Powerline Safety Awareness

Over the past decade across Ontario, 19 people lost their lives because of accidental contact with a live powerline. There were 1,393 overhead powerline contacts in Ontario in total.

Workplace contacts occurred most frequently on construction sites, where there is increased exposure to and interaction with powerlines in the daily work environment. Workers in the haulage industry, excavation (backhoe, hydro vacs etc.) and aerial lifting (boom trucks & cranes) are the most at risk.

A recent survey by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) found that more than 67% of construction workers in Ontario either do not know or believe that orange cover-ups on powerlines will protect them from shock. This is a deadly misconception as you, your tools and equipment should always remain a minimum of 3 metres away from overhead powerlines. Orange cover-ups are only to be used for identification purposes only.

We would like your help to raise awareness about the very real dangers powerlines pose.

Powerline Safety Education Module (10-15 mins)

To help keep construction workers safe on the job, ESA has developed a free education module. This can be found at www.ESAsafe.com/construction.

It goes through three scenarios that construction workers may experience while on the job and provides helpful pointers that can keep them and their colleagues safe:

  1. Loading and unloading at a construction site
  2. Preventing powerline contacts during excavation
  3. Safety around overhead powerlines with orange cover-ups

Free Safety Materials Available

ESA has also developed a wide variety of free materials to raise awareness and keep workers safe around powerlines, including booklets, stickers, ladder tags and more.

Please fill out this online form to order printed safety materials or access downloadable files. Quantities are limited and available on a first come first served basis.

Source : Electrical Safety Authority

Greener Home Rebate Qualifying Systems

The Greener Home Rebate Program: Promoting Sustainable Living and Environmental Conservation

The Greener Home Rebate Program is an innovative initiative aimed at encouraging homeowners to adopt environmentally friendly practices and make sustainable upgrades to their homes. This program offers financial incentives to individuals who implement energy-efficient measures, renewable energy systems, and water conservation techniques within their residences. By incentivizing greener choices, the program strives to promote sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to the overall well-being of our planet. This article will delve into the objectives of the Greener Home Rebate Program and shed light on its positive impact.

  1. Promoting Energy Efficiency: One of the primary objectives of the Greener Home Rebate Program is to foster energy efficiency in residential buildings. This goal is achieved by encouraging homeowners to install energy-saving appliances, improve insulation, upgrade windows and doors, and adopt smart technologies for energy management. By doing so, the program aims to reduce energy consumption, decrease utility bills, and lower the carbon footprint associated with home energy use.

  2. Facilitating Renewable Energy Adoption: Another key objective of the Greener Home Rebate Program is to promote the integration of renewable energy sources in residential properties. Homeowners can take advantage of rebates to install solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems, allowing them to generate clean, renewable energy on-site. By incentivizing the adoption of such technologies, the program aims to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and low-carbon energy future.

  3. Encouraging Water Conservation: Water scarcity and conservation are significant concerns in many regions. The Greener Home Rebate Program recognizes the importance of water conservation and encourages homeowners to implement water-saving measures. This can include installing low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, or efficient irrigation systems. By incentivizing water conservation practices, the program aims to reduce water waste, protect ecosystems, and ensure the availability of clean water resources for future generations.

  4. Enhancing Indoor Air Quality: The program also recognizes the significance of indoor air quality in ensuring a healthy living environment. Homeowners can qualify for rebates by upgrading ventilation systems, using low-emission building materials, and adopting practices that improve indoor air quality. By promoting these upgrades, the program aims to create healthier and more comfortable living spaces while reducing the environmental impact associated with indoor pollution.

The Greener Home Rebate Program plays a vital role in encouraging homeowners to embrace sustainable practices and make eco-friendly upgrades to their residences. By focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, water conservation, and indoor air quality enhancement, the program aims to foster a greener and more sustainable future. The financial incentives provided through the program not only benefit individual homeowners but also contribute to broader environmental conservation efforts and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As more individuals participate in the program, its positive impact on the environment will continue to grow, making our communities more sustainable and resilient for generations to come.

