Muskrat Falls. That’s a name that many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are sick of hearing by now. The power plant, which had already gone way over budget, has added even more costs thanks to COVID-19. Predictions indicate that the project will result in electricity rates roughly doubling for NL residents. Previously intended to come online in 2020, which was already very late, the pandemic has pushed the start date to late 2021. It’s a good time to start thinking about your power costs for Muskrat Falls’ impending consequences.
You’ll need to run some numbers on your own for the power-saving methods we’ve listed. Some methods will work for some people and not for others. It all comes down to how much electricity you normally use and how quickly you will be able to recoup initial investment costs. The TakeCHARGE website is a great place to do some research!
Start Using Solar Energy
Renewable energy has been increasing in popularity across the country. Solar energy can be costly to set up at first, but it’s easy to imagine that effort will be worth it once Muskrat Falls begins. To start, you will need a solar panel like this and a battery generator like this to harness the energy. You can also keep an eye out for solar equipment on sale at hardware stores in Newfoundland.
Make Our Windy Weather Power Your House
If you thought there’s not enough sun in Newfoundland for solar power, you’re wrong! But, there’s no doubt that we get a lot more wind in most parts of the province than sunshine. It’s not as popular of an option as solar, so offerings on Amazon are limited. This turbine seems to have the best reviews, and you can buy just a single turbine or a complete system.
Install LED Light Bulbs
This is such an easy change to reduce for power bill for when Muskrat Falls comes online. If you’ve got a light bulb in your house, you can do this! TakeCHARGE states that an LED bulb in Newfoundland will typically pay for itself in a year. You can get a 24-pack on Amazon with over 10,000 reviews for a great price. TakeCHARGE also offers instant rebates in Newfoundland, so keep an eye out for those deals.
Use a Gas Generator
With gas rates here among the highest in Canada, and always becoming more expensive, the amount of savings using this method might just not be worth it. It’s still something to think about, considering an inverter generator like this is fairly affordable. If we have another #DarkNL again, you’ll be happy you’ve got a generator anyway!
Get a Warm Blanket
Don’t forget about the basics! Who doesn’t love a nice warm blanket on a cold winter day? You can’t go wrong. Everyone loves a tried-and-true, simple blanket like this. Additionally, weighted blankets such as this one offer even more coziness. Take that, Muskrat Falls!
Use a Heat Pump to Keep Your House Warm
Heat pumps offer much more efficiency than traditional electric heaters. One Newfoundlander has reported a 35% decrease in his power bill since installing one. Models like this are popular online, and they usually last around 10 to 15 years.
Fix Your Drafty Windows
Window insulation film is a cheap way to make your house feel warmer during the winter months. You can get various sizes right here to fit almost any window in your house. If you’ve got larger holes around windows or doors that is letting heat escape, you can fill them with caulk like this. Keep the wind out and the heat in!
Reducing Power Costs for Muskrat Falls
Your decision on how to cut your electricity costs in preparation for Muskrat Falls depends on many factors. These include the size of your house, the amount of electricity you normally use, and your lifestyle. There is something for everyone in this list, so we hope we gave you something to think about and share with your friends!
