SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY WITH PROGAMMABLE BLOCK HEATER TIMERS

SaskPower distributed 55,000 pre-programmed block heater timers to Saskatchewan residents, saving the province enough electricity to power 450 Saskatchewan homes for one year.

Regina, Saskatchewan, December 4, 2011

Over the course of two weeks, Summerhill and SaskPower distributed 55,000 pre-programmed block heater timers while engaging over 70,000 participants, saving customers money and saving the province energy. By using a timer to reduce plug-in times from 12 to 4 hours, customers will save up to $65 a year on their power bill, helping Saskatchewan save over 4MW of electricity – the equivalent to planting nearly 650,000 trees a year. This initiative was implemented in conjunction with Summerhill, a Canadian environmental consulting firm. Katie Fotheringham, program director at Summerhill, commented on the event, “The SaskPower Block Heater Timer Giveaway event was a massive success – over 80% of the products were distributed during the first weekend alone. The event was so popular that SaskPower decided a third weekend would no longer be necessary.” The campaign ran the weekends of November 26 and December 3rd, 2011, with the pre-programmed block heater timers distributed through five participating retailers and six post-secondary institutions, along with Summerhill trained reps engaging customers in energy conversation and money-saving tips. The event was an overwhelming success, with SaskPower and Summerhill pleased beyond expectations. Special thanks go to all Saskatchewan residents for being so engaged and helping the province save power and protect the environment.