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Beiseker librarian Tracy Bell (left) accepts two new power monitors donated by Fortis representatives Kevin Haslbeck and Joelle Lamontagne (right), Aug. 25. The monitors are available to be borrowed by library patrons..

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Fortis donates to libraries

FortisAlberta donated two power monitors to Beiseker Public Library, Aug 25.

The donation was part of a larger pilot project that will see libraries in Black Diamond, Okotoks and Airdrie also receive monitors.

The deliveries will be completed by the end of September, and library patrons will be able to borrow the small devices used to measure the electrical usage of household appliances, as well as the cost of running the appliance.

“FortisAlberta wants to help our customers cut down on their electricity costs,” said Joelle Lamontagne, company spokesperson. “By making power monitors available to customers through their local libraries, they can use them for free to identify the appliances that are using the most electricity and costing them the most money.”

According to Kevin Haslbeck, communications advisor for FortisAlberta, the monitors can help people understand where they are using energy.

“People will be surprised where the real energy hogs are,” said Haslbeck. “(For example), they might not think of small appliances, like space heaters... but they could cost up to $50 per month to run for a few hours per day.”

The company provides practical tips on reducing energy usage as well as a home electricity cost calculator that customers can use to calculate the total monthly costs of running their electrical devices at fortisalberta.com

Customers can also find information about how to submit a 300 to 500-word story detailing how they are energy efficient. Winners may have their stories posted on the website, and receive an energy efficiency prize including energy conserving materials, such as weather stripping, outlet insulation, low flow shower heads and pipe insulation.