Hydro Ottawa has terminated its energy efficiency rebate program offered through Direct Energy after criticism from HRAI and the HRAC National Capital Region chapter suggested that it precludes fair competition and denies opportunities to those who are not customers of Direct Energy.
The deadline for compliance with the TSSA's Boilers and Pressure Vessels (BPV) regulations is June 30. To assist its members in compliance with the regulatory requirements, the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC) and the TSSA will be holding regional half-day workshops on understanding and implementing the requirements of the BPV regulation.
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is partnering with the Conservation Bureau of the Ontario Power Authority in a residential air conditioning incentive program, "Cool Savings Rebate," to promote preseason maintenance and replacement of old, inefficient systems.
As reported by the Profit Planning Group (per CIPH's Market Data Report), total plumbing, PVF/industrial, waterworks, hydronics, and HVACR estimated sales show a 15 percent increase for the month of February 2006 in comparison to February 2005.
Sixteen students from four Ontario secondary schools competed in the Secondary School Student Challenge at the Skills Center exhibit during CMX/CIPHEX 2006. Also, the Post-Secondary Heating System Technician Competition pitted post-secondary students in competition, and a new event - the Master's Fun Challenge - was introduced.
In March, Direct Energy filed a motion with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to "review and vary" its decision in the 2006 Enbridge Rates case, a decision which may require separation of the Enbridge and Direct Energy bills by Jan. 1, 2007. In April, the OEB held its ground on the original decision but retracted its requirement for the separation of bills by Jan. 1, 2007.
Smart Cool Systems Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, has arranged a non-brokered private placement of up to 2.5 million common shares at a price of $0.20 per share.
The Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC) will be hosting HRAI members in a best-practices presentation and discussion about Geoexchangeâ„¢ technology with municipalities. The discussion will be accessible via a simultaneous audio/webcast on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Martin Luymes, director of the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC), and Mel Little, HRAC contractor representative, met with Toronto Hydro to discuss how HVAC contractors might become more involved in the utility's peakSAVER program.
The Heating, Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning Institute's (HRAI's) Skill Tech Academy, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), has established a new Residential Hydronics Design Technician (RHDT) designation.