READ ALL ABOUT IT! Monthly billing’s almost here

HARVEST YOUR

ENERGY SAVINGS

OakvilleColourfall

PREP FOR HEATING SEASON Outwit the elements

SIX SPOTS YOU FORGOT (SURPRISE!)Get the designer look NOW

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFASTSBeat the morning rush

SHINE BRIGHT FOR LESSCoupons for light fixtures and more

Keeping up with the Kelvins Watt the heck’s a lumen?

10

Who else is ready for crisp air, colourful leaves and comfort food? Embracing the change and the beauty of each season makes the transition easier. We’re here to help, with a little inspiration for the cooler days ahead.

We’ve got you covered this heating season, with savings tips from basement to attic and beyond. Time for a new HVAC system? Learn about rebates that can help on page 21.

As nights get longer, you may begin to notice your lighting isn’t up to par, so we’ve also put together a quick guide to help you choose the best bulbs. Find discounts for high-efficiency light fixtures and more great products on page 7. But hurry! Our Coupon Event is only on for a limited time.

Finally, be sure to try our energy-saving breakfast recipe on page 16, just in time for back to school.

Using energy more efficiently is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment, and better protect the four beautiful seasons we’re so lucky to call our own.

Mary Caputi Conservation Leader

20Tried & tested Weatherproofing tips

EDITOR’S NOTE

3

4-5Simple reminders Top tips, month by month

6-8Cent-sible solutions Clip. Save. Repeat.

13High-end designGet the look for less

14Better by the dozen Monthly billing’s almost here!

23 Staying safe This tip could save your life

22Litres

Get kitted Top 5 items for your emergency kit

Overnight delight Cook up tasty savings with this easy recipe

First time ever! Load up on LED savings

11

16

Moving inward

Get crafty Seasonal fun with LEDs

18

2

S SM MT TW WT TF FS

1 54321

8 127 116 105 94 83 72 6

15 1914 1813 1712 1611 1510 149 13

22 2621 2520 2419 2318 2217 2116 20

29282726 3025 2924 2823 27

3130

S

On average, it takes 12 weeks for new habits to stick – so we’re offering you two months of easy green actions! These simple tips can help you consume less and save more, and make being green automatic.

TIP CALENDAR

OCTOBER NOVEMBER

Green your fall

Never wore those Bermuda shorts? Donate unworn summer clothing

Find coupons in stores this month See page 6 for details

Winter ratesWinter Time-of-Use rates start

Smart suds Do laundry on weekends for lowest rates

Micro marvellousCook with a microwave; it uses 2/3 the energy of a stove

Easy chillin’Dust refrigerator coils to help dissipate heat

Daylight Savings Time ends Clean or replace furnace filter

Happy ThanksgivingOff-peak electricity rates all weekend!

Dish it outLet dishes air-dry to save more

Furnace fixerFurnace more than 10 years old? See page 21 for rebates

Low and slowSlow-cooker breakfasts make mornings a breeze – see page 16 for recipe

Go cheque-less Sign up for Pre-Authorized Payments

Deck the halls ’Tis the season for LED lights

Love a mugBring a reusable mug when you buy coffee

Fight the phantomsUse a power bar with a timer or auto-shutoff to fight phantom power – see page 7 for coupon

Old cellphone?Give it a fond farewell: recyclemycell.ca

Halloween safety Use LED tea lights instead of candles

Eee-asy does itSwitch to eBills to cut paper clutter

Switch to LED bulbs to save up to 75%Super-long life too!

Clean coolWash laundry in cold (not hot) water

Ask an Energy Expert at our Coupon Event – see page 6 for details

54

IN-STORE COUPON EVENT

RETURNS Sept. 30 – Oct. 30

Score a dealScore

Wait!There’s a coupon

for that—

Indoor motion sensorsConvenient, hands-free lighting – great for laundry rooms and more

$3OFF

$8OFFENERGY STAR® CERTIFIED

Light fixturesUse a quarter of the energy that standard fixtures use Meet the Energy Experts

See our website for the dates, times and stores we’ll be visiting in October.

> Get personalized advice on energy-saving products

> Get tips for more ways to save on energy at home

> Play games and win prizes

Download more coupons and find a participating store near you at oakvillehydro.com/coupons

Power bars with timers or auto-shutoffStop devices from drawing power when idle

$4OFF

6 7

Sign up now at oakvillehydro.com/pap

Switch to paperless at oakvillehydro.com

Go paperless! Switch to eBills It’s better for the environment too! Simply log in to your MyOakvilleHydro account to activate eBilling. Don’t

have an online account yet? It takes just minutes to set one up.

