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DEMAND-SIDE MANAGEMENT
At Enbridge, we are committed to helping our customers use energy
wisely. Enbridge Gas Distribution's more than 30 demand-side
management (DSM) programs encourage customers to adopt energysaving
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.
- 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 2004 alone, our DSM programs saved about 74 million cubic
metres of natural gas, enough to supply more than 25,000 homes
with natural gas for a year. Over the past decade, our DSM programs
have delivered about 1.8 billion cubic metres of natural gas savings
(the equivalent of enough gas to supply 620,000 homes each year)
and net energy savings to our customers of about $865 million.
Plus, we have prevented CO2 emissions of about 3.4 million tonnes.
Serving small commercial customers
Building on this success, we are continually searching ways to enhance
the reach and effectiveness of our DSM programs. In 2004, we
broadened our DSM services to include small commercial customers
(storefront businesses), launching a pilot rebate program for installing
energy efficient furnaces and programmable thermostats. Expanding
our company's products and services helps customers manage an
important operating cost while creating market opportunities for
Enbridge products and services.
Contributing to policy on DSM
As a recognized DSM leader in the natural gas industry, Enbridge Gas
Distribution frequently is invited to provide advice on other DSM
initiatives. In 2004, we played an active role in the Ontario Energy
Board's review of DSM opportunities in the electricity industry.
Through this forum, we advocated using local electric distribution
companies as the delivery agent for DSM services in the electricity
sector. This position was adopted by the government.
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