B.C. STREET LIGHT TECH CUTS COST AND CARBON

VICTORIA – An Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund project demonstrating the commercial viability of made-in-B.C. smart street light technology in six northern B.C. communities will create jobs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce hydro costs for municipalities, Small Business, Technology and Economic Development Minister Ida Chong said today.

“With support from the provincial government, investors, and an extensive community partnership, this project promises solid economic and environmental benefits,” said Chong. “Through the ICE Fund, we are showcasing the success of made-in-B.C. technologies, like smart street lighting – while we invest in local economies, reduce our carbon footprint and use electricity more efficiently.”

The ICE Fund is investing $1.3 million in the project, led by the Pacific Green Energy Initiative “Smart” Street Light Coalition. The project will replace 8,000 to 10,000 street lights in north and central B.C. Subject to approval by municipal councils and authorities, the project will include the communities of Prince George, Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake and Wells. Representing a total value of $3,848,250, the project will support 23 jobs during implementation and further opportunities as the technology is widely adopted.

“The first use of this technology in Prince George allowed BC Hydro to assess its huge energy saving potential,” said Keith McPherson, managing director for the coalition. “ICE Fund support is absolutely essential for a commercial scale demonstration, which will help sell the technology. This is a far-sighted and unique approach to economic and technology business development.”

Streetlight Intelligence Inc., a Victoria-based company, developed the smart street lighting technology, deploying a wireless Internet device and central monitoring system to dim street lights when they are not needed. The technology could reduce street light energy consumption by 40 per cent, enabling municipalities to save costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The cleanest source of energy is the energy that isn’t used,” said Vincent Krynski, Streetlight Intelligence CEO. “Streetlight’s technology makes a great deal of sense when you consider the significant efficiencies it can achieve by conserving electricity, saving public utility costs and supporting a greener, cleaner environment.”

The ICE Fund is supporting 19 projects situated in rural and off-grid communities across British Columbia with direct investments of over $22.6 million, covering a range of technological applications, including: ocean tidal and wave, solar, geothermal, wind, biomass, and wastewater. The approved projects represent over $96 million in total value and will create about 750 temporary and full-time jobs in over 25 B.C. communities.

Last year the ICE fund invested $25 million in 11 B.C. communities, through 15 clean energy projects with a total value of about $78 million. For more information on ICE Fund investments, please visit the website at http://www.tted.gov.bc.ca/ICEFund/Pages/default.aspx

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Media contact:	Alec Tully Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development 250 952-0615

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