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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1985-10-09, Page 38Energy Conservation Guide, Page 3 1 Sm.IIscaIe ro saves dollars, a ds energy When most people think of hydroelectric generation, they think of Niagara Falls or James Bay — gigantic installa- tions capable of generating gigawatts of power. But many people are starting to realize that it often pays to think small. The harnessing of Ontario's abundant water resources played a crucial role in the economic development of the prov- ince. Mills and factories were established where water power was avail- able,- and later these sites provided the first electric power for their commu- nities. Water power now provides about 36 per cent of Ontario's electrical energy, and the experts say it will continue to play an important part in the province's energy future. It is renewable, plentiful,. ,senvironmentally safe and clan be easily tapped by rr,xisting technology. 'Small-scale hydro t" sites -'developments with less than 20 MW in gener- ating capacity — are becoming an increasingI} attractive alternative for people whose electricity costs are high. This is espe- cially true in locations with a good small-scale hydro site nearby, and which are remote from Ontario's electrical grid. Ontario has hundreds of small sites with the potential to generate enough hydroelectric power to serve businesses, homes, farms, shops and small communities. Remote commercial and industrial facilities looking to water's potential Since 1982, the Ontario Ministry of Energy has funded the. installation of several small-scale hydro projects to show not only that these systems are feasible, but that installation costs can also be recovered in a sur- prisingly short time. Frontier Lodge and, Motel, •north of Elliot Lake, is saving some $25 000 a year using an 80 kW hydro system for all space heating and other electrical needs. The sys- tem replaced a 20 kW diesel generating system used for electrical needs, as well as all the propane and most of the wood for- merly used for space heat- ing. With more than double the amount of available energy at their disposal, Frontier now has the option of extending its services. This year, the Minis.. try of Energy extended its program to assist commer- cial and industrial busi- nesjses that depend on expensive diesel-electric generation, by cost-shar- ing small-scale hydro demonstration projects. By lowering their operat- ing costs, industries that are adjacent to good small-scale hydro sites have an opportunity to increase their competi- tiveness. In 1984, the provin- cial ministries of Energy and Natural Resources completed an inventory Of promising hydraulic sites across Ontario where access to low-cost hydro- electricity would substan- tially improve operating margins. - Mining and forest industry operations and small tourist lodges throughout the North will benefit from the program, which provides both engi- Firewood If you are going to buy firewood for use next winter, here are some tips that will help you get the most for your money. Early spring is the best time to get next winter's firewood. It will have time to dry properly, and is the offseason br firewood dealers, so prices may be lower. When purchasing wood, make sure you know what you are get- ting. The common cord measurement is 1.2 m x 1.2 m x 2.4 m, although other units, such as stove cords, face cords or third cords, are used. When cornparing prices, make sure they are based on the same type and quantity of wood. The density and heat value ,per cord varies greatly among tree species. The denser hardwoods like maple, oak and ash are usually more expensive than the lighter softwoods. Although the hardwoods provide more heat from a given volume', of fuel,- the lower priced softwoods can often provide cheaper heat. neering assistance and fin- ancing for up to a third of the cost of the installation. Looking to more than the power market The export potential of the technologies involved in small-scale hydro is high, and offers a prpmising industrial development opportunity for turbine' manufac- turers, engineers and con- tractors across Ontario. As more companies become involved, and as more people realize the potential represented by this promising alternative energy source, thinking small — in terms of hydro power — may become increasingly popular. For further informa- tion please write Energy Ontario, MGS Box 37, Toronto, Ont., M7A 2B7 or call toll-free by dialing your operator and asking for Zenith 80420. In Toronto call 965-3246. a -ter SYSTE EARTH COUPLED HEATING N C' • OLING The earth's temperature always remains moderate. Therefore the Waterlurnace System can extract heat from the ground in the winter and -eject heat to the ground in the summer. The WaterFurnace System has a 3 to 1 efficiency ratio, or, for each unit of energy paid for, you receive 3 units of heat. In some localities, customers reportsavings up to 70% heating their homes. Cooling cost reductions of 50%-'arenot not unusual. Let the ground you walk on heat and cool your home! • ylittazalEneegy Souzee Cliff's Plumbing & Heating Cuckoo. • T.a• mem as Ewa, Sysbe„a L..4.501 528-3913 STAMP OUT COLD FEET! 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