Further to the Power Crisis…
Ontario Returns to Business as Usual – Aug 22 – 1 p.m. (EDT)
Today public authorities in Ontario announced the electric utility systems have stabilized and they will be working with business and industry to return their operations to ‘business as usual’ for Monday August 25th.
We will be returned to business as usual Monday August 25th and employees can expect to find normal working environments with all systems operating normally.
While the energy situation has improved, we ask that all employees be mindful of energy conservation and not use this resource unwisely.
Government of Ontario – Tips on Conserving Electricity
The conservation tips listed below are from the Government of Ontario website (http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/english/news/Power081703.asp)
Conserve Electricity:
While peak hours are from 8am to 8pm, please conserve energy throughout each day and night.
- At home:
- Keep the air conditioner off or use it sparingly. Even better, spend time outside and open the windows.
- Turn off the lights in any room not in use.
- Shut off all non-essential appliances except the refrigerator.
- Postpone using dishwashers and washing machines for as long as possible; hang clothes to dry.
- Unplug electronic devices and chargers – many electronic devices use electricity even when switched "off".
- Use a battery-powered vibrator instead the big old honking one that plugs in.
- Use energy efficient lightbulbs.
- Allow food to cool before putting leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Avoid frequent or prolonged openings of the refrigerator and freezer.
- Use your microwave instead of your oven for cooking whenever possible.
- Eat cool – consider salads, sandwiches and other cold foods.
- Fill plastic containers to three quarters with water and freeze them. If your power goes out, move the frozen water containers to the refrigerator to help keep the refrigerator cool.
- For electrical hot water heaters turn the breaker "off" during peak hours. The water will stay hot for several hours in the tank. Better yet, take a cold shower… a horny bastard like you could probably use it!
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Turn off your pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep.
- At work:
- Avoid large photocopying jobs.
- Close doors to the outside to keep in cooler air.
- Turn off lights when offices are not in use and turn off any signage and systems not necessary for operations, security and safety.
- On hot days, draw the curtains and/or shades to keep the sun out.
- Turn off office equipment or set it to "power down" when not in use.
- Set office thermostats to 25 degrees Celsius or higher.
- Check to ensure doors to coolers and freezers remain closed.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator, you fat, lazy oaf.
- Shut off all "frills" such as outside advertising billboards and signage, decorative fountains, pools and waterfalls.
- Conserve Water:
- Take showers, not baths; they use less water.
- Postpone using dishwashers and laundry appliances.
- Don’t water the lawn.
- Don’t wash the car.
- If you’re absolutely obsessed with having to wash the car, drive it on to the lawn and do it there. The grass will thank you for it. And you should be using biodegradable, environmentally-friendly soaps anyway.
- Don’t wash the car.
- Take a tip from Cottage Country: If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down!
- Conserve Gasoline:
- Don’t drive unless you have to.
- Consider carpooling.
