City’s Power Down Challenge offers incentives for public to reduce energy use in August

By Medicine Hat News on July 9, 2019.

NEWS FILE PHOTO
The city's second annual power challenge will take place in August. Households are encouraged to reduce their electricity consumption compared to August 2018 and they could win a prize.

The city is asking the public to reduce energy consumption in August, and doing so could win you a prize.

This second annual Power Down Challenge is about raising awareness of energy use, looking for ways to reduce that, and reduce utility bills.

Hatters are encouraged to track their current and past energy consumption through eUtility and to use energy saving tips the city will be sharing throughout the contest via social media, on the city’s website and in local advertising.

Last summer 349 households entered the contest and there was an average energy reduction of 22 per cent, said Jass Baidwan, environmental sustainability officer with the city. This year there is an extra incentive – you can double your chances of wining if you challenge family members, friends or neighbours to sign up.

The total energy reduction in August 2018 was almost 82,000 kWh, which is the equivalent of taking eight cars off the road for one year, or the annual energy consumption of 10 houses.

To qualify for prizes you are encouraged to reduce energy consumption by at least 5 per cent from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 compared to your power usage in August 2018. Last year’s top three winners reduced their power by almost 80 per cent.

The household that has the greatest energy reduction will receive the grand prize of a $500 city gift card. There are also prizes for the second and third places plus a random draw from all the entries for gift cards.

That’s not all. The person who has the most referrals this year will receive a $100 prize.

Entries will be accepted until Aug. 31.

For more information and to sign up visit https://www.medicinehat.ca/government/departments/utility-sustainability/hat-smart/power-down-challenge

This is a voluntary energy reduction challenge open to residents of the City of Medicine Hat, Redcliff and Cypress County who receive an electric utility statement form the city and have lived in their dwelling for at least one year as of Aug. 1, 2019.

To track your energy use, sign up online at eutility.medicinehat.ca/ or call 403-529-8111.