What represents Oshawa to you?

Do you find peace in watching the sunrise from the pier at Lakeview Park? Enjoy the historic architecture of Parkwood Estate? Observe beauty in the peony blooms of our Botanical Gardens? Discover inspiration in the innovation of Ontario Tech University?

As the City reopens, festivals return, and our parks spring back to life, we’re looking to our residents to help capture the beauty of Oshawa. Oshawa Power is asking the community to submit photos of your favourite spaces across our City.

Celebrate summer in the City and share your best photos with us for a chance to win one of five (5) $100 local shopping gift cards. All submissions will be displayed in a feature video on Oshawa Power’s social channels.

Contest Details

Contest Period: August 1^st, 2022 to September 1^st, 2022
Eligible Participants: Oshawa residents
File Submission Format: High resolution JPEG
Submission Description: With your submission, please mention the location and describe why this area represents Oshawa to you.
Submission Process: Photos to be submitted via file upload form below.

By submitting your photo(s), you agree that Oshawa Power is granted permission to use and/or share your photo(s) for marketing purposes across channels including, but not limited to; social media, online, and print, and understand that you are not entitled to monetary compensation. For further contest details, please contact communications@opuc.on.ca.

Tackling common myths and misunderstandings about modern electric vehicles (EVs).

EVs are causing a radical shift in personal transportation and, as with any major change, have their fair share of both advocates and detractors. But how can we know the truth about EVs? From silent driving to range limitations and every feature in between, we’re here to take on common myths and separate EV facts from EV fiction.

With more electric vehicles in Oshawa than ever before, ownership numbers on the rise across Canada, and automotive manufacturers producing a larger variety of electric or hybrid models, it’s clear that the future of driving is electric.

EV FACT: EVs offer a more environmentally friendly ride

One of the most common myths surrounding EVs is that they don’t lower total carbon emissions because power still needs to be generated to drive the vehicle. Driving electric won’t allow you to reach net-zero (yet!), but it will help significantly lower your carbon footprint.

In Ontario, switching to an EV can lower your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 67-95%. Ontario has one of the cleanest energy mixes in the world, with more than 90% of our electricity produced by zero-carbon sources. By switching from a traditional vehicle to electric, you can put money back in your pocket and help lower your carbon footprint.

EV FICTION: EV performance can’t compare

Don’t think EVs can go toe-to-toe with high performance sports cars? Think again!

Traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) still offer higher top speeds than electric, but when it comes to acceleration, EVs are up to the test. Due to the efficiency of electric motors, EVs can generate 100% of available torque almost instantly. This allows for rapid acceleration with high-end models able to go 0-60mph in just over 2 seconds, some of the fastest times ever recorded!

EV FACT: EVs offer a silent ride

It’s true… for now! EVs produce nearly no engine noise at all and can offer a nearly silent ride. If you are someone who does their best thinking on long drives, a silent EV might be right for you.

However, the lack of engine noise isn’t completely without issue. Groups have began lobbying EV manufacturers to add noise simulators over concerns that silence could put hearing-impaired pedestrians at risk.

EV FICTION: Low range will leave you stranded

Concerned an EV won’t get you to and from work? Or that you’ll stall out before reaching the cottage?

Range anxiety is a common concern for potential EV owners. But in 2022, EVs are available in a wide variety of range capabilities to fit all lifestyles. From compact battery EVs with 200km driving range, to long range models with 600km+ ranges, and even plug-in hybrid EVs with total range capabilities over 1,000km, you can easily find a model to satisfy any range expectations.

EV FACT: EVs are low maintenance

Driving an EV can significantly lower fuel costs, but did you know that EV maintenance costs are also almost non-existent?

Unlike traditional ICEs with thousands of moving parts, modern EV engines have about 20 moving parts. With much greater efficiency, simpler design, and substantially fewer moving parts, EVs can offer massive maintenance savings over traditional vehicles.

EV FICTION: You’ll spend thousands replacing your battery

While battery replacement costs for EVs remain expensive, very few owners will ever need to worry about it.

EV sales generally come with 8-year, 160,000km warranties that include coverage for battery replacement. With the average Canadian replacing their vehicle approximately every 12 years, warranty should cover your EV for about 60% of your vehicles’ life. Compare this to about 25% for traditional ICE warranties (average 3 years, 60,000km).

EV FICTION: Public charging is more expensive than refueling

With gas prices continuing to rise, savings offered by public charging continue to look even better!

In Ontario, it is very possible to find free public charging, but even paid charging only costs between $1.50 and $2.50 per hour of charging. At a Level 2 charging station, this allows an additional 30km of range and a cost per km of between $0.05 and $0.09.

Meanwhile, the average ICE vehicle in Canada offers fuel economy of about 9.3L/100km. With current gas prices, drivers pay a per km cost of approximately $0.19. This is more than double the cost of public charging.

Looking to learn more?

Now that you know some common EV facts and fictions surrounding driving and ownership, would you consider making the switch?

In partnership with the Regional Municipality of Durham and Plug ‘N Drive, Oshawa Power is bringing the Mobile Electric Vehicle Education Trailer (MEET) to our downtown office. We’re offering Durham residents the chance to learn even more EV facts and experience EV driving firsthand. Click here to learn more about the program and reserve your test drive.

Have you thanked a Lineworker lately?

If you haven’t, you can do so as part of National Lineworker appreciation day, celebrated yearly on July 10.

Severe weather events across the country are increasing in numbers and demonstrate the importance of Lineworkers and their role in keeping our lights on and restoring power safely and efficiently to Canadians across the country.

