Quite often our office staff is met with answering the same question from customers,
"My hydro bill is too high, what are you going to do about it?"
Innisfil Hydro staff is very concerned about these inquiries and sensitive to the effect of hydro charges
on a customer's income. The fact is, in most cases, there is very little we can do to have any substantial
effect on your utility bill. We have no control over what takes place in the home. The appliances used
and the way they are operated is the responsibility of the customer. How well the appliances are doing
their job is also a customer concern. Reducing your hydro bills may just be a matter of becoming more
energy conscious.
We can assist the customer in identifying which appliances consume the most electricity and offer advice
on how to use them wisely. We may also be able to identify faults in appliances. Having these problems
corrected is up to the customer or a qualified contractor.
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Electric Metering
We ensure the meters are measuring consumption accurately and read correctly. Hydro meters are inspected and sealed periodically by Industry Canada to ensure accuracy. If they become soiled within the glass casing, damaged or if the gearing slips they may move slower.
Hydro meters are read every month unless we cannot gain access to the meter. If a meter is read incorrectly it will be corrected at the next reading date or upon observation by the customer or staff. The meter does not zero itself after the reading. It continues to compound, so errors will eventually be identified.
Consumption Estimation
Estimating consumption is a method of determining the bills if we cannot gain access to the meters. The estimate is based on past consumption trends, climatic conditions and known appliances within the home (i.e. heating, pool, etc.).
Sometimes estimates can be out of line with the actual consumption. Changes in customer habits can cause the estimates to be lower or higher than actual. We will keep a record of changes in customer habits if notified. When you are going away for an extended period or have purchased a large hydro consuming product it would be wise to inform the office to avoid complications.
A lower than actual estimate will be picked up when the meter is read the following month and may cause the bill to be unusually high. A higher than actual estimate will lower the following billing charges once the meter is read. The majority of our estimates tend to be in line with actual events, although high or low estimates do occur.
The customer can be assured that inaccurate estimates or meter readings will NOT CAUSE THEM TO PAY MORE for their hydro than what has been consumed over a twelve month period. Estimates are an attempt only at determining the consumption and are designed to help customers spread annual charges over twelve smaller payments, as this is better for customers budgeting monthly expenses.
Customer Use
The uses for electricity have been growing tremendously over the past several decades (heating, cooling, entertainment, comfort, lighting, refrigerators, toys, video recorders, computers, etc.). When you look at what your electrical dollar buys, it is still relatively inexpensive for what it offers. Problems can occur within the home that can add to consumption (i.e. appliance faults). If you suspect a problem contact a qualified contractor to have it repaired promptly.