NEWS RELEASE
HYDRO ONE
*************************
As the leaves fall to the ground and summer comes to an end, it’s time to close down the cottage.
Hydro One has some tips to ensure that you shut your cottage down correctly to avoid unnecessary electricity usage while the property is not in use or when you reopen the cottage in the spring:
If you are shutting off the power to your cottage:
- Turn off all major appliances, your water heater, and electrical room heaters before you turn off the main switch.
- Drain the plumbing system to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Drain your water tank. Remember to turn off the power supply to the water heater before draining the tank to avoid damage to the heating element.
- Clean out your fridge and leave the door ajar to keep it smelling fresh.
- Make sure your fireplace damper is shut tightly to prevent animals from getting in.
If you decide to leave your electricity on to operate a security system or lighting, you should:
- Turn off the power supply to your major appliances at your main panel.
- Turn off the power supply to any space heaters. Otherwise, they may turn on during cold weather.
- Sign up for Hydro One’s My Account to view your electricity use online. This will help you determine if you left any major appliances running.
Planning on celebrating Thanksgiving at the cottage this year before closing it up for the season?
Here are some helpful tips on how your audience can save energy while whipping up a memorable meal.
Thanksgiving energy savings tips:
- Pass on preheating! While preheating the oven is required for baking, it’s not necessary for other uses like roasts or casseroles.
- For cooking small quantities or side dishes, consider using the microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker.
- Sad to put the BBQ away? Give it one more go this season and try BBQing your turkey.
- Cleaning up after the fun may be the least fun part of the day, but make it part of how you save energy by only running the dishwasher when it’s full. You can save even more energy by using the no-heat drying option.
Hydro One also wants to remind everyone that weekends and statutory holidays are off-peak which means electricity is at its lowest price this Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
*************************
