Power Saving Blitz FAQs

What is the Power Saving Blitz?

The Power Saving Blitz program is designed to retrofit small businesses across the province. The program provides lighting and water heating enhancements for small businesses in the office or retail sub-sectors who have an annual electricity demand of approximately 50 kW or less and are individually metered. Funding up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit, with an opportunity to pay for additional retrofits over the $1,000 limit, at each business’ discretion.

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Who qualifies for the Power Saving Blitz program?

Program participants must be small businesses in the office or retail sub-sectors located in Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited's service area and have an electricity demand of less than 50 kW. This includes a wide range of businesses including professional dry cleaners, medical offices, beauty salons, and other small retailers. As of April 1, 2009, food-service businesses also qualify.

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If I own two businesses in Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited's service territory, can both businesses participate in the program?

Each business will qualify provided they each have a separate account with Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited and they meet the eligibility requirements.

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Will it cost me anything to participate in the program?

No. Funding of up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit, with an opportunity to pay costs over the $1,000 limit, at the discretion of the customer.

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Do I have to carry out a retrofit costing more than the maximum $1,000 incentive?

There is no obligation to carry out a retrofit costing more than $1,000. If the job cost exceeds the $1,000 incentive threshold, the retrofit can be scaled down to a more suitable level.

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Why would I want to participate in the Power Saving Blitz program?

Participants in the program will receive a free electricity assessment and an energy efficiency retrofit valued up to $1,000 that will help reduce their electricity consumption and provide savings on their monthly electricity bill. By participating, you are also making a significant contribution to conserving electricity and helping to improve our environment.

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I am interested in the program, how can I book an assessment?

To have an assessment of your business completed, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited will first have to confirm that your business is eligible for the program. If so, you can leave your contact information and Toronto Hydro will call to schedule an assessment.

Please call 416-599-9210 to review your business' eligibility for Power Saving Blitz.

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Is the retrofit going to interfere with the operations of my business?

The retrofit is quick and easy and can generally be done while the business is open. The full retrofit shouldn't take more than two hours to complete. There is very little mess because there is no change to the lighting footprint or the electric water heating unit; hence there is no need for repairs or re-painting.

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I don't own the building; do I need to get the landlord's permission?

You will need to represent and warrant that it is your authority and right over the property to authorize the installation of the energy upgrades. In cases where you may be unsure if you have the authority, you should contact the landlord.

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Who does Toronto Hydro send to assess my business?

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited will send licensed electrical contractors to your business on behalf of the utility. The electrical contractors will be provided with the appropriate ID and/or documentation to identify themselves as approved by the Power Savings Blitz program. Please feel free to ask for it.

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How do I know if my business uses 50 kW or less?

• If your business' Toronto Hydro-Electric System bill shows usage measured in kilowatt hours or kWh, then your electricity demand is likely 50 kW or less.
• If the bill shows usage measured in kW or kVA, then your business likely uses more than 50 kW annually.
• If you are still unsure, please contact us at 416-599-9210 or use our online tool to find out if your business is eligible.

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