Starting from Jan 2011, Energy Consumer Protection Act requires Just Energy and other alternative gas and electricity suppliers in Ontario to do the following when it's time to renew your contract.

1. Receive a Renewal Package

Your current supplier is legally obligated to send you a renewal package between 60 and 120 days before the end of your contract term. The package will include new contract options and an explanation of the process for notifying your current supplier if you’re not renewing.

2. Saying nothing means, "yes"

Let’s say you don’t want to renew. If you don’t tell your current supplier (preferably in writing – with registered mail) they have the right to automatically renew your contract for one year and will do so. Usually at a new rate and it is pretty high rate, too.

3. Only you can cancel your contract

You’re the only person who can cancel your current supply contract. If you sign up with a new supplier they cannot, and will not, make arrangements on your behalf. Click here to view a Renewal Cancellation Template

4. Beware of gimmicks

Some alternative gas and electricity suppliers will send you a cheque that, when cashed, automatically binds you into a new contract. Be careful. Before you cash any cheques make sure you understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.

5. When you cancel, your account moves to your utility

When you tell your current supplier that you don’t want to renew, they’ll process your cancellation. Regardless of what anyone might say, you will not be left out in the cold. At the end of the contract your account will revert to your utility and you’ll pay their variable market rate unless you sign up with another supplier, or until your contract with a new supplier starts.

6. You can still cancel even if automatically renewed

Suppose you accidentally throw out the renewal package, or forget to formally cancel your contract. In that case, you will be automatically renewed. How can you tell if this has happened? Check the first utility bill that has consumption for the month following the end date of your contract. If your rate is different from the current variable market rate of the utility you will know that you have been auto-renewed. Don’t worry all is not lost. If your renewal date is January 1, 2011 or later, Ontario Regulation 389/10 made under the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010, permits you to cancel the automatic renewal for free at any time. The Regulation also prevents suppliers from automatically renewing you for a second year.