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8- The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday January 24, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Conservation is powerful tool for cutting Ontario's energy needs By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER A little bit of electricity conservation could save taxpayers big bucks in avoiding the need to build a new generation facility, said Paul Murphy, who runs the province's electricity distribution system. The president and CEO of the Independent Electricity Operating System (IESO) spoke to members of the Canadian Club of Halton Peel, last Thursday. Murphy said the introduction of 800,000 so-called Smart Meters in homes across Ontario this year is expected to curb use. The meters track the quantity and specific times residents use electricity. By offering cheaper prices to customers who use power during off-peak periods at night, on holidays and weekends, it's hoped the economic payback will encourage reduced use. For example, the price per kilowatthour at night dips to one-third of the price of using electricity during the daytime. The goal is to have a Smart Meter installed in every household in Ontario by 2010. Also on the plus side -- high polluting electricity generated from coal-fired plants is down Paul Murphy, CEO of Independent Electricity Operating System from 19 per cent in 2005, to 16 per cent in 2006. While Murphy said carbon emissions won't completely be eradicated in short order, it is good news in light of increased threats on the environment from global warming. For this reason, and many other changes, Murphy is "cautiously optimistic" about the future of Ontario's electricity supply. Better co-ordination between energy providers, more varieties of power generation, increased transmission lines, conservation education and more competitive prices are contributing to his optimism. "We're in the early stages of the biggest infrastructure change Ontario has ever seen," said Murphy. Working at the heart of the province's power system, he described the IESO as a cross between an air traffic controller in connecting electricity generators and a stock exchange in balancing supply and demand. And while it is Murphy's job to keep the lights on he said he is most asked about the time when the lights went out on Aug. 14, 2003. Co-ordination and conservation is essential to avoid another blackout, he said. The 2003 blackout left 50 million people in the dark and had huge reverberating economic impacts "We were extremely lucky this blackout occurred in summer rather than in winter, when it would have taken longer to restore electricity and could have been a disaster for the health and safety of many across the province," said Murphy. On the upside the blackout did draw "incredible attention" to the electricity industry, said Murphy. It forced a comprehensive investigation on both sides of the border that examined ways of preventing a similar incident and how to prepare for a future of greater electricity demand from a growing population. OAKVILLE - Celebrating 150 years! Celebrate Oakville! Oakville is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year and we'll keep you up-to-date on all the activities. February 8, 2007 ­ Oakville Images Launch January 31, 2007 ­ Black History Month Kick-Off ­ Central Branch Library 120 Navy Street, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Committee Rooms 1 & 2. 6 ­ 8 p.m. The Oakville Museum Traveling Exhibit - Oakville's Black History and Oakville's Role in the Join us for the launch of Oakville Images, a project that makes thousands of fascinating Underground Railroad will be on display. As well, nationally-acclaimed writer Lawrence Hill photos, videos, interviews and other historical documents available to anyone, anywhere will be reading passages from his new book, The Book of Negroes, as well as talking about via the Internet. local black history . The exhibit will continue during business hours throughout February. For more events, visit http://150.oakville.ca/ Visit www.ccah.ca for more information. ATTEND OAKVILLE CONSERVES OPEN HOUSE Make your New Year's pledge to Conserve Energy Learn how to conserve energy at home and on the road. Find out about new energy saving technologies as well as alternative energy sources. Saturday, January 27, 2007 - 9 am - 1pm Oakville Town Hall - South Atrium 1225 Trafalgar Road 10:15 am - Welcome Address from M.P.P. Kevin Flynn and the Mayor of Oakville, Rob Burton. 10:30 am - Guest Speaker: Peter Love, Chief Energy Conservation Officer. Visit these booths for tips and information: · Enerhome Plus, Energuide for House Advice · Bullfrog Power · Home Depot, Eco Options products · Oakville Honda, Hybrid vehicles · Fifth Light Technology Ltd., Energy Efficient Technology · Conservation Council of Ontario · Oakville Hydro · Enerlights, Energy Efficient Lighting · Town of Oakville, Energy and Environmental Programs · And many more... Bring in a 60W incandescent light bulb and receive a brand new CFL light bulb for FREE! *while supplies last. There will also be a raffle for energy efficient prizes! Child minding program available for preschool and school age children ages 3+. Supported by the Community Conservation Initiative Program of the Ontario Ministry of Energy COUNCIL MEETING White Oak Tree, Bronte Road Monday, January 29, 2007 Council Chambers ­ Town of Oakville, 1225 Trafalgar Road ­ 7:30 p.m. As part of its deliberation, Council on January 29, 2007 will be considering the recommendation approved by the Administrative Services Committee to commit $25,000 from the Town's 2006 surplus to save a 250 year old White Oak Tree on Bronte Road. Members of the public who wish to speak to this issue at the meeting should contact Kathy Patrick at 905.338.4235 prior to 12 p.m. on Monday January 29, 2007 to register as a delegation. Written comments may be sent to the Town Clerk at Town of Oakville, P.O Box 310, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, Ontario L6J 5A6 or by email to TownClerk@okville.ca. For more information and to review the January 9, 2007 Administrative Services Committee report regarding this matter visit the Town's website at www.oakville.ca.