Last Chance for PowerStream Customers to Get Free Thermostat

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 7, 2011) - PowerStream has announced that proposed changes by the Ontario Power Authority to the utility's popular peaksaver^® conservation program could mean that there are only a few weeks remaining for customers to take advantage of the program's offer of a free touch screen programmable thermostat.

In order to ensure eligibility for the current peaksaver offer, the utility is advising customers to register for the program by no later than August 15, 2011. The offer includes:

• free, professionally installed, Honeywell ENERGY STAR^® programmable touch screen thermostat – a $350 value,
• a personal demo from the installer that will help customers program their new thermostat to match their respective daily schedule
• a Quick Reference Guide on the thermostat's operation
• remote accessibility to thermostat controls through the internet
• $25.00 from PowerStream just for participating!

The peaksaver program assists the province in managing critical peaks during periods of high electricity demand helping to keep generation costs down and reducing the need for Ontario to import dirty coal generated electricity from the United States.

"When the electricity system is reaching critical levels, during the hottest summer weekday afternoons, we may remotely cycle peaksaver conservation program participants' air conditioners off and on for 15 minute intervals to reduce the amount of electricity used. Customers likely won't notice a change in temperature, because their systems' furnace fans will remain on and continue to circulate the cool air already in their homes," said John Sherin, PowerStream's Director, Conservation and Demand Management. "There are over 200,000 electricity customers participating throughout Ontario but the program is being revised and we don't want any interested PowerStream customers to miss out on the opportunity to get a free touch screen programmable thermostat," added Sherin.

PowerStream customers interested in participating in the program should contact the peaksaver Call Centre at 1-866-323-0206 or enroll online at www.powerstream.ca/peaksaver.

Customers wanting to learn more about PowerStream's new conservation program offerings through the "saveONenergy" campaign, can visit www.powerstream.saveonenergy.ca.

About PowerStream

PowerStream is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 330,000 customers residing or owning a business in communities located immediately north of Toronto and in Central Ontario. The communities served include Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Beeton, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. PowerStream is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.