Haldimand County Hydro is on schedule with the provincial government's mandate to implement Smart Meter technology across the province. To date, Smart Meters have been installed in practically every home and business in Haldimand County. This new technology will help customers better manage their electricity use, encourage energy conservation, and assist in reducing climate change.Your Smart Meter is integral to Ontario's new Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing system, and is also an important tool in creating a culture of conservation across the province. Eventually, all hydro customers in Ontario will be equipped with Smart Meters and will transition to Time-of-Use billing.
Quick Links- Smart Meter Deployment & Time-of-Use Roll-Out Schedule
- The Basics
- How It Works
- Managing Your Electricity Costs
- Customer Information Sessions - Learn more about Time-Of-Use pricing effective Sept 2011 - REGISTER TODAY
- Haldimand County Hydro applies for TOU extension for certain RPP consumers
- Links and Resources
1. Smart Meter Deployment & Time-of-Use Roll-Out Schedule
Smart Meter Deployment & Installation
Smart Meters have been installed in practically every home and business in Haldimand County to date.
Time-of-Use Implementation Dates
As we have noted in many of our billing inserts and our website notices, Haldimand County Hydro is scheduled to introduce Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing as of Sept 1st, 2011. The TOU billing will be rolled out in such a manner that there will be no pro-ration of billing from the conventional structure to the TOU structure.
The Smart Meter data system will be tested to ensure accurate meter readings prior to the introduction of Time-of-Use pricing.
Why isn't the entire province switching into Time-of-Use at the same time?
There are several factors that impact the ability to phase in Time-of-Use pricing and each individual utility decides when it will be ready to make the switch.
These factors include; having a sufficient number of Smart Meters installed to offer Time-of-Use rates and having enough time to test the meter reading and data systems to ensure accurate customer billing. During the transition, The Ontario Energy Board ensures fair pricing for customers using either the new Time-of-Use rates or the older two-tiered electricity prices.
2. The Basics
What is a Smart Meter?
A Smart Meter is a measurement device that automatically tracks, records and reports hourly electricity consumption for your home or business.
What is Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing?
Time-of-Use pricing is based on how much and at what time electricity is consumed. A Smart Meter measures hourly electricity consumption and determines pricing according to the time of day, day of the week (weekdays or weekends), and season (winter or summer).
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) establishes Time-of-Use rates based on the Regulated Price Plan (RPP). Time-of-Use prices are subject to change each May and November.
Why is the province switching to Smart Meter technology and Time-of-Use pricing?
The new Smart Meter technology and Time-of-Use pricing model are being introduced to help consumers manage electricity consumption and costs, while at the same time, ensuring Ontario is building a more efficient and environmentally sustainable electricity system. Also, the cost to produce electricity fluctuates throughout the day, based primarily on demand. Charging customers rates according to On-peak, Mid-peak and Off-peak times better reflects the real cost of producing electricity.
As mandated by the Ontario Government, all Ontario Electricity Distributors must install Smart Meters on every home and small business in the province. Over the next 20 years, Ontario will need to refurbish, rebuild, replace, or conserve 25,000 megawatts of electricity generating capacity. This is more than 80% of Ontario's current capacity and will cost an estimated $70 billion. The Government expects that conservation will help us to make the best use of our existing electricity resources and slow the growth in our demand. Ontario is introducing new tools, like Smart Meters, to help conserve electricity and encourage us all to think more about how and when we use electricity. This will allow all of us to better understand and manage our own energy use, whether at home or at work.
Will everyone in Ontario be changed to Time-of-Use rates?
The majority of hydro customers in Ontario will be charged on Time-of-Use rates through their Smart Meter. If you have a contract with an electricity retailer, you will continue to pay the rates outlined in your contract.
I have a contract with an electricity retailer. Will I be charged Time-of-Use pricing?
No. You will continue to pay the rates determined by the contract terms and conditions set by your retailer, as well as the Global Adjustment. If your contract expires and you do not renew with your provider, you will pay Time-of-Use rates.
I don't want a Smart Meter and Time-of-Use rates.
Haldimand County Hydro is mandated by the Province to install a Smart Meter on your property. However, you can avoid paying Time-of-Use rates by signing a contract with an electricity retailer. They will charge you based on the rates and terms set in the contract.
Can I refuse to have my Smart Meter installed and stay on the existing two-tiered plan?
No, the province of Ontario has mandated all hydro companies in the province to switch their customers over to Smart Meter technology and Time-of-Use pricing. There are a few exceptions for designated customers, who will continue to be billed on the Regulated Price Plan, for example, customers who have interval meters. You do have the option of signing a contract with an electricity retailer for set fees.
