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Why were Smart Meters installed?
The province of Ontario is committed to creating a Conservation Culture. One of the ways it plans to do this is by installing smart meters on every home and small business in the province by the end of 2010. Smart meters are one way to help meet the energy needs for Ontario.
It's estimated that over the next twenty years, Ontario will need to refurbish, rebuild, replace, or conserve 25,000 megawatts (MW) worth of generating capacity — more than 80% of Ontario's current electricity generating capacity — at an estimated cost of $70 billion. Producing more electricity is only part of the answer. Conservation and demand management will help us make the best use of our existing electricity resources and slow our growth in demand. Smart meters together with time-of-use rates will help encourage us all to think about how and when we use electricity.
Smart meters allow for Time of Use (TOU) rates which vary based on time of day, day of the week and season.
Smart Meters together with Time of Use rates will help smooth peak energy demand. When everyone is using a lot of energy at the same time, this creates a period of peak demand. The price for energy is higher when the demand is higher. Also, energy used at times of peak demand often requires the use of more expensive types of generation which may also have a higher impact on the environment.
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How will time-of-use prices affect my bill?
It all depends on your current consumption patterns and how much electricity you use at different times of the day. Even if you don’t make radical changes in your energy consumption patterns, there are a lot of very simple things you can do to conserve energy at all times of the day.
Note that any reduction in total consumption will also lower other charges on your bill. Your regulatory, debt retirement and most of your delivery charges are also determined by how much electricity you use.
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When will the time-of-use prices take effect?
Time-of-Use prices started June 1st. They will apply to your first bill where all of the electricity is used after June 1st. For example, if your meter is usually read on the 15th of June, Time of Use prices would start on that day.
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Will I have to change my lifestyle because of TOU rates?
Remember, even small changes can have an impact. The biggest changes you may want to make will be to shift the time you run big electricity users such as dishwashers, washers and dryers and air conditioning. Try shifting the times you run these items to mid or off-peak hours.
Even simple decisions such as choosing compact fluorescent bulbs when you need to replace your incandescent bulbs can make a difference.
Remember, every kilowatt counts!
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What if I have a contract with an electricity retailer?
If you purchase your electricity through an electricity retailer, you will still receive a smart meter. You will continue to pay the rate agreed to in the contract, for the duration of the contract. If you are a residential consumer, note that the price you have agreed to pay is likely a fixed rate and does not vary according to the time the electricity is used. You will remain on the contract price, even when time-of-use prices are in effect.
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Are Smart Meters Safe?
Yes. The Smart Meters that Halton Hills Hydro will be installing comply with all required technical and safety standards including those established by Health Canada's Radiation Protection Bureau. These are the same standards that govern home cordless phone systems. (click here)
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Do I need to Activate my Smart Meter?
No. Smart Meters simply replace your existing meter and there is nothing more that you need to do.
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Will someone still read my meter?
When your meter is first installed, a meter reader may continue to visit your house until our smart metering system is fully operational. You may also have a meter reader continue to visit your house to read your water meter. Only your electricity meter is changing to a Smart Meter.
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Will I see a Smart Meter charge on my bill?
The cost of the Smart Meter initiative will be recovered through the electricity rates paid by all customers in the same way that costs for existing meters and services are recovered today.
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Is my usage information secure and will it remain confidential?
Yes. Ontario’s electricity distribution companies are required, by law, to ensure that the SMART METERS and communication networks that are put into place are equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access. We must also comply with federal laws regarding the privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information.
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How do I read my new meter?
There are 4 displays on the meter:
- The first display looks like all “8’s”. This is a test display to ensure the screen is working.
- The next display is the one you want. This display is your meter reading. The letters “kWh” display on the far right of the screen. Subtract the current reading from the previous reading (on your bill, or the last time you read your meter) to find out how much energy you have used between readings.
- The third display shows “-kWh” on the far right. The value on this display should be all zeros. This display is there in case you were generating your own power (e.g. through solar panels or wind) and selling power to us as a net-metered customer. See the Distributed Generation page under ‘Electricity Market Updates’ on our website for more information on net-metering.
- The 4th display is information for office use only. It helps our technicians trouble shoot the communications path your meter is taking to send information to the office.
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