The Interior Health Authority (IHA) received $78,000 from FortisBC recently for their energy efficient lighting upgrades.
They exchanged over 16,000 light fixtures across South and Central Okanagan. The facilities that were upgraded were the Penticton Regional Hospital, Kelowna General Hospital, Cottonwoods Extended Care and Three Links Manor. The lighting upgrades cost $714,000 but will save IHA $100,000 each year. The IHA is commited to reducing energy use and environmental emissions.
The City of Castlegar also received $13,600 in rebates for their upgrades in the Castlegar City Hall project. The energy efficient upgrades will reduce power consumption by 230,000 kWhs each year, enough to power 23 houses. The City Hall also has geothermal heating and cooling, a heat recovery system, energy efficient glazing on the windows and an energy efficient elevator.
Summer Cooling Tips from FortisBC:
- Close blinds or curtains to block out the sun
- Switch to CFL lights to reduce heat
- Use ceiling and space fans
- Use major appliances early in the morning or after the sun goes down
- Turn off the air conditioner when you go out at night
