Released on January 30, 1995
Energy and Mines Minister Doug Anguish today announced a new energyconservation program for community rinks. Anguish was speaking to
delegates at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association annual
convention in Saskatoon.
The new program will provide energy management services to more than
250 Saskatchewan community rinks over a five-year period and is
expected to result in about $4,000,000 in energy savings plus an
additional $16 million in savings over the life of new energy-efficient
equipment.
Anguish said this program will be the most comprehensive of its kind in
Canada by providing a full-service, one-stop approach for energy
conservation needs. Everything from energy audits, financial advisory
and planning services, technical training, and engineering support will
be available. He said that all forms of energy use will be assessed
including electricity, natural gas, propane and oil.
"This program will focus on educating and training rink staff and their
suppliers and will help rink managers and administrators make sound
energy decisions to better manage their budgets," Anguish said.
Anguish said the community rink in Foam Lake recently implemented
several energy-efficiency measures and was able to reduce its energy
costs by more than 36 per cent, dropping its costs from $35,000 in 1990
to $25,000 in 1994.
Anguish said that a technical manual containing information on ice rink
energy management tools and techniques, product information, and energy
savings and cost information will be available in the next few weeks.
Included in the manual will be a list of suppliers of energy-efficient
products which can be installed by local tradespeople. Anguish said
that whereever possible Saskatchewan-made products and suppliers will
be identified.
"Our government is committed to ensuring the long-term viability of
Saskatchewan communities. It is clear that the economic benefits of
ice rinks spill over to other businesses and are key to the economic
and social well-being of their communities."
The program will be delivered by a partnership of provincial energy
agencies: SaskPower, SaskEnergy, Saskatchewan Energy and Mines, and the
Saskatchewan Energy Conservation and Development Authority. The
program was developed in consultation with the Saskatchewan Recreation
Facility Association and Saskatchewan Municipal Government.
Saskatchewan's financial institutions have also indicated support for
the program by agreeing to provide loans to participating communities
which will be paid back through future energy savings.
For more information about how to participate in this program call
1-800-996-RINK.
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For more information, contact:
Saskatchewan Energy Conservation and Development Authority
Saskatoon
Phone: 933-5604