FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following are answers to frequently asked question about smart meters and time-of-use rates.
Why are Smart Meters being installed?
The Ontario Government has mandated that all customers in Ontario have a Smart Meter installed by the end of 2010.
The government of Ontario recognizes that demand for electricity in the province will soon outstrip supply and it must therefore move to build and install new generation capacity. Government reports indicate that over the next twenty years the province will need to refurbish, rebuild, replace, or conserve 25,000 megawatts (MW) worth of generating capacity. That’s more than 80% of Ontario’s current electricity generating capacity – at an estimated cost of $70 billion. Energy conserved is far cheaper than building new generation while also much friendlier to the environment. The supply-demand gap can be reduced through the wise use of electricity and it is hoped that smart meters together with time-of-use rates will help encourage the wise use of electricity in Ontario.
What is a Smart Meter?
A Smart Meter measures electricity consumed (kWh) over a specific period of time and automatically communicates this information via wireless technologies. In contrast a conventional meter only measures how much energy is consumed over each billing period (typically two months).
The intervals of time could be hourly or blocks of hours to correspond with time-of-use pricing intervals.
A smart meter looks very similar to a standard meter in use except the display is digital and there are no dials. It fits into a standard meter base and no modifications are necessary for most installations.
Who will pay for the cost of smart meters?
The cost of the government Smart Meter initiative will be recovered through the electricity rates paid by all customers in the same way that costs for electricity services are recovered today. In 2006, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) directed all Ontario electricity distributors to collect 30 cents per month from customers to fund start-up costs. These costs will increase over time and the OEB has estimated the incremental cost of $3 to $4 per month for a typical residential consumer once all Ontarians have a smart meter in 2010. There will not be a specific line item or charge for Smart Meters on a hydro bill.
When will billing switch to time-of-use rates?
Initially there will be no change in the way you are billed. The Ontario Energy Board has yet to establish the date when mandatory time-of-use rates will come into effect. We will be sure to keep you up to date in coming months.
Will a Smart Meter save money?
A Smart Meter is unable to conserve electricity but people are. The saving potential will depend on how much you are able to reduce and/or shift your electricity to lower rate periods. What this means is that the price of electricity will vary depending on when you use it. Currently the proposed rates are:
Off-Peak Period: 3.4¢/kWh
Winter and Summer Weekdays: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Winter and Summer Weekends and holidays: 24 hours (all day)Mid-Peak Period: 7.1¢/kWh
Winter weekdays (November 1 to April 30): 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Summer weekdays (May 1 to October 31): 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.On-Peak Period: 9.7¢/kWh
Winter weekdays: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Summer Weekdays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This compares with current pricing of 5.5¢/kWh for the 1st 1,000 kWh and 6.4¢/kWh for the rest during the winter. During the summer the threshold is 600 kWh.
Depending how and when you use electricity you may pay more or less or see very little difference.
With Smart Meters, those who strive to conserve and shift their usage to off-peak, weekends or holidays will benefit the most. Currently those customers see no price advantage no matter what time of the day they use power.
Can I refuse to have a Smart Meter installed?
No. The Ontario government has mandated everyone in the province to have a smart meter by 2010.
Can I volunteer to go on a Smart Meter priority list?
To optimize efficiency of the project, meters are being installed based on a strategically planned schedule taking into account multiple technical criteria mostly geared to reducing implementation costs and inconvenience to customers. Customers will therefore not be able to select when they receive a smart meter.
Will there be a change in meter reading frequency?
When time-of-use billing begins, smart meters will eliminate physical meter readings altogether as hourly usage information will be sent automatically by wireless technology, however customer will continue to be billed on a bi-monthly basis.
Will power be interrupted during the installation of my smart meter?
Yes, unfortunately a very short power interruption is unavoidable (usually a few minutes) in order to install the meter. It will require that you reset electronic devices with timers or digital clocks.
How long will the installation take?
In most cases, the installation will take no more than 5 – 10 minutes.
How will I know if my meter has been replaced with a smart meter?
We will leave a notice letting you know that we have completed the installation.
Waterloo North Hydro Inc.
300 Northfield Drive East
PO Box 640
Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4A3
Phone: 519-886-5090
Employment Opportunities
Phone: 519-888-5543
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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