Concessionaires in the extension currently being added to the new terminal at Ottawa’s MacDonald-Cartier International airport will have their electricity usage closely monitored by a little black box in a move to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Smart metre maker, Triacta, has been chosen to provide its technology that has shown it can cut demand by helping users keep track of their energy consumption and bills with information just not available from electricity suppliers. It’s the first airport terminal application for Tracta’s equipment.

Susan Entwistle, marketing executive with the Almonte, Ontario-based company, said: “The metres are about the size of a clipboard and can be fitted by any qualified electrician.” The value of Triacta’s contract has not been revealed, but Entwistle said that in typical installations each unit pays for itself within 24 months.

Triacta chief executive, Rob Brennan, said: “Installing smart metres provides the airport with the opportunity to identify energy savings, ultimately having a positive impact on our environment. Building consumption falls, on average, by 15 to 25 percent when tenants are directly responsible for paying their own electricity bills and use the smart metres to monitor their energy usage.”

The extension at MacDonald-Cartier is due to open next year adding 7,000m2,12 new gates and seven jetways to the terminal opened in 2003. Following completion, the airport’s old terminal will be demolished.