Wynndel Box and Lumber completes energy efficient upgrades
with assistance of FortisBC PowerSense
CRESTON, B.C. – July 15, 2009: With FortisBC as a partner, Wynndel Box and Lumber
recently upgraded its lighting system and added new energy efficient equipment and
technology, saving thousands of dollars in electricity costs.
“These initiatives have already saved thousands of dollars in energy costs. In challenging
economic times like these, it is important to be as efficient as possible, and we appreciate
the support we have received from FortisBC on this project,” said Michael Wigen, general
manager, Wynndel Box and Lumber.
As well as cost savings and energy efficiencies gained, the resulting maintenance savings of
newer, more efficient lighting systems were significant.
FortisBC provided a $27,000 PowerSense rebate to Wynndel Box and Lumber near
Creston, after the company incorporated energy efficient upgrades and technology in
several areas of its mill and operations. The most significant component of the project was a
new planer line and building. While the planer line comes standard from the manufacturer
with high efficiency motors and some variable speed drives, Wynndel determined there were
other savings by installing further energy efficient technologies into the operation.
Lighting upgrades have also resulted in significant electricity savings, and improved the
lighting environment for employees. Better-positioned, brighter fixtures mean more
appropriate lighting levels for the lumber grading work being done, resulting in a more
comfortable environment for employees.
The total savings are expected to reach as much as $30,000 in electricity costs each year.
This equates to more than 562,600 Kilowatt hours (KWhs) in electricity, enough to power
about 41 homes for a year.
“FortisBC is pleased to recognize customers who show a commitment to reducing their
energy consumption by adopting innovative and energy efficient technologies,” said Michael
Mulcahy, Vice President of Customer and Corporate Services, FortisBC. “We commend
Wynndel Box and Lumber for showing leadership in adopting energy efficient technologies.”
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 its inception in 1989, FortisBC PowerSense has
helped southern interior customers save more than 300 million kWhs, enough energy to
power some 24,000 homes each year.
To get more information about FortisBC or for more energy efficiency and power outage tips,
visit the FortisBC website at www.fortisbc.com or call the toll free number at 1-866-4FORTIS
(1-866-436-7847).
About FortisBC Inc.
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 contact:
| Marnie Douglas |
|
| Communications Specialist | |
| FortisBC Inc. | |
| Tel: (250) 469-8120 | |
| www.fortisbc.com | |
