By Liz Benneian
Oakville Today - March 13, 2003
Those who care about having a cleaner environment can now help do something about it.
Oakville Hydro Energy Services Inc. (OHESI) has launched an important Green Power Program that allows people to purchase a "Green Light Pact" (cost is $60 plus tax). In turn, OHESI will use the money to purchase electricity produced from clean, renewable energy sources such as wind and water instead of from fossil fuel burning power plants.
"When people buy a Green Light Pact, it allows us to buy 660 kilowatt hours of green electricity which is enough to power an average home for three weeks," says Alex Bystrin, president and CEO of Oakville Hydro Corporation. The power will be purchased from EcoLogo certified renewable energy sources.
The program is, as far as Bystrin knows, unique. Other utilities in North America have allowed corporate clients a chance to buy cleaner energy and Toronto Hydro has a programs that lets their customers subsidize the purchase of clean energy, but Oakville Hydro's plan appears to be the first to offer this option to anyone, anywhere - you don't need to be their customer to purchase a Green Light Pact.
"This gives people who are interested in the environment a chance to do something in a tangible way. Cleaner energy is more expensive, but when people buy Green Light Pacts it allows us to buy cleaner energy and put it into the grid," says Bystrin, adding that Oakville Hydro has made it as convenient as possible for people to purchase the Pacts. Order forms have appeared and will appear in newspaper ads and they can also be found through the Green Power logo at www.oakville-hydro.com or by calling 905-825-6370 or toll free 1-866-521-0192.
In order to make the program as flexible as possible, people can purchase one or more of the Pacts or they can buy half packs.
"It's a win-win situation," says Ann Mulvale, mayor of the Town of Oakville. "Not only can people partner with OHESI to make an immediate positive impact on the environment, but their "Green Light Pact" contributions will result in other beneficial Green Power initiatives down the road."
A portion of every Green Light Pact sold will support the additional costs of generating a bigger share of Ontario's power from renewable energy sources and the building of future facilities, notes Bystrin. Oakville Hydro is committed to finding and offering cleaner energy sources whenever possible. This includes a plan to build an energy-generating station at the Regional landfill on Hwy. 25 that will make use of the methane that is naturally generated from decomposing garbage.
"Currently, we are limited to reselling energy generated by Ontario Power Generation," says Bystrin, "but we are currently finding clients for cleaner energy. When we get enough it will help us build and finance our own plant."
As Oakville Hydro works toward its goal of providing cleaner energy Bystrin says the utility is pleased to able to offer people a that lets them choose to be a part of the Green Power solution.
