The University of Guelph’s 30-metre-high water tower has translated into big savings — and recognition. The thermal energy storage facility, which cools 22 million litres of water each night to be used for power during peak daytime hours, was featured on CTV News. The U of G system has been credited with saving seven megawatts of power this summer, worth $2.5 million off of the University’s hydro bill. Massive insulated tanks in the facility cool the water during off hours and provide air conditioning for the campus when electricity is at its most costly. U of G president Franco Vaccarino said the power of the technology lies in its simplicity. Ontario’s Minister of Energy Glenn Thibeault said the seven megawatts saved during peak hours effectively saves the province billions of dollars of expenses otherwise incurred to build new generating facilities.