Set it & forget itWant to make life even easier? Try Pre-Authorized Payments – they eliminate the hassle of tracking due dates so you’ll

never miss a payment again. Signing up is quick and easy online!

BUSTERClutter

STREAMLINE & SIMPLIFY

HOME ORGANIZATION

Everybody’s got one of those drawers – a catch-all where batteries, spare keys and safety pins all roll around together. Here’s a neat idea to help you stay organized without spending a dime.1 Purge, purge, purge

Do you really need all those soy sauce packets?

2 Hunt and gather Gather up any jewellery boxes, shoebox lids and small bowls you aren’t using.

3 Nest snugly Arrange the containers to fit inside the drawer, storing like items with like items.

9

LED SUPER SALE

• How much can LED bulbs save you every year? • What’s the best “colour temperature” for each room?• How do I choose the right bulb for each fixture?

Visit any Oakville location of The Home Depot and get answers to all your lighting questions from a Lighting Expert when you shop the LED Super Sale.

a whole new lookGet ready forBulb

showdown

BRIGHT IDEAS

Produce more heat than light.Federal ban now in effect.

70% more efficient than incandescents. Contain mercury.

INCANDESCENT CFL LED

Is it really worth switching out CFLs and incandescents with LEDs?

YES OH YES!—

Lumen aid

50,000 HOUR LIFE

UP TO

Use 75% less electricity than incandescents and work indoors and out.

10,000 HOUR LIFE

1,000 HOUR LIFE

Switch all your old bulbs at once during the LED Super Sale! Bring home a whole new look and feel with Philips LEDs, not to mention energy savings. The old way to

shop for bulbs was to look at wattage. Now it’s all about lumens.

Lumens measure brightness of light.

Watts measure electrical power used.

Kelvins measure “mood” of light (lower numbers = more golden in colour, higher numbers = more blueish in colour).

Rule of thumbWatts to Lumens

40W 450 lu

60W 800 lu

75W 1,100 lu

100W 1,600 lu

SUPERSALE

SWITCH& SAVE

LED

Mark your calendar LED SUPER SALE WEEKENDSSeptember 17–18 & 24–25

Offer for residential customers only, for use in residential applications. Limit of 25 per item, per customer. Quantities are limited while supplies last. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers, including Save on Energy coupons. Offer applies to select Philips LED bulbs only. Not valid for online purchases. Subject to additional terms and conditions at LEDsupersale.ca.

Find full details at LEDsupersale.ca

†Based on three hours of operation per day, at $0.11/kWh. 9.5W LED is equivalent to 60W incandescent. Source: Philips.

Incandescent

x 50 bulbs x 50 bulbs

LED

PER YEAR

$7.21 $1.14$360.50 $57

Cost to operate one bulb per year† Cost to operate one bulb per year†

Average number of bulbs per home Average number of bulbs per home

Total energy cost per year Total energy cost per year

$300+

Trust the math

SAVINGSvs. {

Only at

1110

Get a special price on leasing a premium home charging station and help shape the future of electric vehicles when you participate in EVfutureGRID, a first-of-its-kind pilot program.

BRIGHT IDEAS

For more details:engineering@oakvillehydro.com 905-825-9400, extension 2266futuregrid.ca

Six spots you forgot!

Do you own or plan to buy an electric vehicle?

Ready, set,

Did you know? You may qualify for FREE energy-saving appliances and products with the Save on Energy Home Assistance Program.

How it works:1 An Energy Expert

makes an appointment to visit your home and reviews how you’re using energy.

2 We supply and install upgrades at NO CHARGE to you.

3 We show you how to use your new upgrades to save energy.

Please call GreenSaver, our program partner, at 1-855-234-9376 to find out if you’re eligible.

How we can help

Already have an EV charger at home?

Let us know! We’re mapping residential charging stations to ensure grid stability.

charge

ACCENT LIGHTING

BEDROOMHEADBOARDS

With their slim profile, LEDs are ideal for floating shelves

Create a dreamy ambience that will outlast even your mattress

TOE-KICK AREAS

CURTAINTOPS

Install as path lights for extra safety; add a sense of depth

Accentuate decor and fill the room with soft light

UNDER CABINETS

PUCKLIGHTS

Improve visibility – countertops, home offices and other work areas

Cool-runningLEDs won’t heat the items in your display case

Now everyone can achieve a high-end designer look with LEDs!

They’re affordable to buy and use, so you can install them

throughout your home – even in these easily overlooked spots.

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Hip hip MONTHLY BILLING

Better by the dozenBeginning this fall, Oakville Hydro is switching to monthly billing. That means you’ll get 12 bills every year instead of six, making it easier for you to manage your costs.

