Selectwind-powered stage at Guelph Music Festival

For the second year in a row, Selectpower is helping the Hillside festival to meet its mandate of operating in an environmentally-sensitive manner, by donating Selectwind' Renewable Energy Certificates to offset the power used by the lights, amps, speakers and microphones on the main stage.

July 24, 2006 - Guelph, ON - Now in its 23rd year, the Hillside Festival has been the place for music lovers to witness some of Canada's best established and up-and-coming musical acts, not to mention experience the sense of community embodied by the festival. Sarah Harmer, Feist, Kathleen Edwards, The Stills, and Cuff the Duke are among this year's line-up.


Taking place from July 28 to 30th, Hillside features five stages that offer music, dance, drumming and spoken word. For the second year in a row, Selectpower is helping the festival to meet its own mandate of operating in an environmentally-sensitive manner, by donating Selectwind' Renewable Energy Certificates to offset the power used by the lights, amps, speakers and microphones on the main stage.

"Having done this last year, we had such tremendous feedback from the performers and the organizers of the Hillside Festival, that it made complete sense for us to get involved again this year," said Suzanne Wiltshire, CEO for Selectpower.

Together with Hillside's organizers, Selectpower estimates that the main stage uses about 575 kWh of Selectwind during the three-day festival, which is equivalent to about half the energy used by an average Canadian home in one month.

"The power for the stage comes from the grid, so Selectpower has put the same amount of wind energy into the grid; in essence, Hillside's main stage is totally wind-powered," explained Wiltshire.

Although power demands in Ontario this summer have not reached the same level as this time last year, the province is still importing power from the U.S. to meet peak demand during particularly hot and humid periods. Selectwind displaces coal-generated electricity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help to clean the air Ontarians breathe. By choosing Selectwind, consumers and businesses are encouraging the development of additional wind generation in Ontario.

"Hillside strives to be accessible, environmentally sensitive, non-hierarchical and inclusive. Our Artistic Committee and the Artistic Director have put their collective ears to the ground to make sure we offer the best of Canada and the world, and that doesn't stop at the performers," stated festival manager Rachel Thompson. "We also choose sponsors and vendors whose goals are consistent with ours. Selectpower meets those criteria."

The event encourages festival-goers to ride a bike or take a shuttle bus to the Guelph Lake Conservation Area where, in addition to the outstanding musical performances, people can visit food, crafts, and information exhibits. The Neighbourhood Tent is where people can learn more about health, environment and social issues. In addition to powering the main stage, Selectpower will also have an informational exhibit at the Neighbourhood Tent.

"Participating at Hillside is our opportunity to educate people about their energy choices," said Wiltshire. "If a stage at Hillside can use wind power, then members of the Hillside audience can use it in their homes. As more people choose Selectwind, air quality is improved, we reduce our reliance on coal- generated power, and we encourage more wind energy generation in Ontario."

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Selectpower is an affiliate of Guelph Hydro Inc. offering Energy-Smart Solutions including: Energy-STAR rated heating and air conditioning, water heating, draft proofing, wind, solar and geothermal solutions, Energy Price Protection Plans and more.

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