Line drying of clothes saves 5-10 percent of the average electric bill in the U.S. However, it has been said that over 60 percent of homeowners are limited by restrictive covenants that forbid outdoor drying of clothes.

A new law in one Canadian province will overrule covenants forbidding clotheslines. We should do this here!

http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/415836

Ontario set to veto ban on clotheslines
Apr 18, 2008 04:30 AM
Robert Benzie
Peter Gorrie
Staff Reporters

Ontarians will soon be able to air their linen in public.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is to announce today that clotheslines can no longer be banned in subdivisions or almost anywhere else in the province.

In a bid to curb the use of energy-sucking dryers, the new regulation will overrule neighbourhood covenants - part of the mortgage agreement between many developers and homebuyers - that outlaw clotheslines because they're considered unsightly.

The regulation, to take effect today, will not only prohibit new bans but also wipe out most that already exist, a provision that angered the province's building industry.

It will apply to free-standing and semi-detached homes and most row houses.

Highrise condos and apartments won't be affected for now. The province wants more consultation about them to deal with safety and other concerns.

"The premier wanted to move quickly on this because it's a simple way to help families save money and help to save the environment," said a government official. "We're always looking for opportunities to help people find ways to conserve energy and fight climate change."

The announcement will come as Toronto Hydro launches a giveaway of 75,000 clotheslines through four retail chains.

Each Saturday and Sunday from April 26 to May 11, retractable lines for indoor or outdoor use, worth $13 to $15 each, will be handed to the first 500 shoppers at some Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Costco and Zellers locations. Details can be found at torontohydro.com.

Dryers account for 5 to 6 per cent of Ontario's household electricity demand. An average machine consumes about 900 kilowatt-hours of energy each year and results in the discharge of up to 840 kilograms of air pollution and greenhouse gases. Each dryer adds about $90 a year to a household's electricity bill.

The new regulation comes under the province's Energy Conservation Leadership Act, which empowers the government to remove barriers to conservation, including covenants and municipal bylaws.

McGuinty's move, following a 60-day consultation period, was urged by many elected municipal officials and environment groups.

More on http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/415836.