Hydro Ottawa | Power Pledge

Take the Power Pledge, It�s what taking The Power Pledge is all about.

Hydro Ottawa and the City of Ottawa encourages you to take simple actions in the community that can help you save money and reduce your environmental footprint. It’s not about changing your lifestyle – it’s about doing simple things that can make a big difference.

The shocking facts behind phantom power.

Electronic devices left plugged in, even when turned off, still draw power. That's called phantom power, and it's costing you money. It's also costing our planet even more with wasteful carbon emissions. I will plug the following electronics into a power bar with a timer or auto shut off and make sure they are off during periods of inactivity:

Television

Home theatre system

Computer, monitor, printer, scanner

Rechargeable devices (MP3 players, cell phones, battery chargers, etc.)

Game console

Tip: By reducing this unnecessary power use, you can save up to 15% on your electricity use.

Learn more about phantom power and how power bars with a timer or auto shut off can help.

Every year, manufacturers offer more energy-efficient fixtures and appliances. The best way to know you're buying the most efficient products available is to look for the ENERGY STAR® label.

Dehumidifier

Room air conditioner

Central air conditioner

Furnace

Learn more about the ENERGY STAR® program and how it will help you make energy-smart decisions.

Washing machines and especially dryers are among the highest energy users in the home. I will:

Use cold water for washing

Do laundry during off-peak times or on weekends

Dry my laundry on a clothesline whenever possible

Wash only full loads of laundry

Learn more about more energy-efficient laundry (and dishwasher) practices.

Chances are your home’s wasting electricity. A lot of electricity and a lot of money. A home energy audit will find your home’s energy deficiencies and identify renovations you can make to lower your electricity bills.

I will get a Home Energy Audit and follow as many recommendations as possible.

Learn more about how to get started with a home energy audit.

Tip: You could save up to $150 a year on your electricity use by having your old fridge picked up and recycled for FREE in an environmentally friendly way.

I will get rid of my old energy-guzzling fridge and/or freezer.

Learn more about The Great Refrigerator Roundup or book a pickup appointment.

I will make my home heating and cooling system work more efficiently. I will:

Set/program my thermostat to save energy while I’m asleep or away from home.

Set/program my thermostat to be about 2° C warmer during the summer and about 2° C colder during the winter.

Change my air filters regularly and have my heating and cooling system tuned up by a professional.

Learn more about efficient home heating and cooling practices and to locate a certified contractor in my area.

Reduce your electricity use as much as possible by participating in Hydro Ottawa’s Conservation Programs:

Get rid of your old fridge and/or freezer. We’ll pick it up for free; you pocket up to $120 a year.
Call 1-877-797-9473 or visit hydroottawa.com/fridge

Receive a FREE programmable thermostat. Manage the amount of energy used to heat and cool your home.
Call 1-866-813-2226 or visit hydroottawa.com/peaksaver

Learn more ways to reduce your electricity consumption by speaking to Hydro Ottawa’s Conservation Team at an event near you. Visit hydroottawa.com/events for event listings.