 

Qualifying Products for Rebate: ELITE EL22XPV Series

Upgrade your HVAC system and save money with the ELITE EL22XPV Series. Not only does this series ensure your home comfort, but it also qualifies for a valuable rebate. In this article, we explore the eligible products within the EL22XPV Series and highlight why they are the perfect choice for your heating and cooling needs.

ELITE EL22XPV Series:
The ELITE EL22XPV Series combines efficiency, reliability, and cutting-edge technology for superior performance. These high-performance HVAC systems provide comfort while reducing energy consumption and operating costs. By choosing an EL22XPV Series unit, you enhance your indoor environment and contribute to a greener future.

Rebate-Worthy Models:
To help you make an informed decision and take advantage of potential rebates, here are some qualifying models within the ELITE EL22XPV Series:

| Model | Compatible Air Handler | Furnace | Efficiency Rating |
|-----------------|--------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|
| EL22XPV-024-230A** | C35-24B+TDR+TXV | EL196UH030XE36B* | 8.5 |
| EL22XPV-036-230A** | C35-30B+TDR+TXV | EL196UH030XE36B* | 8.5 |
| EL22XPV-024-230A** | C35-24B+TDR+TXV | EL196UH045XE36B* | 8.5 |
| EL22XPV-036-230A** | C35-30B+TDR+TXV | EL296UH045XE36B* | 8.5 |

(Note: The list above is not exhaustive. Please consult your HVAC provider or local energy rebate programs for the most up-to-date information.)

Why Choose ELITE EL22XPV Series:
1. Energy Efficiency: The EL22XPV Series boasts an impressive efficiency rating of 8.5, optimizing energy usage, reducing waste, and lowering utility bills for long-term savings.

2. Advanced Technology: Variable speed motors and advanced control systems provide precise temperature control, improved air quality, and enhanced overall performance.

3. Enhanced Comfort: Enjoy consistent heating and cooling throughout your home, eliminating temperature fluctuations and creating a cozy living space.

4. Environmentally Friendly: The EL22XPV Series minimizes environmental impact through reduced energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Rebate Benefits:
Rebates for qualifying ELITE EL22XPV Series products are a fantastic incentive to switch to a more efficient and eco-friendly HVAC system. These incentives, offered by utility companies and energy rebate programs, offset the initial cost of your purchase, making it more affordable to upgrade your home comfort.

Conclusion:
Upgrade your home comfort and benefit from valuable rebates with the ELITE EL22XPV Series. With its energy efficiency, advanced technology, and superior performance, this series offers an outstanding solution. Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your comfort and save money. For more detail information of qualified equipment please contact our office at 905-707-1299.

Important Enbridge Notice to Excavators

Summary

On April 14, 2022, the Getting Ontario Connected Act was passed into law, and resulted in major changes to the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act which governs how underground facilities are located in Ontario. The legislative changes aim to remove barriers to timely locate delivery, improve and streamline compliance, and enhance Ontario One Call’s powers.

Historically, Enbridge Gas has completed gas facility locates at no direct charge to locate requestors. As a result of these legislative changes, Enbridge Gas has made significant investments in associated operational improvements.

To ensure that our gas distribution service customers are protected from incurring the costs of services rendered to other parties, Enbridge Gas will be implementing a new locate delivery charge. This charge will be applied directly to third-party contractors and other utilities who make these locate request.

What is Changing?

Effective May 1, 2023, Enbridge Gas (including its Ontario based affiliates), will begin to directly charge third-party contractors and other utilities for their utility locates. Enbridge Gas will apply a charge of $200 CAD (plus applicable taxes) per locate request where a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed by Enbridge Gas.

Locates requested by property owners for a property where they or their tenant reside, will not be subject to this charge.

Questions?

Please see the Charging for Locates FAQ for more details.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Enbridge Gas


Frequently Asked Questions

Under what circumstances will requestors be charged for locates?
Enbridge Gas will charge third-party contractors and other utilities for each utility locate request that Enbridge Gas responds to where a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed. Locates requested by property owners, for a property where they or their tenant reside, will not be subject to a direct charge. However third-party contractors and other utilities who request a locate for work at a property on behalf of the property owner or their tenant, will be subject to this charge upon completion of the locate paperwork and ground markings.
Third-party contractors and other utilities using a third-party dedicated locator approved to locate Enbridge Gas assets (including those of its Ontario based affiliates) will be charged by the dedicated locator and not Enbridge Gas.

