Toronto Police Service's Chief Bill Blair helps launch new Toronto Hydro conservation campaign

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/toronto-hydro-electric-system/toronto-police-services-chief-bill-blair-helps-launch

TORONTO, Aug. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - Toronto Police Service's Chief Bill Blair makes time for energy conservation because it's the right thing to do and ultimately it makes good money sense.

That's the message behind a new energy conservation campaign called 'It's Easy to Conserve' that Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited ("Toronto Hydro") is rolling out online throughout the months of September and October, to coincide with the back-to-school period.

When asked why he practices energy conservation, Chief Blair said that it's about the environment, but it's also about being smart with his family's budget. "At my home in mid-town Toronto, we make a real effort to cut down on our electricity use. We use solar panel lights on the patio, we turn off our computer and computer monitor at night and we also look for other ways to conserve. We do it because it's important to make an effort to reduce the footprint we're all making on this planet, but also because it helps us to save money."

In addition to using Time-of-Use electricity rates to their benefit, residential customers can manage their electricity costs by participating in one or more of the following energy saving initiatives:

• Money-saving coupons are available to download from torontohydro.com/conservation.  Customers can redeem coupons at participating retailers to save money on energy efficiency products like compact fluorescent light bulbs, Energy Star® qualified ceiling fans, motion sensors, dimmer switches, timers and power bars.
• Free Fridge & Freezer Pickup is available to customers with old, energy-guzzling appliances.  Customers can arrange an appointment by signing up online at torontohydro.com /pickup or by calling 1-877-797-9473.
• Heating & Cooling Incentives up to $650* are available to customers who replace  their existing heating and cooling systems with eligible energy efficient models through a participating contractor.

For the next eight weeks, a new video, featuring one of our campaign ambassadors, will be showcased online at facebook.com/torontohydro. Each of the participants has signed up for one or more of Toronto Hydro's energy conservation programs and has agreed to participate in a video testimonial explaining the benefits and ease of participation.

"We're hoping this campaign will encourage our customers to adopt a new mindset when it comes to energy conservation," said Catherine Parry, Manager, Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience, Toronto Hydro. "It's the old adage that if you save a penny, the dollars will take care of themselves. We think that's the right message, particularly at times like these, when very high-profile Torontonians say that saving money is an important reason for conserving energy."

Others taking part in Toronto Hydro's new social media campaign include: eco-developer Tom Rand, culinary superstar Brad Long, master contractor and television celebrity Jim Caruk, newly-elected MP for Scarborough Southwest Dan Harris, and City of Toronto Councillor Shelley Carroll.

About Toronto Hydro

Toronto Hydro Corporation is a holding company, which wholly-owns two principal subsidiaries:

• Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited - which distributes electricity and engages in Conservation and Demand Management ("CDM") activities; and
• Toronto Hydro Energy Services Inc. - which provides street lighting services.

The principal business of the Corporation and its subsidiaries is the distribution of electricity by Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited. Toronto Hydro-Electric System owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 703,000 customers located in the City of Toronto.  It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 19% of the electricity consumed in Ontario.

The information in these materials is based on information currently available to Toronto Hydro Corporation and its affiliates (together hereinafter referred to as "Toronto Hydro"), and is provided for information purposes only. Toronto Hydro does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, completeness or timeliness of the information and undertakes no obligation to revise or update these materials. Toronto Hydro (including its directors, officers, employees, agents and subcontractors) hereby waives any and all liability for damages of whatever kind and nature which may occur or be suffered as a result of the use of these materials or reliance on the information therein.

Toronto Hydro is pleased to announce we are officially on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube! Follow us for the latest on energy conservation, tips on how to take advantage of your time-of-use rates and updates on power outages.

Twitter - twitter.com/torontohydro

Facebook - facebook.com/torontohydro

YouTube - youtube.com/torontohydro

SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation