Success Stories!

Success Story: Wastewater facility powering one-third of its own energy needs with methane gas


December 03, 2008



The city is a step closer to realizing its goal to see at least a quarter of its electricity needs sourced from local renewable resources.

Methane gas emitted at the city's wastewater treatment facility is now powering one-third of the building's energy needs.

Sludge, which is the solid material sifted out of wastewater during treatment, gives off methane. Once it is cleaned, the gas is used to power a boiler and engine at the treatment facility.

The energy saved is the equivalent of 3,500 tonnes of greenhouse gases and $300,000 a year, fitting well within the city's community energy plan goals.

The Wellington Street facility celebrated the initiative's grand opening yesterday, as Guelph Hydro Inc. president Art Stokman presented the city with a cheque for $100,000.

These funds are part of the Ontario Energy Board's plan to deliver incentives for sustainable initiatives, he said.

Stokman said he recalled when fire generators first made waves in the mid-1990s, but were not successful because other chemicals and moisture damaged engines. Recent technology used to clean the gas has made such an initiative possible.

And it really is a success, explained Kiran Suresh, project manager for wastewater services.

Construction of a new digester, gas treatment containers and a new boiler followed schedule and were "well within budget."

The additions cost approximately $900,000, she said.

"We treat the gas to take out the many things that are not good for the engine," Suresh said.

The methane is pumped through stations in an explosion-proof area, getting rid of hydrogen sulphide and moisture. The excess waste is captured and taken to a landfill about once a year.

Mayor Karen Farbridge, who was in attendance to accept the cheque on behalf of the city, said the initiative and energy goals would not have been possible without the good relationship between the city and Guelph Hydro. "We are the envy of other communities," she said.

Last week, Farbridge attended a Quality Urban Energy Systems of Tomorrow conference in Victoria, B.C. She said a main point of conversation was the need to integrate urban energy systems, including water and wastewater treatment facilities, in all Canadian communities by 2050.

Guelph was lauded as the most advanced community in Ontario because of its community energy plan.

By generating part of its own electricity on site, the wastewater facility is also protected from blackouts. Farbridge said this is particularly important as the treatment facility is an all-day, everyday essential service.

Success Story: Local Resident Goes Home with Free Ribs and a New Fridge to Put Them In!


September 9th, 2008

By all reports the 11th annual Guelph-Trillium Rotary Ribfest was a huge success, with a reported 50,000 visitors taking in the great food, entertainment and many vendors. One of the happiest visitors was Guelph resident Matt LeBlanc, who was the winner of Free Ribs and a brand new ENERGYSTAR® fridge to put them in. Matt was the beneficiary of a contest run by a consortium of four local hydro companies trying to get people to get rid of their old energy guzzling refrigerators.

Pictured with Matt Leblanc in front of his new refrigerator is Guelph Hydro President, Art Stokman. Stokman says, “Old fridges use up to 3 times more electricity than new, energy efficient fridges. By removing these old energy guzzlers off of the hydro grid, we save customers money and help the environment”.

Not only did the consortium of 4 local hydro companies give away a fridge, but they were also a major sponsor of the event and an exhibitor. At their booth they had a 16 foot CFL and provided refrigerator shaped tattoos for the kids and fridge magnets.

“The Rotary Club was delighted to bring on the four local hydro companies and the Great Refrigerator Roundup as sponsors of our Ribfest”, says Carrie Rutter, President of the Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium. “Not only did they lend financial support to this great local event, but the activities at their booth helped to enhance the family experience”, she added.

The Great Refrigerator Roundup Program is designed to remove older, inefficient fridges and freezers from the electricity system. These refrigerators are at least 10 years old and typically use two to three times more electricity than new appliances. The program will pick up older refrigerators and freezers as well as window air conditioners from residents and fully decommission them in an environmentally responsible manner.

The consortium of local hydro companies comprised of Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Inc., Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc., Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Inc. and Waterloo North Hydro Inc. are working together to effectively deliver province-wide energy conservation programs to their customers, such as The Great Refrigerator Roundup. Call 1-877-797-9473 today to get your old energy guzzling fridge picked up for FREE, or book your pickup appointment at www.everykilowattcounts.com/roundup.

For more information contact:


Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro Barbara Shortreed – 519-621-8405 ext. 2227		Guelph Hydro Matt Weninger – 519-837-4720
Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Rhonda Moreau – 519-745-4774 ext. 281		Waterloo North Hydro John Janzen – 519-888-5559

Success Story: Energy upgrades and optimization of Our Lady of Lourdes and St. James High Schools.

The Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) has a history being committed to energy management. As part of its energy initiatives they met with representatives of Guelph Hydro’s Energy Services Department to discuss existing and proposed projects that would assist in reducing the overall operating costs at their various facilities...to learn more, please click here!

                                

Canadian Tire is the first local business in this market to complete a custom project under the Province-wide ERIP Program...to learn more, please click here!

                                

CaseStudy: Light Up a Life with Guelph Hydro and Friends!

Guelph Hydro is again partnering with the Guelph Trillium Rotary Club, the Salvation Army and the Canadian Tire Corporation in support of the 2008 "Light Up a Life Program!"...to learn more, please click here!

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