Real-Time Energy Use Data Arrives at Three BC Hydro Locations, Two More Sites in Progress

Source: Keeping Current. BC Hydro News Stories for the week of August 11, 2010

Lead by Example unveiled three interactive energy use displays at pilot sites in the Lower Mainland last week and will install two more displays at Peace Canyon Generating Station and Lower Mainland South (LMS) later this month.

The displays show information on real-time electricity use and relevant conservation messages for each location. Pilot displays are in the main lobbies at Dunsmuir and Edmonds and the lunchroom at Powertech. The other two will soon be available in the lunchroom at Peace Canyon Generating Station and in the main hallway at LMS.

David Procter, Manager, Lead by Example, tries out the new energy use display in the Edmonds lobby

The pilot is designed to engage, educate, motivate and empower BC Hydro staff and building occupants to take action and reduce energy use in their buildings. The real-time data raises awareness of the electricity consumed within the facilities, while the interactive component shows why this consumption can change over time.  Through Lead by Example, BC Hydro is demonstrating how staff and building occupants can influence consumption and encouraging engagement in other conservation efforts.

“We want to encourage employees to change their energy use behaviours,” said Ann McDowall, Energy Manager, Transmission & Distribution, Project Manager for the interacive energy use displays. “Conservation happens one decision at a time. By showing employees how their habits impact the consumption in their building, we hope to challenge them to make decisions that will improve their office’s energy conservation efforts.”

The displays will change over time and include everything from basic conservation tips to current campaigns and programs employees can participate in.

“The energy use displays will allow employees to see the impact they can have when they participate in various energy saving efforts,” added Vinson Lee, who develops many of the Green Team campaigns. “The energy use display will show, through charts and graphs, when electricity consumption is at its greatest, when it’s at its lowest, where the opportunities are to use less and what they can do about it. When employees do use less, the display will reflect that.”

Members of the energy use display project team

The public will also be able to use the displays at some sites.

Pulse Energy Inc. is providing the display’s real-time electricity use information. Additional information is available to facility managers to assist them in managing the facilities efficiently and identifying potential energy saving projects. Orca Experience supplied the interactive displays and adapted material for use with the displays.