Energy@Work’s February newsletter, featuring industry news and updates, is now available. Scroll down to view February ’s newsletter articles. You can also stay connected by clicking the button below to subscribe to our monthly updates.
Enbridge Woes: Estimated Meter Readings, Catch-up Bills, Repayment Delays and Account Closures
Our recommendation is to protect yourself: Offence is the best Defense!
For Large Business Accounts (LBA):
In our Energy Management Action Plan (E-MAP) we diligently monitor utility consumption, associated costs, and weather-corrected monthly usage through Cumulative Summaries (CuSum). We highly recommend that each building establishes and consistently maintains its CuSum to enhance proactive energy management.
In addition, there are significant advantages in integrating Real-Time Monitoring (RTM) directly with the Enbridge Natural Gas Meter. This modest investment in RTM yields substantial benefits, especially when aligned with a carbon reduction strategy.
For Non-Large Business Accounts (NLBA):
Given the complexity of Enbridge's policy about not accepting emails, maintaining meticulous records becomes essential. To address this challenge, we have established a dedicated tracking system specifically designed for monthly discussions with Enbridge, which we believe to be the most practical option. If a problem persists, we recommend exploring the option of Real-Time Monitoring (RTM) as well.
Energy@Work remains committed to monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with the Ontario Energy Board.
Background
Energy@Work achieved significant success in recovering $17,000 from Enbridge, addressing a meter/billing issue. Enbridge accepts emails for Large Business Accounts (LBA) and has been highly cooperative, recognizing that occasional hiccups may occur.
However, in early 2022, Energy@Work faced a more challenging situation. We submitted concerns on behalf of one of our Non-Large Business Account (NLBA) clients to Enbridge. Unfortunately, these concerns were not resolved and were later escalated to the Enbridge Ombudsman office.
The concerns primarily revolved around three key issues:
I) $28,000 was withdrawn without notice from the client’s bank account.
II) For fourteen consecutive months, Enbridge provided estimated meter readings, despite the meter being located outside, easily accessible, and regular contact was made with Enbridge every other month to address the situation.
III) The inability to send or receive an email from Enbridge.
These concerns remained unresolved, prompting us to elevate them to the attention of the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Although the OEB responded quickly, our concerns could not be addressed under the existing regulations.
Coincidentally, in September 2022, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) accepted an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) from Enbridge:
“The OEB initiated its review in mid-2021 as a result of an increase in the number of complaints about Enbridge’s meter reading and estimated billing activities and its call centre wait times. The impact on customers included: receiving large “catch-up” bills once an actual meter reading was obtained; delays in the return of overpayments, credits owed to them and closing of accounts; and being left on-hold for extended periods of time or having to call for several consecutive days before having their call answered.”
The official announcement can be found on the OEB website:
Ontario Energy Board Accepts Assurance of Voluntary Compliance from Enbridge Gas Inc
Regrettably, customer complaints have doubled, as indicated in a recent report dated January 15th, 2024, by CBC on Enbridge Meter Reading Compliance
Therefore, our recommendation persist: Offence remains your best defense!
Join BOMA Toronto’s 2024 Earth Hour Weekend Challenge: March 22nd, 6:00pm to March 25th, 6:00am
For the 11th year, Energy@Work is proud to act as program advisors to BOMA Toronto’s 2024 Earth Hour Weekend Challenge!
The Earth Hour Weekend Challenge aims to foster collective efforts between landlords and tenants, encouraging the identification of operational and behavioral strategies to eliminate energy waste over the Earth Hour weekend. The Weekend Challenge’s “Top Reducer” is recognized at BOMA Toronto's annual Celebration of Excellence Gala on May 29th, 2024!
The Earth Hour Weekend Challenge. Participants will need to report consumption data for three consecutive weekends: March 8 to 11, March 15 to 18, and March 22 to 25.
Click here to register to participate in the Earth Hour Challenge Weekend
For more information, watch the February 2024 Earth Hour Challenge information session hosted by BOMA Toronto, Energy@Work’s Scott Rouse and Gabriela Vieira Guinzani presented. The information session guides participants through the challenge's key aspects and explores winning strategies.
How Will You Participate on March 5th, World Efficiency Day?
Dedicated to promoting responsible energy consumption, the World Energy Efficiency Day was established in 1998 at the International Meeting on Energy Efficiency in Austria. World Energy Efficiency Day provides an opportunity to spread awareness on reducing unnecessary waste, supporting production processes through renewable sources, and encouraging communities worldwide to set an example with sustainable habits and meaningful recycling of resources.
Here are practical actions that can be incorporated into our daily lives to promote energy efficiency:
Disconnect electrical appliances and chargers that are not in use.
Turn off lights that are not necessary – use natural light!
Purchase appliances with energy efficient features.
Set computers to energy saving mode.
Walk, ride a bicycle, or use public transportation.
Share your ideas and learn from others!
On March 5th Energy@Work will be a guest speaker in Professor Raghad Kamel's Energy Accounting class at Seneca Polytechnic. We look forward to joining the class to share with students what we do in our E-MAPs, explain their impact in real-world projects, showcase RETScreen and the diverse tools we use every day.
Reminder: 2024 BOMA Certificate of Excellence (COE) Annual Award Submission Deadline is March 11th
A Certificate of Excellence is granted to properties that have achieved a minimum COE score of 70%. The property with the highest score in each category is honored as a Local TOBY (The Outstanding Building of the Year) winner. These local winners are then eligible to compete nationally, with the possibility to advance to the International Competition.