What happens if I receive a clearance for Enbridge Gas on my locate request?
Enbridge Gas does not charge for locate requests where there are no Enbridge Gas assets in the locate area and a clearance is issued.
Excavators should request locates for as precise an area as possible relative to their work plan to increase the potential that a clearance can be issued.

Will I be charged for remarks and relocates?
Enbridge Gas will charge for remark/relocate requests where a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed.
Excavators should plan their work start date based on the timelines of their locate request to reduce the potential that their locates will expire before they start work.
Excavators should follow all third-party requirements associated with preserving and maintaining locate markings to reduce the potential that the locates will require remarks.

Are homeowners or tenants charged for locates?
Locates requested by a property owner, for a property where they or a tenant reside, will not be subject to a direct charge, however third-party excavation contractors and other utilities will be subject to a charge.

Can a homeowner undertaking work on their property request a locate for their contractor to avoid incurring charges?
No. It is the responsibility of the excavator undertaking the ground disturbance to request the locates.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Enbridge Gas accepts credit card payments (through an individual link generated when the charge is issued) or payments by cheque made payable to Enbridge Gas, Accounts Payable.
Enbridge Gas does not accept cash payments.

Can I add the charge to my gas bill?
We are not offering the ability to add locate delivery charges onto our natural gas bills.

I am a customer of Enbridge Gas, does that mean I still need to pay for a locate?
Enbridge Gas customers that request locates for work on their own property where they or their tenant reside, will not be charged. Enbridge Gas customers who operate as excavators or are requesting locates for work outside of their own residential property will be subject to the locate charge.

Who do I contact for disputes about my locate charge?
For any disputes related to your Enbridge Gas locate charge you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When are my locate charge payments due?
Invoices for locate charges will be issued on a monthly basis with payment required within 45 calendar days from the invoice date.

Do I still need to pay for the locate if it wasn’t delivered within five (5) business days?
Yes. Upon placing your locate request through Ontario One Call for which Enbridge Gas is required to locate its underground assets, you will be charged whenever a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed.
Enbridge Gas makes every practicable effort to respond to locate requests within five (5) business days. The charge is required to cover the cost of our locate services.
To support timely completion of locate request responses, Enbridge Gas suggests that excavators:
Request locates for as precise of an area as possible relative to their work plan to increase the potential that a clearance can be issued and/or a field completion can be issued as fast as possible.
Only place locate requests for work that they reasonably plan to start in the near future so as to prevent excess / unnecessary requests and reduce the potential that their locates will expire before starting work.

What alternatives do I have to paying Enbridge Gas for locating its assets?
It is a legal requirement in Ontario that prior to any ground disturbance, the excavator must obtain a valid locate response from all affected infrastructure owners impacted by the ground disturbance activities.
As an alternative, a project owner can apply with Ontario One Call to use a dedicated locator authorized to locate the assets of the infrastructure owner in accordance with regulations. The cost of a dedicated locator will be borne by the project owner in accordance with the Ontario One Call legislation.

Why is Enbridge Gas making the decision to charge for locates?
The cost to deliver locates has increased significantly, and we are proactively working to recover costs for providing locate services directly from third-party contractors and other utilities who make these locate requests.

What are you going to do with the money that you receive for locates?
We are collecting money for line locates to offset our own costs. Enbridge Gas does not earn a profit on the money received for locates.

What is the cost of the locates?
$200.00 CAD (plus applicable taxes) per completed field locate (ground markings and paperwork) will be charged.

How did you arrive at a $200 fee – how can I be assured this is reasonable?
Enbridge Gas completed a detailed analysis of the costs associated with completing a standard locate, including field locate delivery, locate delivery administration and field locate safety controls.

Now that you are charging for locates, will you commit to a five-day turnaround?
Enbridge Gas makes every practicable effort to respond to locate requests within five (5) business days.
To support timely completion of locate request responses, Enbridge Gas suggests that excavators:
Request locates for as precise of an area as possible relative to their work plan to increase the potential that a clearance can be issued and/or a field completion can be issued as fast as possible.
Excavators should plan their work start date based on the timelines of their locate request to reduce the potential that their locates will expire before they start work.

