Fort Simpson (Feb 24/06) - A promise of $150 worth of rebates for energy efficient products proved to be enough temptation for only five people in Fort Simpson.

Sophie Borcoman examines caulking choices during the weatherization workshop offered by Arctic Energy Alliance. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The money is part of the weatherization rebate program, a pilot project being offered by the Arctic Energy Alliance.

The program is being offered in 12 communities including Fort Providence, Trout Lake and Nahanni Butte.

On Feb. 20 Stephen Fancott from the Alliance was in Fort Simpson to present an energy reduction workshop.

The goal is to teach people the easiest things they can do to save energy, said Fancott. One of the things people find most surprising is the amount of leakage in a house. An older home can go through 12 complete air changes in an hour, said Fancott.

How to prevent leaks was one of the key part of his presentation. Fancott showed examples of different products and methods for sealing windows and doors, some of the worst culprits for leaking.

Although changing weather stripping is a summer job, there is lots that can be done inside in the winter, said Fancott. Projects can include placing foam gaskets inside electrical outlets to prevent drafts from seeping through.

Attics are also a real problem for leakage because heat rises, he said. Having a vapour barrier is important and holes around electrical wiring in ceilings can be sealed with caulking.

Caulking alone can help save $200 to $500 a year in energy bills, said Fancott.

Fancott also suggests insulating hot water tanks and pipes, using programmable thermostats and timers for vehicles as ways to save money on energy bills. Altogether, these methods can save about $500 a year, he said.

The supplies needed for those projects are items that are covered under the rebate program.

"I just wanted to see if there are any further tips," said Martina Norwegian, one of the few people who came out to the presentation.

Norwegian has already done many of the things Fancott suggested, from having her pipes insulated to changing to energy efficient lightbulbs.

By just doing small projects, Norwegian said she has noticed a significant change in her power bill.