To apply for a Certificate of Excellence all entrants are required to have a valid BOMA BEST certification. A copy of the valid BOMA BEST certification and/or official BOMA BEST letter must be available during the onsite inspection as well.
For assistance with your BOMA BEST Certification email: requests@energy-efficiency.com
Companies meeting the standard of excellence will be recognized at the prestigious BOMA Toronto Celebration of Excellence Gala on May 29th.
Click here for more information on BOMA Toronto’s Certificate of Excellence Awards
Join Us in Welcoming Jr. Analyst Marianne Estupinan to the Energy@Work Team
Join Energy@Work in welcoming the newest member of our team, Marianne Estupinan as a Jr. Energy Analyst!
“As an energy engineering technologist, I am dedicated to consistently delivering high-quality work that exceeds expectations and excels in both collaborative team efforts and individual leadership. My strong educational foundation in energy systems, sustainability analysis, and project management has garnered me profound knowledge in the engineering field.
I’m thrilled to join the Energy@Work team. The opportunity to learn and contribute to cutting-edge work in the energy sector aligns perfectly with my passion for driving sustainable solutions.”
We are delighted to welcome Marianne to our team and are already impressed by the valuable contributions she is making. We believe she's an excellent addition, and we're confident you'll agree!
Energy@Work’s Holiday Challenge Results are in!
A big thank you to all participating buildings in the 2023 challenge! Your commitment to friendly competition and energy efficiency has truly made a difference.
The 6th edition of the challenge took place from 6:00 PM on Friday, December 22nd, 2023, to 6:00 AM on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. It yielded exciting results, achieving an impressive overall reduction of 390,142 kWh (10.9%) which can power a Canadian home for 12,261 days (over 33 years!). Additionally, the overall savings were over $40,000!
A big round of applause to everyone who played a part! Your dedication to energy efficiency is admirable.
As we conclude this challenge, we're already looking ahead to the future. Get ready for more opportunities to make a positive impact in our next challenge, see you in December 2024!
Transforming Transit: Ontario's 'One Fare' is a Step in the Right Direction
In a move towards a more connected and cost-effective transit future, Ontario launched the "One Fare" initiative on February 26, 2024. This program aims not only to save money for transit riders but also to enhance the overall transit experience by promoting connectivity and sustainability.
This program is anticipated to foster over eight million new rides annually, particularly benefiting students, seniors, and commuters relying on GO Transit, TTC, Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.
This initiative aligns with the broader goal of encouraging more people to opt for public transportation, not only saving on individual expenses but also actively contributing to energy conservation as transportation is the 2nd biggest GHG emitter in urban areas!
At Energy@Work, we take great pride in being strong advocates for cycling. Named Toronto’s bike friendliest business, we won in the “Best Overall” category for 2 consecutive years. We offer bike passes to utilize Toronto’s City bikes and keep a spare bike in our office for employees to use at their discretion. We have worked with Downtown BIA to circulate the following booklet “Take Your Gym to Work” and continue to leave our cars at home when possible.
The Energy@Work team will continue to opt for public transit, when feasible, and will continue encouraging the use of alternative transportation to reduce the use of personal vehicles!
Click here for more information on the one fare program
January’s Global Adjustment Mechanism (GAM)e Cost: $0.51 Billion
In January 2024, GA cost was $0.51 billion. This is a 25% decrease from December 2023 GA of $0.69 billion.
If we compare January 2024 with January 2023, there was an 11% decrease (it was $0.58 billion).
The Class B January rate was $45.88/MWh ($0.046/kWh)
The Average HOEP for January was $43.3/MWh ($0.043/kWh)
With these drastic monthly swings in cost, Energy@Work continues to ask “why?”. We provide a monthly review of GAM costs, however, the reason for the vast cost fluctuation remains unclear.
Energy@Work’s services include a “GAM coach”. We maintain the importance of a GAM Strategy for Class A and Class B to win the (GAM)e. Our collective savings have exceeded $10 million, and we look forward to continuing to assist.
Monthly Feature: Data Is the New Oil, When Refined! Join Us on March 7th for a Workshop Supported by NRCan’s RETScreen
Data: The new oil, when refined, and RETScreen is the refinery.
March 7th, 2024, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Interest in Smart Grid, Green Button, Energy Management, etc. – starts with the DATA.
Join us for dynamic 90-minute workshop supported by NRCan’s RETScreen. At this event, we'll answer the question:
“How does refining utility interval data provide valuable insights?” We’ll explore the perspectives of: Utilities, Customers, and Service Providers.
Event Highlights:
Utility Perspective: Explore how raw interval data can unveil crucial insights for energy use. Learn how tools like RETScreen can reveal energy profiles, empowering utilities to better serve their customers and optimize their own operations.
Customer Perspective: Gain a deeper understanding of your plant or facility's performance and the reasons behind it. Dive into topics like base load analysis and harness the power of RETScreen's new features to decipher energy profiles, assess operational impacts, and track carbon emissions.
Service Provider Perspective: Discover how third-party providers leverage RETScreen’s advanced features to support Measurement and Verification, ESG reporting, Net Zero initiatives, and energy efficiency programs.
Featured Speakers:
