UPDATED November 30, 2011 (originally posted November 26, 2011) – SaskPower is working with participating retailers across the province to give away vehicle block heater timers and encourage energy conservation this winter.

“Encouraging energy efficiency and conservation is part of SaskPower’s sustainable plan to meet the province’s growing need for electricity now and in the future,” said Rob Norris, minister responsible for SaskPower. “Partnering with local retailers is an effective way for SaskPower to help customers cut their energy costs and go green.”

Electrical Business contacted Stewart Linton, VP Coleman Canada, who explained the SKU and item number we initially reported has been replaced as part of the 2012 product program with the Woods 050012 Outdoor 24-Hr Mechanical Heavy Duty Timer, 3-C (replacing 049382 and 649382). Download the PDF below for the Product Bulletin.

The SaskPower Block Heater Timer Event aims to reduce energy consumption through the increased use of vehicle block heater timers during the winter months. It hopes to give away 50,000 block heater timers over three weekends in November and December at the following retailers:

November 26-27 and December 3-4
• Rona (Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert)
• Co-op (Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert)
• Sears (Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert)
• Peavey Mart (Assiniboia, Estevan, Humboldt, Kindersley, Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current)

December 3-4 and December 10-11
• Canadian Tire (Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current, North Battleford, Estevan, Moose Jaw, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Weyburn, Humboldt and Melfort)

“If every recipient of a block heater timer were to reduce their plug-in time from 12 to four hours a night, the total power saved will be over 4 MW,” said Robert Watson, SaskPower president and CEO.

According to SaskPower, a well-maintained vehicle only needs to be plugged in for four hours before it needs to start on very cold winter days (below -15ºC) to ensure it will start. Using a block heater timer with a vehicle will conserve energy, and can save about $65 each winter on a typical household’s power bill.

“Customers often ask why SaskPower would encourage them to use less of our product,” Watson added. “Energy efficiency programs like this one cost less than adding new generation sources.”

CLICK HERE for more information about specific event details at each participating retailer and store locations, as well as power saving tips.