NEWS RELEASE
ALECTRA UTILITIES
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The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Senior Homes Inc. (IOOF), is calling out local hydro company, Alectra Utilities, and the provincial Save on Energy program for their support in enabling the non-profit corporation to realize thousands of dollars in energy savings – savings the residence’s Board of Directors plans to re-invest into care for the residents who call the facilities home.
“As a non-profit charitable organization, we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our operating costs so there is more budget available for resident care,” said the IOOF’s Chief Executive Officer, Garry Hopkins. “Energy efficiency projects like the lighting retrofit we just completed are one way for us to make life better for our residents, and for this reason, we’ll be looking at more energy-saving projects in the future.”
Every light fixture in the facility’s four buildings at #10, #10A and #20 Brooks Street in Barrie’s Allendale area, which provide a combination of supportive housing, long-term care and independent living, was replaced with energy-efficient LED lights in June. Exterior parking lot lights were also replaced with LED lights.
“Our goal is to develop a customized and collaborative approach to energy management that our customers are comfortable with, and to support the implementation of their projects in a way that optimize the energy savings,” said April Currey, Alectra Utilities’ Director Customer Insights and Acquisitions.
In addition to potential annual savings of about $110,000, it is anticipated the retrofit will reduce the facility’s energy usage by over 493,000 kilowatt-hours and energy demand by over 44.7 kilowatts – roughly equivalent to the electricity used by 700 Ontario homes per month.
There are also intangible benefits such as improved brightness in the hallways and common areas, a greater sense of security for staff and visitors walking to the parking lot at night, and a more cheerful ambiance overall for residents.
“Our mandate is to provide quality care for seniors,” said Hopkins. “Everything we do is about our residents’ quality of life. This retrofit has allowed us to honour that commitment.”
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