Why is Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro and all other electric utilities in Ontario installing Smart Meters for all residential and small business customers in Ontario by the end of 2010?
SMART METERS will help Ontario meet its energy needs, today and in the future. Between now and 2025, Ontario must replace about 80% of its current generating facilities. That is like almost having to build a new electricity system. Building new supply is critical to meet demand. Conservation will help us to make the best of our existing electricity resources and slow the growth in our demand.
Smart meters will also help to smooth out peak demand for electricity. When we’re all using electricity at the same time, we create a “peak demand” period. It adds to our electricity costs because higher demand means higher market prices. It’s also harder on the environment as it means older, less attractive generation must be run to meet it.
What is a Smart Meter?
Our old style meters can only measure the total amount of electricity used over an entire billing period because they have to be read manually at regular intervals. A Smart Meter automatically records when electricity is used hour by hour. It contains an electronic chip that enables us to communicate with it using wireless technology. With the ability to measure when electricity is used, different prices can apply for different times.
Is it mandatory to have a Smart Meter installed?
Smart meters are a critical component of our commitment to create a lasting “conservation culture” in Ontario. The Ontario government has mandated that everyone must have a smart meter installed in their home or small business by the end of 2010.
Customers cannot opt-out of the installation of a smart meter since the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has stated that all customers in the province will have a SMART METER.
Will I be notified in advance that my meter is being changed?
Because the disruption to customers is minimal and there is no immediate change to how customers are billed, we will not be mailing advance notice of the meter change. Before replacing the existing meter, our service professionals from Olameter Inc. will knock on your door and wait a minute or so before completing the change. A Smart Meter package will be provided to you, when the meter change is completed.
Do I need to be home to have my meter changed?
No, you do not need to be home if the meter is located outside and easily accessible. We will need to turn the power off for a brief period (5 minutes or less) while the meter is being changed.
If we cannot gain access to the meter for some reason, a “Sorry We Missed You” door hanger will be left requesting you to call the toll free line to book an appointment to change the meter.
Is there a cost to me for installation of the Smart Meter?
The cost of the government Smart Meter initiative will be recovered through the regulated electricity rates paid by all customers in the same way the costs for existing meters and services are recovered today.
Once you install the Smart Meter, will someone still come to read my meter?
Yes, for now. Ensuring you continue to receive timely and accurate billing is of primary importance. Once all systems are fully operational, we will then be able to rely fully on the SMART METER system to handle everything and discontinue manual meter reading.
How do Time-of-Use (TOU) Prices Work?
Time of Use Pricing (TOU) is just like it sounds. The electricity prices vary, based on what time it is used. That includes time of day, by day of the week (weekdays vs. weekends), and by season (winter or summer). TOU pricing encourages consumers to shift some electricity use to off-peak hours when the cost is lower.
When will I begin paying Time-of-Use rates?
Customers with Smart Meters will be charged time-of-use prices approved by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) as part of the Regulated Price Plan sometime in the future. Based on our plans today, all meters should be installed by the end of 2010. Once all systems have been tested, consumers will begin to be phased on to TOU rates. You will be notified in advance of when you can begin to take advantage of TOU rates – likely sometime in 2011.
Where can I view the Time-of-Use rates?
Customers of Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro will not be billed the Time of Use rates until 2011. Across the province some utilities are billing some of their customers based on Time of Use rates. Visit www.ieso.ca , click on Consumer Information and then the Smart Meter link to view current rates.
Will I see lower electricity bills when the Smart Meter is installed
In 2011 when Time of Use rates are introduced to Cambridge and North Dumfries customers, you will see the results of your conservation efforts and you will save money if you can shift your heaviest electricity use to off-peak hours.
What’s the best way to save money on my electricity bill?
There are two ways to cut the cost of electricity:
- Starting today, use less electricity by practicing conservation. “Reduce your Use” – and -
- In 2011, after Time of Use rates are introduced, shift the time that you use electricity to times when electricity is cheaper during “off-peak” hours.
Will someone still come to read my meter?
Yes, for now. Once all Smart Meter systems are fully operational, we will then discontinue the manual reading process.
Can I still read my own meter?
Yes, the Smart Meter displays your kWh reading in a digital format. It also displays a segment or check read that is a series of 88888888’s flashing, and it displays instantaneous current. The number you want for your meter read is the digital number that is followed by the letters kWh. T
Is my usage information secure and confidential?
Yes, Ontario’s electricity distribution companies are required, by law, to ensure the Smart Meters and communications networks that are put into place are equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access.
As a regulated utility, we must also comply with federal and provincial laws regarding the privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information.
Will you install a Smart Meter if I have a contract with a Retailer?
Yes, a Smart Meter will be installed in every residence and small business. However once the Time of Use rates kick in, whether you can take advantage of those rates depends on your contract with the Retailer. So read the terms of every contract very carefully before you sign.
Do I have to sign a contract with a Retailer?
Absolutely not. Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro is mandated to supply electricity to every customer that is not with a Retailer. Without a Retailer contract you have the advantage of potential savings from Time of Use rates when they are introduced.
Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro does not conduct any door-to-door sales activities. You are not required to sign any documentation for the installation of a Smart Meter.
Will I pay Time-of Use rates if I have a contract with a Retailer?
Maybe or maybe not. Read the contract and if it says that all electricity is billed at a predetermined flat rate, then you won’t be able to take advantage of the time-of-use rate program.
Where can I get more information on the Ontario Government’s Smart Meter initiative?
The Ontario Government has created the “Getting Smart about Smart Meters” website to provide electricity consumers with information about its Smart Meter initiative. The website is located at www.smartmetersontario.ca
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