What happens if I refuse to have a Smart Meter installed at my residence or business?
Should technicians be refused access to your property to make the switch, the last resort will be to disconnect your service from the road.
3. How It Works
What are the current Time-of-Use prices and how are they calculated?
Time-of-Use prices are calculated according to your energy consumption during On-peak, Mid-peak and Off-peak periods. There are also seasonal pricing shifts. Prices are subject to change each May and November.
Click to Enlarge
For current TOU pricing, please go to www.ontarioenergyboard.ca.
Time-of-Use Prices
(cents / kWh)
| Summer
(May 1 – October 31)
| Winter
(November 1 – April 30)
|
On-peak
10.7 ¢
| Weekdays:
11:00am – 5:00pm
| Weekdays:
7:00am – 11:00am &
5:00pm – 7:00pm
|
Mid-peak
8.9 ¢ | Weekdays:
7:00am – 11:00am
& 5:00pm – 7:00pm
| Weekdays:
11:00am – 5:00pm
|
Off-peak
5.9 ¢ | Weekdays:
7:00pm – 7:00am
Weekends & Holidays
All Day
| Weekdays:
7:00pm – 7:00am
Weekends & Holidays
All Day
|
Why do the On-peak and Mid-peak times shift in summer and winter?
In summer, we have more hours of daylight, so the need for lighting is reduced in the mornings and evenings; in winter when days are shorter, we use more lighting in the mornings and late afternoon and more heating during these hours as well. Summer also sees a spike in air conditioning during mid-day hours, so demand is higher.
Which holidays are considered as Off-peak?
Download the 2011 Holiday Schedule.
What are estimated
charges?
Occasionally, there may be intermittent voids in communication
with some Smart Meters. When this happens, an estimated charge will appear on your bill. Prescribed protocols are followed in calculating this estimation (based on previous consumption habits). Technicians
will assess issues on an individual basis and try to resolve the issues.
Meter Data Storage & Personal Information
Where will my Smart Meter data be stored?
The Meter Data Management Repository (MDM/R), an independent central repository in Ontario, receives and stores the hourly electricity consumption data transmitted daily by Ontario's local distribution companies, including Haldimand County Hydro.
Is the information stored secure and confidential?
Yes. According to the law, Ontario's local distribution companies must ensure that Smart Meters and associated communication networks are secure. They must also be in compliance with federal laws regarding privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information. Your data will not be associated with your personal information as it is transmitted to the central data repository. Only numerical information will be transmitted - each meter is associated with a unique ID number assigned by Haldimand County Hydro.
Impact on the Environment and Ontario's Energy System
What is the impact of Smart Meters and Time-of-Use pricing on the environment and Ontario's energy system?
Over the next 20 years, Ontario will replace approximately 80% of its current electricity system in an effort to build a more efficient and environmentally friendly system. As we shift our electricity consumption from peak periods, the less we will need to rely on higher cost electricity generators and other less attractive forms of generation. This is important because some of these higher cost generators and alternatives create more air pollution; relying on them less reduces our environmental footprint. It's also good for our pocketbooks… over time, lower peak demand will also mean that the Province will need to build fewer facilities to serve the peak, lowering costs for everyone.
I heard Smart Meters are bad for my health. What are the risks?
There are no known risks associated with the use of Smart Meter technology.
4. Managing Your Electricity Costs
RESIDENTIAL
Manage your electricity account with eCARe.
Paperless bills, or e-Billing, is now available online through our website! Click here to get started with eCARe to register for your account and if you already have an eCARe account, click here. This feature will allow you to:
- View Your Bills
- Manage Your Account
- Sign up for e-Billing
- Review and compare your electricity usage and more
How will Time-of-Use prices impact my electricity bill?
This will depend on your consumption patterns, meaning how much electricity you use at different times of the day. Any reduction in your total consumption will reduce other charges on your bill, including regulatory charges, debt retirement and delivery charges. The Global Adjustment is factored into Time-of-Use rates and will not
show as a separate line on your bill.
How can I prepare for Time-of-Use pricing?
You can start preparing for Time-of-Use rates by adopting some of these tips to reduce or shift your energy consumption.
- Do some or all of your laundry on weekends or during Mid-peak or Off-peak times.
- Wash in cold water and hang laundry out to dry (weather permitting) if you have an electric hot water heater and an electric dryer.
