Oakville Hydro Electricity Distribution Inc.
This FAQ document provides more detailed information about TOU Rates.
Does anyone in Oakville have Time-of-Use Rates right now?
Yes. The majority of customers in Oakville have been switched to the Time-of-Use Rates system. Remaining customers will be switched early 2012.
What will be different about my bill with TOU Rates?
With TOU Rates, your bill will show you your electricity use by time period (Peak, Off-peak and Mid-peak) and the cost for that electricity use.
Are there any special rates packages for seniors or others on tight budgets?
Given the pricing requirements set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), we cannot offer any special rates.
But, if you are a low-income Oakville resident, emergency financial assistance may be available to you through the OEB's LEAP Program. For more information, contact Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre at 905-257-6029 or email grainne@opnc.ca.
What are some of the things I can do to help reduce my peak energy use?
Here are 10 ways you can help reduce or shift your electricity use.
What if I want to learn more about how to reduce energy use?
You can also go to another very helpful site called 10 Smart Meter Lane.
Where can I go to see my TOU Rates data online?
To see your TOU Rates data online, you can register and sign up for eCare. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Customer Service at 905-825-9400 and press ‘1’.
Where can I go for more detailed information about Time-of-Use Rates?
You can go to any one of these links.
Who sets the fee schedule and time periods for Time-of-Use Rates?
The OEB sets the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) Time-of-Use Rates twice each year – in May and November.
How does the OEB calculate Time-of-Use prices?
The OEB calculates pricing using an electricity supply cost forecast for the year ahead, and any adjustments required due to differences between what was paid and the actual electricity supply costs for the previous period.
What is the difference between the current pricing model and Time-of-Use Rates?
The current RPP's two-tiered prices are calculated by averaging the more expensive (weekday daytime) with the less expensive (night-time and weekend) prices of electricity.
Time-of-Use Rates better reflect what it costs to produce electricity at different times of the day, week and year.
Will the fee schedule for Time-of-Use Rates ever change?
Each May and November, the fee schedule could change depending on the OEB’s calculations.
Will the hours for Peak, Off-peak and Mid-peak be changing?
Yes. Starting May 1, 2011, you will have an extra 10 Off-peak weekday evening hours each week. With this change, weekday Off-peak hours start at 7 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. Watch for your copy of the OEB’s spring bill insert for more information.
Can someone get access to my Time-of-Use data and know when I’m home or away?
No. We have built special security systems into our database. No one will have access to your personal electricity use information.
Can Oakville Hydro, or anyone else, tell what appliances I’m using with my Time-of-Use or Smart Meter data?
No. We do not collect electricity data such as which appliances you are using.
Smart meters use radio frequency communication. Is this technology safe?
Yes. Oakville Hydro’s Smart Meters use low power radiofrequency (RF) transmitters. These transmitters comply with Health Canada’s RF field guidelines (Safety Code 6).
How do smart meter RF emissions compare to other RF sources?
Our Smart Meter RF transmitters generate very weak RF fields. In most cases, people receive greater RF exposure from stronger sources such as cordless phones, cell phones, wireless routers, and microwave ovens.
Where can I go to find out more about Health Canada’s RF emission guidelines?
To find out more about Health Canada’s guidelines, visit Health Canada.
