Energy saving measures to be implemented in provincial government offices

Close to half a million dollars will be spent on provincial government offices in North Bay to make them more energy efficient, Nipissing MPP Monique Smith said today.

Queen's Park will pump $480,000 into the offices, retrofitting lighting systems and improving heating and cooling systems.

The changes are expected to result in energy savings of approximately 1 million kWh per year, Smith said, and are part of the province's efforts to cut its own electricity consumption 10 per cent by 2007.

Other measures include involving Ontario's 62,000 public servants in government-wide conservation efforts, such as turning off computer monitors and unnecessary lights at the end of the day; aggresively conserving energy in the province's own buildings through retrofits, upgrades and new building standards; and working with government landlords to cut back on energy waste in space the province leases.

Projects which will be undertaken across Ontario will lead to yearly reductions of close to 24 million kWh and savings of almost $17 million annually, Smith said.

"The McGuinty government will lead by example by making conservation and energy efficiency a priority," Smith said.