- Set your dishwasher to run after 7 p.m., or run it on weekends, always run full loads and use the eco-cycle if you have one.
- Unplug battery chargers as soon as devices are fully charged or when the charger is not being used; this prevents the use of "phantom power". Avoid charging batteries during On-peak periods.
- Plug large-screen TVs, DVD players, game consoles and computer equipment into a power bar. Turn the power bar off when not in use.
- Try using timers where possible to operate pool pumps, filters and heaters during Off-peak periods.
- Sign up for eCARe to monitor your consumption.
Do you know how much energy your appliances and devices actually consume?
Learn all about it at 10 Smart Meter Lane. It's also a fun place to educate your family about electricity consumption and conservation.
Be sure to visit saveonenergy.ca to take advantage of current incentives, coupons and programs to reduce your energy consumption, save money and help the environment.
BUSINESS
Manage your electricity account with eCARe.
Paperless bills, or e-Billing, is now available online through our website! Click here to get started with eCARe to register for your account and if you already have an eCARe account, click here. This feature will allow you to:
- View Your Bills
- Manage Your Account
- Sign up for e-Billing
- Review and compare your electricity usage and more
Won't Time-of-Use pricing cost my business more?
Impacts to your electricity bill will depend on your consumption patterns. Time-of-Use rates reflect the real costs to producing electricity, so pushing consumption to Off-peak times where possible will help reduce costs. With your Smart Meter, you will have access to your consumption details, allowing you to better manage your usage and understand the financial impacts as a result. Becoming more energy efficient will reduce your costs and minimize your impact on the environment.
How can I prepare for Time-of-Use pricing?
As a business owner, you're always looking for ways to cut costs. Before you make the switch to Time-of-Use rates, you might want to take a few minutes to look for new ways to take control of your electricity use.
- Don't pay for what you don't use. Turning equipment down or off when it is not needed means you only pay for what you use.
- Make the shift. See if there are ways you can shift energy-intensive activities to Off-peak hours to take advantage of TOU rates. Prices are lowest on weekdays between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and all day on weekends.
- Maintain and update equipment and lighting. You can get more from your energy dollar by properly maintaining your existing equipment and switching to more energy efficient options.
- Track your energy use. Monitoring your energy use from bill to bill will help you best manage your electricity costs.
- Sign up for
eCARe to monitor your consumption.
For an introduction to Time-of-Use rates and how they may affect your business, visit the Time-of-Use Rates at Work online tool for business at www.ieso.ca/smallbiz.
No matter what business you are in, be sure to visit saveonenergy.ca to learn more about incentives and programs designed to reduce your energy consumption, lower your costs and reduce your environmental footprint. Additional resources can be found at ieso.ca.
FARM
Manage your electricity account with eCARe.
Paperless bills, or e-Billing, is now available online through our website! Click here to get started with eCARe to register for your account and if you already have an eCARe account, click here. This feature will allow you to:
- View Your Bills
- Manage Your Account
- Sign up for e-Billing
- Review and compare your electricity usage and more
Won't Time-of-Use pricing cost my agricultural business more?
Impacts to your electricity bill will depend on your consumption patterns. Time-of-Use rates reflect the real costs to producing electricity, so pushing consumption to Off-peak times where possible will help reduce costs. With your Smart Meter, you will have access to your consumption details, allowing you to better manage your usage and understand the financial impacts as a result. Becoming more energy efficient will reduce your costs and minimize your impact on the environment.
How can I prepare for Time-of-Use pricing?
Becoming more energy-efficient makes sense. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your electricity use:
- For ventilation fans – clean fan blades and shutters frequently and routinely to maintain efficiency. Dirt and grime can lower fan efficiency by 20% or more.
- At the beginning of the day turn off all outside safety/security lights. Change to motion sensors and do this automatically!
- For new and replacement equipment, choose an energy-efficient option properly sized to meet the needs of the job.
- Dry grain in smaller batches in the bins. This allows the air and heat to pass through the grain so it will dry more easily and quickly.
- Maintain hot water heaters regularly. A clean hot water heater operates 20% more efficiently than a dirty one!
- Sign up for
eCARe to monitor your consumption.
Be sure to visit saveonenergy.ca to get more information about incentives and programs for farming and the agricultural sector. Learn how to reduce your energy consumption, lower your costs and minimize your environmental footprint. Additional resources can be found at ieso.ca.
5. Links and Resources
To learn more about Smart Meters and Time-of-Use rates, visit these useful websites for current information, tips, on-line tools, coupons and more.
