Clearing your kitchen of an old fridge will become much easier thanks to a new energy conservation program introduced by the Ontario government on Friday.
Under the "beer fridge bounty" program, the province will accept old, inefficient appliances for free pickup and recycling, saving the consumer a normal disposal fee of about $110.
"Our collective efforts will help ensure Ontario has the power it needs to grow and prosper now and long into the future," said Energy Minister Dwight Duncan in a release.
The province estimates that eliminating 1,000 inefficient refrigerators will save enough electricity to power more than 130 homes. Newer fridge models can be up to four times more energy efficient than older models.
Hydro Ottawa collected 2,500 old fridges and freezers in a pilot program last summer while London Hydro picked up 10,000 old fridges, saving an estimated 13.6 million kilowatt hours.
Duncan also introduced a voluntary peak reduction program that will provide a device to consumers allowing the utility company to adjust settings on air conditioners, pool pumps and water heaters when the electricity supply runs thin.
A third program will offer residents and small businesses a 10 per cent rebate on their electricity bills if they trim use by 10 per cent during a prescribed period.
The three programs will be introduced through the Ontario Power Authority and local distribution companies next summer.
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