Kelowna, BC – December 10, 2009 – FortisBC is helping light up the holidays for low- and fixed-income customers and not-for-profit organizations this winter.
FortisBC PowerSense is donating energy efficient lighting products to a number of not-for-profit organizations in Kelowna and the West Kootenay region, including NOW Canada, St. Vincent de Paul, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, Freedom’s Door, Community Harvest Food Bank, Boundary community Food Bank, Creston Gleaners, Inn from the Cold, the Kelowna Community Food Bank, Pleasantvale Homes Society and the Salvation Army in Kelowna, Nelson and Trail.
In total, more than 5,500 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) were donated. Some will be included in Christmas hampers and others used to re-lamp facilities. CFLs use about 75 per less energy than used by incandescent bulbs to deliver the same amount of light. CFLs also last 10 times longer than standard incandescents (about 10,000 hours compared to 1,000 for incandescents), so customers can save money by using less energy and buying fewer bulbs.
“We are thankful that FortisBC is making these products available at no cost to our clients and helping make energy efficiency possible for low-income families,” says Major Ron Cartmell, with the Salvation Army in Kelowna.
FortisBC PowerSense wants to help all customers make energy savings part of their everyday lifestyle decisions. Switching out traditional, incandescent bulbs for CFLs is a simple act that can help customers save energy and money.
Also, FortisBC employees are proud to have contributed more than $19,500 — proceeds from Company events in 2009 — to the United Way in Trail, the Kelowna Community Food Bank, the Southern Interior BC Cancer Clinic, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Foundation, and the Oliver Food Bank.
For additional low and no-cost tips to reduce energy costs, visit www.fortisbc.com or call FortisBC PowerSense at 1-866-4FORTIS (1-866-436-7847).
FortisBC PowerSense is committed to helping customers conserve energy and get the most out of their energy dollar by providing both financial incentives and advice on energy efficient technologies and practices. Since it began in 1989, FortisBC PowerSense has
helped southern interior customers save over 329 million kWhs, enough energy to power more than 25,000 homes each year.
About FortisBC
FortisBC Inc. is an integrated regulated electric utility based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Focused on the safe delivery of reliable and cost-effective electricity, FortisBC serves approximately 158,000 customers directly and indirectly through wholesale utilities in the southern interior of B.C. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants and approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines. FortisBC employs over 500 people in British Columbia and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com.
For further information please contact:
Marnie Douglas
Communications Specialist
FortisBC
Tel: (250) 469-8120 or Cellular (250) 878-3328