Why are you charging professional excavators and not residential property owners – is this fair?
With the changes in the legislation, Enbridge Gas is now looking to allocate the costs of delivering locates directly to third-party excavation contractors and other utilities who make these locate request.

Have you assessed the risk that this additional cost will dissuade contractors from obtaining locates?
Yes. Regardless of whether or not there is a charge for obtaining locates, it is a legal requirement under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act that all parties obtain a valid locate prior to conducting any ground disturbance activities in Ontario.

Any excavator that commences ground disturbance activities without a valid locate may be subject to a $10,000 penalty. Any excavator that continues ground disturbance activities past the expiry date of a valid locate may be subject to a $8,000 penalty.

How can I learn more about the Getting Connected Ontario Act?
Information on the Getting Connected Ontario Act is available online:
Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, S.O. 2012, c. 4
Dedicated Locator – Ontario One Calle

"Natural Gas 101: An In-Depth Look at the Fossil Fuel's Formation and Extraction"

Natural gas is a fascinating and versatile fossil fuel that has been formed deep within the earth's crust over millions of years. It is composed primarily of methane, a colorless and odorless gas, but can also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons such as propane and ethane.


One of the most intriguing aspects of natural gas is the way in which it is formed. It is created through a complex process of decomposition and compression, in which the remains of ancient plants and animals are transformed into the energy-rich fuel we know today. This process occurs deep within the earth, where high pressure and heat cause the organic matter to break down and reform into hydrocarbons.


The location of natural gas deposits can vary greatly, with reserves found in both onshore and offshore locations. It can be trapped in a variety of rock types, including sandstone, limestone, and shale. To extract the gas, drilling wells are used to access the reservoirs deep beneath the earth's surface. Steel casings are inserted to prevent the well from collapsing and the casing is perforated to allow the natural gas to flow into the well, and then brought to the surface through a series of pipes.


One of the most significant recent developments in natural gas extraction is the use of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." This technique involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals into the rock formation to create fractures that allow the gas to flow more freely. This has greatly increased the amount of natural gas that can be extracted from shale rock formations, making it a key player in the global energy market.


Natural gas is not just an energy source, but also an important feedstock for the chemical industry. It is also a cleaner-burning fuel that is widely used in power generation, heating, and as a fuel for vehicles. It produces fewer emissions than gasoline or diesel, making it a more environmentally friendly option.


In conclusion, natural gas is a unique and valuable fossil fuel that is formed deep within the earth over millions of years. It is extracted from underground rock formations through drilling and can be found in a variety of locations. With the development of fracking, natural gas has become a major player in the global energy market, providing a cleaner burning alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

 

"Stay Safe with These Essential Gas Fireplace Safety Tips"

Gas fireplaces are an attractive and convenient way to heat your home, but they do require proper care and maintenance to ensure safety. Whether you're looking to install a new gas fireplace or you already have one in your home, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind when using a gas fireplace:

 

  1. Have your gas fireplace inspected and serviced by a professional on an annual basis. This will ensure that the unit is in proper working condition and that any potential safety hazards are identified and addressed. A professional will also be able to check for any gas leaks, which can be dangerous if not detected and repaired.
  2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines. This includes not blocking the vents, keeping combustible materials away from the unit, and never using it as a primary heat source. It is also important to keep the area around the fireplace clear of clutter and debris, as this can easily catch fire.
  3. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended while it is in use. This is especially important if you have children or pets in the home, as they may accidentally touch the unit or play with the controls. Additionally, you should always make sure that the fireplace is turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.
  4. Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the room where your gas fireplace is located. These devices can alert you to any potential problems with the unit, such as a gas leak or a fire, and help keep you and your family safe.
  5. Have a fire extinguisher close by to the fireplace in case of emergency.

By following these tips and having your unit inspected and serviced on a regular basis, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a gas fireplace without putting yourself or your loved ones at risk. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to gas fireplaces, so take the time to educate yourself and take the necessary precautions to ensure that your gas fireplace is being used safely.

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