News & media

It’s simple and it’s FREE

Erie Thames Powerlines and local libraries team up to offer the “Borrow a Meter – Save a Load” program

May 20, 2009 (Ingersoll/Aylmer) --- Ever wonder how much it costs to run that window air conditioner, that old extra refrigerator in the basement, or the television when it’s turned off?  The answers are closer than you think. 

Erie Thames Powerlines has partnered with local libraries to offer energy meter devices which measure the electricity usage of household appliances.  The “Borrow a Meter –Save a Load” program offers a simple and free way for residents to determine how much energy is used by various 120V plug-in appliances throughout their home. These devices will be available at seven Oxford County Library Branches including Burgessville, Embro, Ingersoll, Norwich, Otterville, Tavistock and Thamesford as well as three Elgin County Library Branches in Aylmer, Belmont and Port Stanley.

“If you are looking for ways to reduce your electricity consumption, lower your energy costs and fight those phantom loads, the energy meter is here to help,” comments Chris White, Erie Thames Powerlines Chief Operating Officer.“By measuring how much electricity it takes to operate individual electrical devices in your home, you can make informed decisions about how to conserve energy and determine which appliances should be replaced with newer, high-efficiency models.”

“We are pleased to make this free tool available to the community,” says Brian Masschaele Director of Community and Cultural Services for Elgin County.  Lisa Miettinen Chief Executive Officer / Chief Librarian Oxford County Library agrees.  “The library is often a first stop for information seekers. We have expert staff and a wide selection of resources on the topic of energy conservation. The energy meters are a great addition to our library collection, and they are easy to borrow. All you need is a free library card”.

Included with the unit are simple operating instructions, information on how to calculate the costs of the household appliances as well as 100 energy saving tips. 

The “Borrow a Meter – Save a Load” meter loan program is just one of many energy conservation and demand management initiatives that Erie Thames Powerlines is offering to our customers.  For a complete list of programs and energy saving tips, visit our website at www.eriethamespowerlines.com. 

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Chris White

Chief Operating Officer

Erie Thames Powerlines

(519) 485-1820

Brian Masschaele

Director of Community and Cultural Services

Elgin County

(519) 631-1460

Lisa Miettinen

Chief Executive Officer / Chief Librarian Oxford County Library

(519) 485-7394

March 2009

Erie Thames Powerlines announces new board chair

Ingersoll, ON, March 3, 2009 --- Erie Thames Powerlines (ETPL), a Southwestern Ontario power distribution company, is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Mr. Gunars Ceksters to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Ceksters will serve as Chairman.

“We are very pleased to have Gunars join our board.  As we continue to strengthen our presence and advance our service offering, his considerable experience in the electric utility industry will be invaluable to Erie Thames Powerlines”, comments Chris White, ETPL’s Chief Operating Officer.

Mr. Ceksters held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Enersource Hydro Mississauga, from May 2001 until his retirement in 2007. Under his leadership, Enersource established an extraordinary record for safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity to the Corporation's over 180,000 distribution utility customers and significant growth into non-regulated activities. A strong advocate for improved efficiencies within the Ontario electricity sector, Mr. Ceksters served as Co-Chair of the Government of Ontario's Electricity Conservation and Supply Task Force, as well as serving on the Provincial steering committee for the implementation of smart meters in Ontario and on the Board of Directors of the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA). Mr. Ceksters holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and is a 30-year veteran of the electric utility business.

The Board of Directors for Erie Thames Powerlines Corporation welcomes his leadership and has much confidence that he will pilot the Company to the next level.

“Gunars is a man with great ability to see beyond today.  I watched for years, amazed at his stewardship of Enersource as he lead that team to tremendous success.  He brings a remarkable amount of value to our organization and I am confident that he will guide Erie Thames Powerlines with passion and resolve.” comments Jeff Pettit, President & CEO of ERTH Corporation.

Erie Thames Powerlines, a subsidiary of ERTH Corporation, owns the electricity distribution assets and is the regulated division of the global energy company, which provides utility services and solutions to over 180,000 customers in Ontario and the United States.  


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For Further Information:

Jeff Pettit, President & CEO                 
ERTH Corporation               
519.518.6117 ext. 226               
www.erthcorp.com

Chris White, Chief Operating Officer
Erie Thames Powerlines
519.485.1820 ext. 235
www.eriethamespowerlines.com

March 2009

Erie Thames Powerlines launches our new website!

Enjoy a new design, easy-to-use customer features like eCare and downloadable PDFs about our services, and learn ways you can become energy-savvy. Our new site gives you the tools and tips you need to manage your energy usage whether at home or at your business. Discover more savings in your wallet by choosing the best times to use your appliances and the best settings for your thermostats and other energy-using appliances. More than that, take charge of your electricity use and feel good knowing you're doing your part to protect Ontario's energy resources, ensuring we have the power to meet all the demands on our grid while also protecting our environment.

Our new website is a great resource, answering the questions you have about energy use in your home or business. All the information you need in one easy-to-use place. We're proud to be Your Home Town Utility.