These Toronto businesses have received their
free retrofits

Why not join them? Call 416-599-9210 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to book your energy assessment.

Small Wonders Pets is a pioneer of natural pet health in Toronto. The owners and staff strive to provide knowledgeable advice and the best, locally-produced foods and treats to ensure quality and freshness.

They put the same thought into their use of resources and electricity. Owner Keiley Abote said, "We were very pleased to take advantage of Power Savings Blitz. We had our fluorescent tubes on the main shop floor and in the basement changed to T-8s, and in our track lighting, we now have compact fluorescent bulbs."

Abote also noted that the work went very smoothly and efficiently. "They did the work very quickly and it was no inconvenience at all. We're very happy with everything."

Diana and Chen Cho operate Passion Fruits, a long-time favourite neighbourhood green grocer and flower store. The shop consists of two storefronts with mostly fluorescent tubes both on the shop floor and in the basement preparation areas.

Diana said, "For Power Savings Blitz, we had most of our fluorescent tubes changed to more energy-efficient T-8s. We asked them to change the ones where it would make the most difference."

The Cho's are very pleased with the result. "Our store looks brighter, more cheerful. It makes our flowers and produce look very good. It only took them two to three hours and they cleaned everything before they left. We're very happy with the result."

Shabnam and Frank Weber had such a passion for specialty teashops they decided to create their own – the growing group of Tea Emporium shops where the focus is on a broad selection of quality teas and exceptional service.

In their business, the Webers are also conscious of their use of resources. In two locations, they have been able to take advantage of both the Power Savings Blitz program and peaksaver®.

Said Shabnam, "In our shops, we have all bulbs, no fluorescent tubes for the ambiance. So for the Power Savings Blitz program, they changed two dozen bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. From a lighting perspective, it looks just the same, nice and warm, and we're very happy with the result."

The Webers have noticed some decrease on their bills and are especially happy that both programs are helping them make a contribution towards a better environment.

The motto of the Tamarack Day Care Centre is, "There is only one beautiful child in this world and every parent has him/her."

You get the same sense of caring and concern when you speak to owner Guyatree Shawmarain about the new lighting the centre received through the Power Savings Blitz program. In total, 15 pairs of T-8 fluorescent tubes and two energy-efficient exit signs were installed.

"I really like the new lights. They're just the right brightness. I didn't want them too bright because this is a room for toddlers and we already have big windows."

Shawmarain was also pleased about the installation process. "They were very fast and efficient. They really cleaned up after themselves, even washing and wiping the blinds to make sure there was no dust. I'm very pleased with the program and the service."

Ray Sanchez runs a busy Mister Transmission shop in Scarborough. As an owner, he is very aware of his cost of operations and looks for any savings opportunities. So, for him, the Power Savings Blitz program was an easy one to participate in.

In all, 20 pairs of T-12s were converted to the more energy efficient T-8s. For Sanchez, there was no disruption to his shop and he appreciated the efficiency of the service. "They did a great job, in and out fast and all cleaned up. It was perfect."

Asked about the quality of the light, Sanchez said, "I'm very happy with our lighting. It's much better than it used to be. Makes the shop brighter, nicer to work in."

Since having the work done, Sanchez has recommended Power Savings Blitz to his business neighbours who have all taken advantage of the program. Thank you Ray for spreading the news!

The team at Fresh Floral Creations pride themselves in taking floral arrangements to new and dramatic dimensions. And for that, they are frequently featured in numerous national magazines.

For their Power Savings Blitz lighting retrofit, they concentrated on their offices at the back of the store and their downstairs work area. Owner Bruno Duarte said, "We have six new compact fluorescent energy saving bulbs in our offices which I'm very happy about, and also all new T-8 fluorescent sets in the basement preparation area."

For Fresh Floral, the colour and intensity of the light was important for their work, and they are pleased with the brightness of the T-8s in the work areas.

Segar features unique Spice Route cuisine that builds on the meeting of many cultures. Like any good restaurateur, owner Segar Kulasegarampillai knows the importance of controlling overhead costs wherever possible.

For the Power Savings Blitz program, the restaurant received 15 compact fluorescent bulbs in offices and staircases, and 8 pairs of T-8 lamps in the kitchen and preparation areas.

"These are lights that are on nearly all of the time, so reducing electricity costs there sure helps," said Kulasegarampillai. "The lighting in the kitchen and prep areas is especially nice, very bright, nice to work in. This is a program I would recommend to my fellow restaurateurs. Everything helps."

Norman Tailors and Cleaners is a community landmark on the busy retail strip on Bayview Avenue south of Eglinton.

For many years, owner Mari Shemavonian has been looking after the sartorial needs of Leaside families and business professionals. Shemavonian is also careful to keep a watch on her business expenses, and when she was offered the opportunity to participate in Power Savings Blitz, she took it immediately.

"They replaced all of our lighting, about 30 lights in all with more energy efficient ones. Customers have commented on how fresh and bright the store looks," said Shemavonian. "I'm saving electricity too, so I'm very happy. They did the work so quickly, in about an hour. And they left the store nice and clean. "