PowerSense Conservation Awards 2009 > Okanagan Leadership Award Winners


Okanagan Leadership Award Winners

Find out who in your area is making great decisions in their projects in the Okanagan, by saving money and energy in their projects and inspiring others to do the same.

 

Murray Consulting

“It is incredibly rewarding to see how much attitudes have changed.”


Al Murray is a pioneer of energy efficiency in the construction industry. He’s been in the business for 32 years and saw the benefits of building green long before his peers. When few people were investing in R2000 building certification, Al was. His commitment to energy efficiency is what sets him
apart and has contributed to his success and education as an expert in the field. “I am passionate on the subject of the environment,” says Al. “The best satisfaction and motivation for me over the years is a happy customer that is comfortable and healthier because of the work I’ve done. Now, as a consultant in the field, I get to share my experience on a new level. It is incredibly rewarding
to see how much attitudes have changed and how people are more aware and value the benefits of environmental building.”

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Brian Parent

Brian Parent joined West Kootenay Power more than 30 years ago in Trail. He held a number of positions in the Company, including manager of FortisBC’s PowerSense program. Brian was integral to the success of PowerSense — from its launch in 1989 through the collaborative years as a member of the PowerSmart consortium. His key initiatives included:

1989 Helped create the original home retrofit program - Homeguard
1991 Created the compact fluorescent rebate campaign
1992 Launched the Commercial Lighting and Industrial Motor rebate programs
1993 Launched the residential ground-source heat pump program
1995 Inspector Socket campaign
1999 Launched the air-source heat pump program
1999 Brighter Generation campaign launched with rebates for CFLs
2000 “Wanted dead or alive” fridge pickup program
2000 Provincial Environmental award in the category of Communications or Media
2001 Model PowerSense Show Home in Wilden
2003 Natural Resources Canada (Federal) award for Brighter Generation promotion of compact fluorescent technology
2006 Secured government contracts for heat pump promotion and ENERGY STAR window rebates

Brian Parent


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E.B. Horsman & Son

Established in 1900, E.B. Horsman & Son is the only independently owned and operated electrical wholesaler in BC, with 17 locations in British Columbia. “We are committed to exceeding the expectations, not just meeting the needs, of our many customers by providing education, quality and reliable services. We want to provide solutions for our customers and be more than just an electrical
supply retailer. To help us with this, we are quick to call on our PowerSense representatives. The programs available make it even more compelling for our clients to invest in energy efficient product selection,” says Jeff Janzen, manager of the Penticton location.

“The programs available make it even more compelling for our clients to invest in energy efficient product selection”

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GeoTility Geothermal Installations

GeoTility Geothermal Systems has led the geothermal heating and cooling systems industry for the past two decades. Projects have ranged from small residential projects to large commercial and institutional systems. With the development of a new hybrid drill rig designed to drill vertical holes in
a confined spaces, there are new possibilities to convert existing urban structures to geothermal. “I believe it is our responsibility to promote responsible use of our energy sources and how we all can benefit as a result,” says Jim Leask, President of GeoTility Geothermal Systems. “At
GeoTility, it’s a culture we live and breathe. From the classroom we sponsor at Okanagan College to the internal environmental challenges we run in our company, we do what we can to contribute to long-term sustainability.”

“I believe it is our responsibility to promote responsible use of our energy resources”

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Gescan, Division of Sonepar Canada Inc

A subsidiary of Sonepar World Wide, one of the largest electrical building suppliers in the world, GESCAN has 13 branches in BC. The company serves residential and commercial contractors (both large and small) and industrial end users and contractors. “As a leader in the electrical building supplies market, we are constantly challenged to stay up to date on the latest energy savings product developments and that is how we maintain our leadership position. Of course, our customers are always motivated by the cost savings they see from their investment, but they also want to be a part of preserving our environment. More and more, that is a motivating factor for both the customers and our company,” says Tom Lang, manager of GESCAN Kelowna.

“our customers…

want to be a part of preserving our environment.”


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The Light Choice

The Light Choice was established in March 1994 in Penticton. As the largest lighting supplier in the South Okanagan, it specializes in blueprint design and new construction consulting, from single family homes to large apartment complexes. Staff work with both electricians and designers to
ensure customers get the most efficient and desirable lighting solutions available. “Our strong commitment to reducing electrical consumption – both for ourselves and our customers – has been a big part of our success. Customers are thinking more about saving energy through lighting
efficiencies, and with the investment we’ve made in industry education and the savings we’ve been able to implement right here in the store, we can provide them with comprehensive knowledge on the subject,” says Chester Rempel, The Light Choice Owner.

“Our strong commitment to reducing electrical consumption… has been a big part of our success.”

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Hedley Improvement District

The small town of Hedley, BC, is flanked on the east by breathtaking cliffs that house mine shafts and buildings that this historic BC town is known for. Home to approximately 350 people, residents are serviced by the Hedley Improvement District (HID), responsible for water, fire protection and street lighting for the village. HID became involved with FortisBC when investigating how to decrease energy consumption for the town and, after extensive analysis, a number of projects were identified to accomplish this. Locating and repairing leaks in the water delivery system, implementing upgrades to existing pumps and controls, increasing insulation in offices areas and the pump house, and a switch to more efficient streetlights all combined to decrease power consumption significantly from where they originally were. “PowerSense is an enormous support and collaborative partner in making these savings a reality,” remarked Richard Tarnoff, Water System Operator of the Hedley Improvement District. A few years back, HID also initiated a pilot project to schedule its usage to off peak hours and hopes to further reduce power costs by accessing energy at optimal times.

“PowerSense is an enormous support and collaborative partner in making these savings a reality”

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Swiss Solar Tech Ltd

Swiss Solar Tech provides high efficient heating and cooling systems for commercial buildings by combining solar thermal with ground-source heat pumps and heat recovery systems. “There is incredible potential for heat recovery, particularly when combined with solar panels. The waste heat is
collected from the cooling system to use as pre-heat for the domestic hot water and as heating support for the building. This enables existing gas-fired boilers to run less, since the heat pump has a much better co-efficiency rate,” says Roger Huber, owner of Swiss Solar Tech. Swiss Solar Tech’s awardwinning heating and cooling systems are tailored specifically to customers’
requirements.

“There is incredible potential for heat recovery, especially when combined with solar panels.”

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Value Contracting

When Bob Pearce and his company, Value Contracting, started installing pumps in water wells, little did he know that he’d find a niche market working across BC for townships, contractors, individuals, and farmers. Value Contracting truly is a family business — Bob’s wife, Heather, runs the office, and their son Mike is a licensed technician that keeps abreast of the latest industry technologies. The team educates their clients about how to reduce power consumption and provide the right amount of power for changeable demands by investing in new variable frequency drive motors in their pumps. “Our PowerSense representative, Perry Feser, is invaluable. We know we can count on his support when we need to provide savings information for our customers. The PowerSense rebate program has been central to our customers being able to achieve their energy savings in sectors where cash flow is always a challenge,” says Bob.

“The PowerSense rebate program has been central to our customers being able to achieve their energy savings.”


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