Oakville Hydro bills for water and wastewater for Halton Region. With the implementation of monthly billing,

electricity will be billed each month. Water and wastewater will continue to be billed every two months.

Give a welcome cheer!

(almost) here

Get a more current view of your electricity habits so you can make smart switches sooner.

Smaller, more frequent bills make it easier to manage your household budget.

12

6

Monthly billing’s

Read more about it at oakvillehydro.com/monthlybilling

Two programs to help you meet your home energy needs.

In a pinch?Year-round emergency grants The Low-Income Energy Assistance program (LEAP) provides one-time grants to those who are having difficulty paying past due electricity bills.

Find out if you qualify at oakvillehydro.com/LEAP

Regular ongoing bill assistance The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides a monthly on-bill credit based on household income and size.

Find out if you qualify at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca

Answers to your top five frequently asked questions from Christina, our e-correspondence expert.

Q: Can I see my account information online?A: Yes! Sign up for MyOakvilleHydro and see your history, billing and electricity usage, along with many other services such as eBill registration, arranging a move online, billing alerts and more.

Q: How do I sign up for MyOakvilleHydro?A: Signing up is quick and easy. Visit oakvillehydro.com, answer a few short questions, create a user name and password, and you’re all set. Remember to have your account and meter number handy.

Q: I’m moving. Can I do that online?A: Yes you can. If you’re a new customer, please go to oakvillehydro.com, click Moving, and provide us with details about your move. It’s available 24/7!

Q: What are all the different charges for on my bill?A: You can learn more about the charges at oakvillehydro.com, Understanding Your Bill.

Q: How do I set up Pre-Authorized Payments?A: It’s easy! Just go to oakvillehydro.com/pap, enter your banking information, and click Register. No need to send a void cheque. It really is that easy! Now your payment will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the due date.

How you benefit from monthly billing

Ask Christina...

ASK CHRISTINA

1514

OVERNIGHT OATMEAL Serves 4

Ingredients > Cooking spray or butter

> 480 ml (2 cups) water

> 240 ml (1 cup) steel-cut oats

> 480 ml (2 cups) almond milk

> 2 large apples – peeled, cored and cut into bite-size pieces

> 45 ml (3 tbsp) brown sugar or maple syrup

> 5 ml (1 tsp) ground cinnamon

Toppings of your choice (optional): milk, dried cranberries or raisins, berries, chopped nuts, maple syrup or brown sugar

Directions1 Coat the inside of your slow cooker with

cooking spray or butter.

2 Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker.

3 Cook on low for about seven hours.

4 Stir and serve warm with toppings.

7:00AM

MO

AUTO

OVERNIGHT DELIGHT

PREP TIME:

5MINUTES

Morningmiracles

Extra energy saving tip

Plug your slow cooker into a power bar with a timer/auto-shutoff

A slow cooker uses 65% less energy

in seven hours than an electric oven uses

in just one hour.Wake up to delicious, energy-efficient breakfasts. There’s a secret weapon in your kitchen for saving energy: the slow cooker. Flip it on during off-peak hours (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.) for a savvy, simple way to cook up some savings.

1716

Under wraps To begin, gather up all your supplies and place the wreath form on a flat work surface. Wrap the wreath form in burlap ribbon, leaving no gaps.

12

Hang out Attach to a wreath hanger with the black ribbon. Come December, replace the seasonal elements with ornaments for a holiday look!

GET CRAFTY

Add an accent Trim seasonal elements to varying lengths and make a loose bunch. Fasten near the centre at the bottom of the wreath with floral wire.

3Change it up!—Get creative with this versatile DIY wreath: adorn it with greenery and bows, or use coloured LEDs – the possibilities are endless!

Thanks to their durability and longevity, LEDs are ideal for both indoor and outdoor use – even at colder temperatures.

We suggest:— > 1 50 cm (20 inch) wreath form

> 1 spool 5 cm (2 inch) wired burlap ribbon

> 1 strand of clear battery-operated LED string lights

> 1 cluster of seasonal elements

> Black ribbon

> Hot glue gun and glue stick

> Floral or craft wire

> Scissors and wire cutters

Door decor

In the loop Use hot glue to secure the ribbon ends at the back, and loop the LED string lights around the wreath. Tuck the battery pack into the back of the wreath at the bottom, and secure with floral wire.

This simple LED wreath adds personality and seasonal sparkle

to your door.

1918

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4

5

8

10

6

7

9

3

1

WEATHERPROOFING DIY GUIDE

Air leaks cost you by letting heat escape. Seal the most common leaks and you can make your home cozier and more efficient while saving money too.

