1. Why is Ontario introducing Smart Meters?
Smart meters will help Ontario to meet its future energy needs. 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 more of the less attractive forms of generation must be run to meet it.
2. 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. With the ability to measure when electricity is used, different prices can apply for different times.
3. 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.
4. 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 providing any advanced notice of the meter change. Before replacing the existing meter, our service professionals will knock on you door and wait a minute or so before completing the change. A Smart Meter package will be provided to you, whether or not you answer the knock on your door, which provides detailed information about your new Smart Meter.
5. Do I need to be home to have my meter changed?
No, if your 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.
Yes, if we cannot gain access to the meter for some reason. We will leave a card stating that we were there and how to get in touch with our contractor to make an appointment to change the meter.
6. 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.
7. How do Time-of-Use (TOU) Prices Work?
With TOU pricing, electricity prices vary, based on when 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.
8. 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. 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.
9. Will I see lower electricity bills?
With TOU rates, you’ll see the results of your conservation efforts and you’ll save money if you can shift your heaviest electricity use to off-peak hours.
10. What’s the best way to save money on my electricity bill?
There are two ways to cut the cost of electricity:
- Use less electricity by practicing conservation.
- When TOU rates are introduced by Waterloo North Hydro, shift the time that you use electricity to times when electricity is cheaper at “off-peak” times.
11. 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.
12. Can I still read my own meter?
Yes, the Smart Meter displays your kWh reading in a digital format.
13. 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.
The utility must also comply with federal laws regarding the privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information.
14. Will I still receive a Smart Meter if I have a contract with a Retailer?
Yes, you will receive a Smart Meter, but your rates will be determined by the terms and conditions of the contract you chose to sign with the retailer.
15. Do I have to sign a contract with a Retailer?
No, you can simply stay with Waterloo North Hydro and take advantage of potential savings offered by TOU rates when they are introduced.
It is important to note that Waterloo North 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.
16. Will I pay TOU rates 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.
17. 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
Waterloo North Hydro Inc.
526 Country Squire Road
PO Box 640
Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4A3
Phone: 519-886-5090
Employment Opportunities
General Inquires:
Customersupport@wnhydro.com
Phone: 519-885-6840
Fax: 519-746-0133
Engineering Inquiries:
eclerk@wnhydro.com
Phone: 519-888-5552
ECRA/ESA LICENCE 7004206
Standard Business Hours:
8:30am - 4:30pm (Monday - Friday)
Emergency Hours:
24 hours a day, seven days a week
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