Demand-side Management

At Enbridge, we are committed to helping our customers use energy wisely. Enbridge Gas Distribution’s more than 40 demand-side management (DSM) programs encourage customers to adopt energy saving equipment and reduce consumption of natural gas.

We do this in different ways:

  • we conduct energy audits of commercial and industrial customers’ operations to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency;
  • we provide financial rebates and incentives to all types of customers, from homeowners to large industrial customers, to encourage them to adopt energy-saving equipment;
  • we work with industry and trade associations in various sectors – such as chemicals, construction, automotives, food and beverage, and pulp and paper – to promote DSM programs and contribute to industry standards; and
  • we partner with governments, suppliers and equipment manufacturers to invest in new energy efficient technologies that benefit our ratepayers and enhance the competitiveness of our business.

Our performance

Providing energy savings and environmental benefits

In 2005* alone, our DSM programs saved about 97 million cubic metres of natural gas, enough to supply more than 31,000 homes with natural gas for a year. Over the past decade, our DSM programs have delivered about 2.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas savings (the equivalent of enough gas to supply 750,000 homes for one year) and net energy savings to our customers of about $1.1 billion. In addition, we have avoided CO2 emissions of about 4.3 million tonnes.

* Note: These 2005 results are based on a 15-month period due to an adjustment in the year-end reporting.

Natural Gas SavingsServing low-income customers

Building on this success, we are continually searching for ways to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our DSM programs. In 2005, we broadened our DSM services to reach out to our low-income customers, launching a pilot program that offered our TAPS Partners Program (Thermostats, Aerators, Pipewrap and Showerheads) to areas in our franchise that had been designated as low income. Expanding our company’s products and services helps our customers manage their heating costs.

Contributing to policy on DSM

As a recognized DSM leader in the natural gas industry, Enbridge Gas Distribution is frequently invited to provide advice on DSM initiatives. In 2006, we will be involved in an Ontario Energy Board Generic Hearing on natural gas DSM that will encompass a review of natural gas DSM programs throughout Ontario. Through this proceeding, Enbridge Gas Distribution will help to set the framework for the future of natural gas DSM in Ontario.