DraftDODGER

Is your HVAC system more than 10 years old, not keeping you comfortable or requiring frequent repairs? Upgrade and save with Save on Energy rebates!

COMFORT AND SAVINGS For better performance, greater comfort and up to $325 a year in energy cost savings, upgrade to new ENERGY STAR® certified systems. Get $250 for a high-efficiency furnace and up to $400 for a high-efficiency central air conditioner.*

Find expert HVAC tips and look for a participating contractor at oakvillehydro.com/rebates

Quick fact As much as 60% of your annual electricity costs go to heating and cooling your home.

Rebates TO HELP YOU

upgrade

Fireplace chimney case Consider inserting an inflatable chimney balloon when your fireplace is not in use.

Light fixtures Flush mounts can be especially leaky.

2

3

4

5

61 Windows and doors Vinyl weatherstripping holds up well.

Basement sills Rubber caulking adheres to concrete.

Interior cavity walls Older homes may have large empty spaces.

7

Attic hatch Always caulk around the frame.

Outlets and wall switches Foam inserts seal up outlets and light switches.

Quick tip

Dirty spots on ceiling or carpet? They may indicate an air leak.

8 Plumbing Use a flexible seal around pipes and vents.

Trim areas Seal all baseboards and mouldings.

Floors Wool area rugs can act like insulation.

10

9

2120

INDIVIDUAL HOMESAND BUSINESSES

STATIONS ANDFEEDER LINES

CRITICALSERVICES

Q: What’s the process you follow to restore power after a widespread outage? A: We prioritize hospitals, fire and police stations then move onto critical town-wide systems like water treatment plants. We then restore as many customers as possible through system reconfiguration and, finally, repairs.

Q: How do I report an outage in my area? A: You can call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 905-825-9400. Save this number in your phone! Before you call, be sure to check your fuse box for circuits switched off. Get up-to-date outage details at oakvilleoutages.ca through your mobile device.

Q: What are some common causes of outages?A: Severe weather is a very common cause, but outages can also happen as a result of vehicle accidents or even damage caused by squirrels and raccoons.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TEST YOUR SURVIVAL SKILLS

Litres

This tip could save your life

2

B

3

C

1

A Stop the vehicle and gently ease out; don’t look up

Stay in the car

Keep driving. The line will fall off eventually.

Did you answer B? You’re right!

Always stay inside your vehicle until Oakville Hydro crews can clear the wires and make the area safe. If you must exit the vehicle because of fire, jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together. If passersby attempt to approach and help you, warn them to stay far back!

Visit our YouTube channel for helpful safety videos.

Imagine you’re driving down the road and

a power line falls on your car…Now what?

Who’s on first?

Tom, the Control Room Operator, explains how Oakville Hydro prioritizes power restoration after an outage.

JUST IN CASE

You can help lessen the impact of an outage by taking the time to prepare in advance.

Build or restock your 72-hour emergency kit with these essentials and make sure everyone in your family knows where the kit is stored.

Top 5 items for an emergency kit1 First aid supplies,

including band-aids and alcohol wipes.

2 Bottled water (four litres per person, per day).

3 Non-perishable food and a manual can opener.

4 Flashlight and extra batteries.

5 Wind-up radio.

2322

Subject to additional terms and conditions found at oakvillehydro.com/conservation. Save on Energy is powered by the Independent Electricity System Operator and brought to you by Oakville Hydro. OMOfficial Mark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under licence. *Incentives are available for installation of eligible equipment completed by Dec. 31 and submitted no later than Feb. 1 of the following calendar year. Equipment must be purchased from and installed by a participating contractor. $250 incentive with the purchase and installation of an eligible furnace. $250 OR $400 incentive with the purchase and installation of an eligible central air conditioner system.

FPO

Report an outage905-825-9400 oakvilleoutages.ca

Find additional tips and tools to help you save electricity at oakvillehydro.com/conservation

We’re social!

Get the power of MyOakvilleHydro Log in to your account to view your TOU usage.

We’re here for youGeneral customer inquiries905-825-9400 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

hydro@oakvillehydro.com 861 Redwood Square Oakville, ON L6L 6R6

CONTACT US

Time your useTake advantage of the lowest Time-of-Use (TOU) rates by shifting your laundry and dishwashing to off-peak hours – evenings after 7 p.m. and all day on weekends and statutory holidays.

Off-peak Mid-peak On-peak

TIME-OF-USE RATES

Weekday until October 31

7 p.m. – 7 a.m.

7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Weekday November 1 – April 30

7 p.m. – 7 a.m.

7 a.m. – 11 a.m.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Year-round weekends and holidays

ALL DAY

Report a streetlight out905-825-6354 lights@oakvillehydro.com