Manitoba Hydro residential customers can now save energy and money by getting rid of their old, working second refrigerators. The Power Smart Refrigerator Retirement Program pays Manitoba Hydro customers $40 for a working refrigerator 15 years or older, including free in-home pick up.
The utility is offering this service to reduce energy consumed by old, inefficient and often nearly empty refrigerators and freezers. Manitoba Hydro estimates that there are currently more than 194,000 old and inefficient fridges consuming energy in our province. These fridges are typically used as second fridges in homes or garages for beverages, or additional groceries.
The program aims to remove 35,000 units from homes over 2.5 years. This will reduce energy consumption by approximately 30 GW.h – equivalent to the amount of electricity required to power the city of Neepawa for one year.
“The Refrigerator Retirement Program benefits Manitobans by saving energy and money,” says Rosann Wowchuk, Minister charged with the administration of the Manitoba Hydro Act. “The Program also produces an economic benefit through the creation of 10 to 15 green-collar jobs, as well as environmental benefits equivalent to removing 27,000 cars off the road for one year through reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
“Most homeowners are not aware that it can cost over $100 per year to run an older fridge,” says Bob Brennan, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “This program not only provides the opportunity to save money, it also offers homeowners the convenience of having the appliance removed from their home. In addition, they receive a financial incentive, as well as ongoing energy bill savings. Also, by ensuring that these appliances are decommissioned and recycled properly, Manitoba Hydro addresses a significant amount of waste that would otherwise be sent to a landfill.”
Homeowners with fridges over 15 years old can call 1-8-555-FRIDGE (1-855-537-4343) or visit www.retiremyfridge.ca to book an appointment. A maximum of three appliances per residence will be picked up. The first appliance must be a fridge; the second and third appliances can be fridges and/or freezers. The program ensures that the fridge will be recycled in the most environmentally responsible way, resulting in less than 5% ending up at a landfill.
