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Clinton News-Record, 1984-10-03, Page 35HEATLINE help a one call array For more .than six years Canadians from every prov- ince and territory have been phoning Ottawa to get help- ful and accurate information on how to save energy in their homes. Today the HEATLINE continues to provide a unique service to the energy consumer in search of facts and assistance. Created in 1977 by En- ergy, Mines and Resources Canada, the HEATLINE has logged more than 500 000 calls on its national toll- free phone system (1-800-267-9563; in British Columbia 112-800-267- 9563). During last Novem- ber alone, this free service was used by more than 10 000 people. All the more remarkable is the fact that the HEATLINE service is operated by just 20 people. . The HEATLINE pro- vides the public with advice on a wide range of energy- related topics. Householders planning insulation, heating system adjustments or other energy -conserving projects can get comprehensive ad- vice backedby printed in- formation about materials and procedures. Govern- ment of Canada grant assis- tance programs can also be explained by the HEAT- LINE's staff. The key to the HEAT- LINE's success is the high level of training and com- mitment of its employees. Staffed by program officers and more extensively trained technical officers, the HEATLINE is backed by technical researchers who stay abreast of the rapidly evolving field of home energy management. Typical of the HEAT- LINE's staff is Suzane Dube — a technical officer who has been advising Canadians for more than three years. A new employee would re- quire two years of training to achieve the level of technical expertise Suzane has accu- mulated. Enthusiastic about her work, Suzane finds that the public appreciates the straightforward approach of the HEATLINE. "When someone calls me needing information, either I've got it or I'll get it and . phone them back," she says. This contrasts with the experi- ence that many consumers have when consulting con- tractors or material suppliers for information. Suzane re- calls one householder who, in frustration, called the HEATLINE after getting in- complete and conflicting advice from a half dozen other sources. "She was at the end of her rope. I gave her so much information, she ran out of paper. After the call she felt she un- derstood enough to deal knowledgeably with con- tractors and suppliers." Suzane feels that over the last few years the public has learned a great deal about energy use and conserva- tion. "Callers are a lot more. knowledgeable now. They want more detailed technical information than a couple of years ago." She notes that many callers "are really do- ing their homework before making an energy-related investment." With the public becom- ing more careful in planning home energy projects, Suzane feels that the HEAT - LINE provides a valuable consumer protection ser- vice. Many of Suzane's call- ers have a firm idea about what they want to do and contact the HEATLINE to double check contractor's estimates or claims of poten- tial energy savings. Suzane receives an average of 125 calls per week. While the average call is only about 10 minutes in length, she will spend as long as 45 minutes with call- ers who have more com- plicated problems. When not on the phone, she spends time researching and re- viewing technical infor- mation provided by the (Continued on Page 8) When you do it yourself. . Get Professional Results With Professional Tools. When you're building or renovating with Energy Conservation in mind, you want the most professional results that you can get. So, naturally, you're going to choose the tools that the professionals use. 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