Introducing a new way to manage your electricity costs and be part of the provinces energy conservation plan.

The price of your electricity use will be calculated using new Time-of-Use (TOU) rates effective June 1, 2011. Smart meters and Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are new energy management tools that will enable you to help smooth “peak demand.”

Click the link below for our informational Time-of-Use video.

Time-of-Use Video

When we’re all using a lot of electricity at the same time, we create “peak demand” periods. Supplying electricity at those peak times has a range of impacts:

It adds to our electricity costs because higher demand leads to higher prices.
It’s hard on the environment because meeting the peaks may require the building of additional electricity generation plants.
It adds to the amount of new generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure Ontario must build; and consumers must pay for.
It puts a strain on our electricity system.

Simple changes to your regular routine can help smooth those peaks and create real supply and environmental benefits.

TOU pricing rewards you for using electricity during low-demand periods whenever possible (green). These TOU rates – off-peak, mid-peak, and on-peak, will vary between summer and winter. As you can see from the seasonal charts below, the lowest rates are at night, on weekends and statutory holidays.

NOTE: If you currently purchase your electricity through a retailer, you will continue to follow the terms and price stated in your contract.

Click Here to download the May 1, 2012 Time-of-Use Price Periods Chart.

Click Here for Time-of-Use 2012 Holiday Pricing.

Your smart meter automatically records your household’s electricity consumption on an hourly basis so you can take advantage of TOU pricing. You can benefit from TOU rates by shifting some of your electricity use to off-peak or mid-peak periods when the rates are lower. Do laundry and dishwashing after 7 p.m. and on weekends to pay the lowest price. Here are some examples of TOU rates for running appliances at different times.

Prices are based on Summer 2011 prices.

Take advantage of TOU rates by shifting some of your electricity use to off-peak or mid-peak times.

Clothes Washing & Drying

Wash in cold water and hang laundry out to dry

Dishwashing

Always run full loads and use the air-dry setting.

Heating & Cooling

Avoid running your air conditioner from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays as much as possible.
Use a portable fan in conjunction with your air conditioner and set the thermostat to 26-28°C (78-82°F).

Around the House

Unplug battery chargers as soon as devices are fully charged or when the charger is not being used. Avoid charging batteries during peak periods.
Plug large-screen TVs, DVD players, game consoles and computer equipment into a power bar. Turn the power bar off when not in use.

Pools and Spas

Use a solar blanket on your pool.

Visit 10 Smart Meter Lane to see the difference that shifting electricity use can make to your bill.

For Time-of-Use rates For Business, click here.

Time-of-Use Rates

Introducing a new way to manage your electricity costs and be part of the provinces energy conservation plan.

Take advantage of TOU rates by shifting some of your electricity use to off-peak or mid-peak times.