out to dry

Toronto Hydro is giving 75,000 homeowners a “low-tech,” energy-saving device — a free clothesline.

“This is the first time we’re doing the campaign with a clothesline,” Toronto Hydro spokeswoman Denise Attallah said.

The 40-foot long indoor/outdoor retractable clothesline — retail value about $13 — will be given away over three weekends, starting on Saturday, April 26, and ending on Sunday, May 11. At each participating Wal-Mart, Zellers, Costco and Home Depot store, clotheslines will be handed out to the first 500 residents between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

To get one, recipients will require proof of Toronto residence.

The Take a Load Off Toronto campaign is one of Toronto Hydro’s several conservation and demand management programs to cut the city’s peak demand by 5% or 250 MW. But Ms. Attallah said that target has already been exceeded, achieving savings of more than 300 MW.

According to Ms. Attallah, using a clothesline for 25% of household drying needs can result in a savings of $30, or 225 kilowatts each year. For 75,000 clotheslines, that means enough electricity to supply power to 1,908 homes for a year.

There are also other benefits, Toronto Hydro says. “It saves clothing from shrinkage,” she said, adding “when you hang them to dry, they have a very fresh smell.”