Save on Energy is turning 10!

I am proud to announce that Save on Energy is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2021! Delivered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Save on Energy programs have reached homes and businesses in all sectors across Ontario, saving nearly 16 TWh of electricity in the past decade. This is equivalent to powering 1.7 million homes for one year. 

I find it amazing that over 250,000 electricity consumers have participated in these programs in the past 10 years, having completed more than 80 million energy efficiency actions. From changing a light bulb to completing complex building retrofits, Ontarians have proved how energy efficiency can deliver energy savings, reduce energy bills, improve operating processes and systems, enhance overall comfort and reduce overall demand on the electricity system.

It’s no surprise that Save on Energy is Ontario’s recognizable and trusted source for energy-efficiency opportunities and knowledge. Through the implementation of new programs and pilots to help meet both provincial needs and the needs of local communities, all Ontarians have had the chance to participate in a wide range of programs. Programs that deliver real savings to so many participants. These savings are robust and transparent, thanks to the IESO’s industry-leading evaluation, measurement and verification processes – processes that ensure we are able to continually learn and enhance the quality of our programs.

As I look back on the past 10 years, I am encouraged to see how far Save on Energy has come. The benefits homes and businesses have realized will last for many years. The overall goals of energy-efficiency programming have evolved over the past decade to a place where we are now able to target our programming to provide benefits to the electricity system as a whole. This is apparent in our planning for future energy needs across the province, and in supporting businesses in reducing their electricity costs and remaining competitive in a global marketplace. This is especially true in our current climate, as many businesses work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 and look for ways to manage their costs.

Since 2011 we have learned a great deal about delivering effective programs to achieve reliable savings – and we will continue to learn and to adapt our programs and services to meet the changing needs of our customers and the marketplace. At a cost of just two cents per kilowatt-hour, energy efficiency remains our most cost effective resource in helping to meet Ontario’s energy demands and in reducing the need to secure new electricity generation. I am confident that in the coming years, Save on Energy programs will continue to help ensure the IESO delivers the best value for the electricity system, program participants and the electricity ratepayers of Ontario.

- Nik Schruder, Director of Energy Efficiency, IESO