savings across a wide range of energy-efficient products, including LED bulbs and power bars with integrated timers or auto-shutoff.  Visit saveonenergy.ca for more information.

About the IESO

The IESO manages the province's power system so that Ontarians receive power when and where they need it. It plans and prepares for future electricity needs and works with its partners to guide conservation efforts. For more information, please visit www.ieso.ca.

SOURCE Independent Electricity System Operator