Get ready for the winter heating season, and save money on your energy bills
| November 24, 2008 |  Follow us on Twitter |
Surrey, B.C. – As British Columbians across the province prepare for winter, Terasen Gas is encouraging customers to get their natural gas appliances ready for a safe and comfortable heating season.
“We recommend customers have their natural gas furnace checked by a licensed gas contractor so it's working as good as new when the cold sets in, lowering their consumption and saving them money,” said Doug Stout, Terasen Gas Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. “A licensed contractor can also locate and conduct specialized tests to ensure the portion of gas piping owned by the customer – from the meter to the appliances – is functioning safely and efficiently.”
This winter, home heating will account for a significant portion of a customer’s energy bill, so it may make sense to upgrade to a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® natural gas heating system.
“In fact, a high-efficiency natural gas furnace can help customers save up to 30 per cent on their space heating costs,” said Stout.
Helping make the upgrade more affordable, Terasen Gas is offering customers a $250 credit on their gas bill if they upgrade to an ENERGY STAR natural gas furnace before December 31, 2009. Plus, customers can also receive up to $700 in manufacturer rebates if they upgrade their system by January 31, 2009.
Earlier this year, Terasen Gas submitted an Energy Efficiency and Conservation application to the B.C. Utilities Commission that would allow the company to significantly enhance the energy efficiency tools and incentives provided to our customers, both residential and businesses. If approved, these programs will help customers save 1.5 million gigajoules of natural gas per year by 2010, enough energy to serve 15,000 households annually.
There are plenty of ways to stay safe, lower energy bills and get comfortable this winter.
Safety tips:
- Smell gas? Act fast! If you smell the distinct ‘rotten egg’ odour of natural gas, leave the building immediately, then call the Terasen Gas 24-hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911, or 911.
- Keep it clear. Keep your meter clear of ice and snow, removing any built-up snow by hand. If ice builds up on your meter or regulator, call Terasen Gas at 1-888-224-2710.
- Ask the experts. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from natural gas appliances is extremely low, however regular maintenance checks from a licensed contractor is the best prevention.
Hot Tips for saving energy:
- Turn it down. Turning your thermostat down to 20°C during the day and 17°C at night can save as much as 15 per cent on your heating costs. Afraid you’ll forget? Consider installing a programmable thermostat.
- Get in the zone. By using a natural gas fireplace for zone heating, as well as a fan to circulate the warm air, you can lower your thermostat.
- Breathe easy. Keep your furnace at peak efficiency, clean and change the furnace filters regularly.
For more tips and information on natural gas safety and energy conservation, including the ENERGY STAR heating system upgrade offer, visit terasengas.com
Terasen Gas delivers natural gas and propane through three companies that make up the Terasen Gas group: Terasen Gas Inc., Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc. and Terasen Gas (Whistler) Inc. The companies share common Terasen Inc. ownership and are indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves two million gas and electric customers and has more than $10 billion of assets. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate 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.
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