A perfect storm surprised most of Ontario, on Saturday during what is considered the first unofficial long weekend of summer. What Durham region presumed as a severe thunderstorm, was later confirmed as a Derecho ― defined as a string of thunderstorms that affected the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor.

Oshawa Power teams are long-standing members of the community and are no stranger to storms – remember the ice storm of 2013?

The Q&A below highlights the impact and contribution of line workers during and after severe weather systems. According to Mike Weatherbee, Manager, Distribution Construction, his amazing team quickly assembled and formed a storm response plan to assess the damage, and get the city back online, with enough time left over to help fellow utilities afterwards.

Q&A

Q: What was different about this storm?

A: This storm was fast and furious – with winds up to 100km/h in the region and several tornadoes, this storm created extensive damage along a path that extended across the 1,000-kilometre corridor. The storm brought down power lines and trees across the region and left many upset and with damage unseen in the region for decades.

Q: What made the difference in your storm response?

A: The trickiest part of this storm was that it happened very quickly, and different impacts were felt across the affected regions.

Thankfully, we have a well-documented process in place to assess the damage. A senior team member activated the protocol as soon as the weather network alert went out and we immediately sent out teams to assess the damage and begin prioritizing vulnerable areas first (hospitals and seniors’ facilities) and then we work on populations with the largest amount of affected outages, mostly residential neighbourhoods.

Q: Did Oshawa have the same impact as other areas in Durham?

A: Oshawa had about 1/6 of its customer base out – roughly the same percentage of customers as other towns and cities. Thankfully, we have been actively updating our infrastructure to withstand severe storms, so our infrastructure was not as heavily damaged. As storms become more apparent, we are already preparing our grid for the future and consistently working to minimize outages with our Capital Rebuild Plan and Tree Trimming plans to keep areas safe.

Q: What are some things that residents can do to prepare for any of the dozen storms that are forecasted for this summer?

A: Preparation is the key to planning for emergencies and was key to our success for Oshawa Power and its residents to get back online quickly. Here are a few tips we use ourselves:

Summer is upon us! The sun is shining, the grill is ready to go, and our favourite time of the year is here.

With a hot summer ahead of us, we know that summer electricity bills can take some of the fun out of your summer. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you keep your bills manageable and find ways to save on energy all summer long!

Here are 12 of our top energy savings tips to help you keep your cool all summer long:

Let it All Hang Out

Take advantage of the warm weather by hanging your clothes outside to dry. Skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes out on the line can help you save more than 10 percent on your energy bills. As an added bonus, hang drying your clothing can help maintain the integrity of your fabrics and keep your clothes vibrant thanks to the sun’s natural bleaching properties.

Keep it Air Tight

Gaps in the seals of your windows and doors can drive up your energy bills and make your HVAC system work harder than necessary. Home HVAC systems are the largest consumer in most households, making sealing off air leaks an important step to maximizing your home’s efficiency and saving on your summer cooling bills.

Flip the Fan

Did you know that most ceiling fans have different settings for the summer and winter months? Take advantage of the wind chill effect by switching up your fan to rotate counter-clockwise during the warm season. This will create a downdraft, cooling down your room and helping take the burden off your A/C system.

The Price is Right

Our energy habits can change along with the seasons. With the ability to switch between Time-of-Use and Tiered pricing plans, we recommend using MyOshawaPower’s Rate Plan Comparison tool to see if a seasonal pricing plan swap could save you money on your electricity bills.

No Filthy Filters

Keep your air fresh and your HVAC system running smoothly by changing your filter more often in the warmer months. We recommend replacing your filter at least every two months in the spring and summer to maximize efficiency, improve air quality, and help combat seasonal allergies.

Pull the Plug

The cost of phantom (or standby) power can be spooky! With some electronics, phantom power can account for up to 75 percent of their total consumption. Remember to unplug electronics when
you’re finished using them to reduce your home energy use by up to 10 percent.

A Bright Idea

Making the switch to LEDs pays off. While there is an upfront investment, LED lighting can help you save more than 80% on your lighting costs compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. With a per bulb savings of up to $6 per year, this upgrade will pay itself off in under 2 years! Additionally, modern LED bulbs have a rated life of up to 30 years, making bulb replacements a thing of the past!

Throwing Shade

We love basking in the warm summer glow, but letting the sunshine in can warm up your home and cause your HVAC system to work harder. Pulling the shades at night or when you leave home can help keep the inside temperature cool, allowing your A/C unit to take a well earned breather.

Keeping Your Cool

Stepping into the cold A/C on a hot summer day can be relieving, but did you know that over cooling your home can significantly increase your electricity bill? We recommend keeping your home at least a couple degrees above room temperature (21C) all summer to help you save. Remember, each degree above room temperature could save you upwards of 5 percent on your home cooling costs.

Put the Wash on Ice

Setting your washing machine to the cold wash cycle can lead to significant energy savings. On average, switching to cold water can save you up to 60 cents per cycle and upwards of $100 a year! As an added bonus, cold water washing can help keep your clothes in great shape and fight against shrinkage.

Check the Vents

Have you fired up the A/C and found your home has a room that just won’t cool down? Check the vents! Ensure all your vents are open and free from obstruction to get maximum cooling and efficiency out of your home’s A/C unit.

Fire Up the Grill

Everybody loves a summer BBQ, but did you know it can help you save on electricity bills? By getting outside and firing up the grill, you not only save the energy your oven or stovetop would consume, but can also keep your house cooler and give your A/C unit a break.