When it comes to waste management, the electric utility industry’s main concern has been the management of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs were historically used as chemical stabilizers in insulating oils for electrical equipment. By the late 1970s, it was determined that PCBs are very slow to degrade after they enter the environment. They also pose a health risk to humans through exposure or ingestion. Although certain products made before 1977 that are still in use contain PCBs, the electric utility industry in Canada and the U.S. has made significant strides in PCB waste management and minimization. Since 2000, our PCB Management Program has successfully reduced the amount of equipment containing PCBs.
For other materials, we actively develop programs to find new ways to reduce, reuse or recycle in order to minimize the amount of materials consumed and sent to landfill. For example, damaged transformers are often taken back to the shop to be refurbished for reuse. Also, when transformers are taken out of service, the oil is removed and either recycled or sent to be processed into other products. 
Programs are in place at ENMAX facilities to support the recycling of paper, cardboard, batteries, bottles and cans. Profits from the beverage container recycling go to ENMAX-preferred charities in Alberta. Bins are also provided for field crews to recycle scrap metals, wire, and other waste materials generated in the field. When cables, transformers and other equipment are taken out of service, parts such as copper wire, aluminum, glass and porcelain are sent off for recycling and reuse.
a. Materials Used
Other than office materials and electrical equipment including transformers, mineral oil, cables, and power poles, ENMAX Power Corporation requires little input of raw materials to operate as an energy distributor and has implemented processes to minimize the amount of these materials consumed. For example, in 2007 we purchased a mobile oil processor that treats and decontaminates oil on site, greatly reducing the amount of new oil purchased. In 2007, we recycled or reprocessed 165,443 litres of oil while purchasing 24,944 litres of new oil in 2007.
In our office locations, a significant amount of paper is consumed for documents, maps, and other information purposes, and we have instituted programs to reduce the amount of paper consumed, including default double-sided printing on office printers.
Eliminating high and low level PCBs
In 2000, ENMAX Power Corporation implemented a PCB Management Program, which has targeted the virtual elimination of 
regulated levels of PCBs from our electrical system. In 2002, we engaged a third party electrical contractor to test all transformers suspected of containing PCBs, which involved drilling into and collecting samples from transformers installed within the City of Calgary. Over 20,000 transformers were inspected in the field and approximately 18,000 transformers were tested for mineral oil containing PCBs. Since 2007, we’ve successfully removed all but four transformers containing low level PCBs. Additionally, we have an active testing program to identify and remove PCB-contaminated paper-insulated lead-shielded cable.
When taken out of service, PCB contaminated mineral oil is de-chlorinated and reused in electrical equipment. Waste solids and liquids that cannot be decontaminated for reuse or recycling are incinerated, and the PCBs are destroyed. When removed from service, PCB-contaminated transformers and lead-shield cables are de-contaminated and processed. Non-recoverable solids generated are sent to the Swan Hills hazardous waste treatment facility for destruction, and all other metals are sent to metal recyclers for smelting and reuse in new products.
Initiatives to mitigate impacts of products and services and extent of impact mitigation
Throughout 2007, ENMAX Corporation continued to advance electricity production via more efficient and less environmentally harmful ways. We're introducing plans to bolster our generation portfolio with gas-fired technologies. We continued to evaluate best-available energy technologies to deliver cost-effective and environmental benefits. For example, “smart meters” were assessed for enabling the customer to determine the most cost-effective times to consume energy and 
to adjust their consumption choices. We are also evaluating onsite generation technologies to help consumers produce energy in their homes and reduce the need for large-scale power generation. Some of the technologies being evaluated include small-scale wind turbines and the WhisperGen™ micro heat & power system powered by natural gas, to generate heat and electricity. These alone could lower energy costs by producing 33% to 100% of the energy required to power a typical household.
We also provide customers with energy conservation tips and advice on our website, with the proviso, " Energy conservation is not doing without; it’s about doing things better.”
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