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IndEco is working with Milton Hydro to pilot a program to respond to high electricity prices, and critical supply constraints. The Milton Leisure Centre, Robert Baldwin Public School and the Milton Public Library are the first of several buildings in the pilot, and it is hoped that the success of the Drill in these buildings will make it possible to roll the program out to all municipal buildings, as well as schools, and commercial and industrial buildings.
The Energy Drill Program™ is designed to provide a rapid way of responding to short-term supply constraints by taking immediate actions to reduce electricity use. It provides a way of reducing Ontario’s vulnerability to high prices, reduces pollution on smog days, and involves the community by encouraging them to accept responsibility and to take action.
Wholesale electricity prices in Ontario are based on an hourly auction, and typically are in the range of 0.055 $/kWh. Electricity prices can go much higher when there is not a good match between the available supply and the demand for electricity, for example when it is a very hot day and lots of electricity is being used for air conditioning, or when an electricity generating plant is unavailable. Because of the way the market works, small reductions in electricity use can result in big reductions in prices for everyone. In addition, these hot days are often ‘smog days’, so reducing electricity use during these times can also reduce emissions that contribute to smog.
How the drill works
When electricity prices exceed 0.12 $/kWh, Milton Hydro will send notification to the Centre and the school, and the building staff will initiate their Energy Drill Action Plans, which involves turning off non-essential equipment and deferring work that can be done later, when prices are closer to ‘normal’ levels. ‘Energy Marshals’ in each building (staff in the Leisure Centre, Grade-5 students in the school) are trained in what to do during a drill.
Drills last for 1 or 2 hours, after which deferred work can be completed, and non-essential uses of electricity can be brought back to service. By this time, electricity prices will normally moderate as well.
The following day, a report is available from Milton Hydro showing how much electricity use at the buildings changed before and after the Drill.
Impacts on users
When the Leisure Centre is in a Drill, or a Drill is expected, users will be advised when they arrive at reception. They may already know, because lighting levels in the Centre may be lower than usual. Some of the other things users might notice may include:
- The building may be a bit warmer than usual (in summer), as temperatures are allowed to rise by 2 to 3 degrees
- Hydro jets, spray jets and the sauna may be closed for the hour or two the drill lasts
- Televisions in front of treadmills may be turned off
- Users may be asked if they would be willing to forego using the treadmills during the Drill.
When the school is in a Drill, or a Drill is expected, there will be an announcement over the PA. The school will know at least three hours in advance when a Drill will occur. Some of the things students and staff might notice include:
- The building may be a bit warmer than usual (in summer), as temperatures are allowed to rise by 2 to 3 degrees
- Student marshals will be turning off about 1/3 to 2/3 of the lights in classrooms and opening drapes to save electricity
- Office staff may put off some photocopying and printing that is not needed immediately.
When the library is in a Drill, or a drill is expected, users will be advised when they arrive at the library. Library patrons may also notice that the building may be a bit warmer than usual (in summer) as the temperatures are allowed to rise by 2 or 3 degrees.
What's next
The results of the Energy Drill in the Leisure Centre, and Robert Baldwin Public School have been monitored over the past 6 months and a report will be produced that analyzes the results. The Energy Drill Program™ will also be piloted in the Milton Public Library over the coming months.
About the author:
Shona is a senior consultant with IndEco. She has worked on numerous projects related to strategic planning, information management systems and energy. For information on these services, please contact Shona Adamson. |