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An engineering consultant who wants to make his home a solar-powered model for north- "ern climates says Ontario Hydro's rate structure discour- ages energy conservation. Timo Tikka made his pitch for a home that would produce electricity in the daytime from solar panels and "turn the elec- trical meter backwards," feed- ing electricity into Hydro's grid. At night or in colder winter months, the model home would draw electricity back from Hydro. Tikka calculates that his net electricity bill would be $71.67 a year--nearly $800 less than without any solar gen- erating Capacity. "What really surprised me when I did the calculations," Tikka said, "is Ontario Hydro's rural structure." Tikka told a workshop on renewable energy projects at Energy Expo '92 that Hydro's rural residential rate as of January 1, 1993, on the first 750 kilowatts per hour (kwh) of electricity used in a three-month period will be 22.39 cents per kwh. -- "But the remainder (electrici- ty used over 750 kwh per three months) is only 8.11 cents per kwh. In other words, if I try to save money a little bit, I'm not getting anything for it. The rate structure that Ontario Hydro has does not promote energy saving, does not promote trying to be energy conscious. "If you go and buy yourself one of those compact fluores- cent bulbs you might save your- self a little bit on power. However, your rate of return is ties, such as sledding. The arrival of winter means the start of winter activi- only 8.11 cents per kwh. So that's a pitch for changing the rate structure to promote energy savings." Tikka wants to modify a house he's already building by adding photovoltaic units to the roof. He told the workshop his family is willing to become guinea pigs for the latest tech- nologies. "If someone has a new inverter ( a device that converts direct current from solar units to alternating current used in homes and business) they'd like to test, we would be willing to be the guinea pigs and put it to the test in an uncontrolled envi- ronment," he said. "Let my three year old, my five year old, my wife, and me, who are not photovoltaic experts, put the thing through 'Page 15, Tuesday, November 10, 1992 Solar powered model may be future conservation method the mill." Tikka's vision is to build subdivisions of new homes, each with photovoltaic units, capable of feeding electricity to Ontario Hydro' s grid during the day, when offices and facto- ries need the power. "At night, when everyone goes home, they would take power back from the grid. Everything would still be connected on line (Hydro's) generating stations but Hydro wouldn't have to develop more generating stations with photo- voltaics on line." Tikka told the workshop he's willing to put up $10,000 of the approximately $35,000 required to install the solar equipment. "There are only a few grid- connected solar systems in all of Canada, and even fewer on a residential scale, " he said. "This demonstration home would add significantly to the pool of information on grid- connected systems. It would be the first of its kind in Canada." Other grid-connected solar systems are on institutions such as hospitals and buildings in parks. Tikka's system differs from "stand-alone" solar homes, which require extensive invest- ments in storage batteries and back-up generators. By con- necting to Ontario Hydro's grid, the solar home would only have to be without power when Ontario Hydro's systems shut down. "That's a safety feature," Tikka points out, "so people working on Hydro lines wouldn't be injured by electrici- ty fed into the grid from my house." BE A POWER SAVER™ ™ Trade mark of Ontario Hydro - CASHBACK WHEN YOU BUY A QUALIFYING An outdoor timer -- set to turn on 2 to 4 hours before you start your car -- can save up to 70% of the energy used by your block heater. Q Ontario Hydro Let's give tomorrow a hand.™ *Qualifying CSA-approved models only. Thank You A simple thank you seem so inadequate to our family and friends for sharing our retirement party. To those who were unable to attend but sent congratulations and contributed towards the gift, we missed you. To those who organized this emotional night it was truly appreciated. To granddaughter Paige in her OPP uniform, this overwhelmed me and I shall treasure this moment. Lastly to Tim, Corinne & dearest Hailey for enriching this evening, Karen for your thoughtfulness, Teddy for his humorous and loving words. We knew we were blessed with wonderful and caring children. Tonight you showed us why we are so proud & fortunate parents. May peace & happiness be with you always. Bill & Janet a $10 CASH YES! | BOUGHT A QUALIFYING OUTDOOR TIMER. SEND ME MY BACK CHEQUE. an timer package for each rebate applied for. Limit: five per household, Also include the cash register receipt from the retailer. Mail to: Outdoor Timer Rebate Offer, P.O, Box 2344, Square One Post Office, For complete details, see ad pads available at participating retailers Rebate applies to purchases made from September 28, 1992 to February 28, 1993. 5 Mas Mississauga, Onan, LSB 38, me ES lH asi Allow 4 to 6 weeks for your rebate. Requests must be post-marked before he ae ae Pc eee ee L_1 midnight March 31, 1998. Pee ge ee ee et L_1 1 1 1 1-4 Tisinformation is collected under the city PROVINCE POSTAL CODE authority of the Power Corporation Act edit eh coe see is a cueues on product use. Questions may be a directed to Program Supervisor, Rebate request for ____ timer{s) @ $10.00 $ Ontario yo, Outdoor Tier Program, or call 1-800-263-9000. 700 University Ave. (C2702), Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X6, 180-263-9000. Offer limited to residents of Ontario. Te ee |