Smart Meters – Time of Use (TOU) in Ontario

NOTE: Remember the lowest price is in the green! If you sign-up for a fixed rate electricity with an energy broker / energy retailer, you are not subject to the Smart Meters and Time-Of-Use Billing. With a fixed rate contract you will be charge the same electricity rate no matter the time or day.

Smart Meters – Time-Of-Use (TOU)

Update: May 1, 2011

Time of Use (TOU) rates are established by the Ontario Energy Board, reviewed and adjusted if necessary every 6 months.

For the most recent current hydro/electricity prices in Ontario, visit Ontatio Energy Board website.

Why Smart Meters?

Between now and 2025, Ontario will need to build almost a brand new electricity system. The new system includes replacing about 80 per cent of the current electricity generating facilities since many will eventually retire over time, as well as expanding the new electricity system that meet the province future electricity demand.

Building a new electricity system in Ontario is vital and so is conservation. Conservation will help Ontarians to make the best use of the current existing electricity resources and slow the growth of demand. This is why Ontario is introducing the Smart Meters – that can help. Smart Meters will encourage Ontarians to think more about how and when to use electricity.

How Are Smart Meters Different?

The Smart Meter system is a big advance over Ontario’s current electricity system. The current and old-style meters can only measure the total amount of electricity used over an entire billing period because they have to be read manually at the end of eacy billing period.

The Smart Meter system is automatically and electronically recorded when electricity is in use. This makes the Smart Meter very different from the current meter. The Smart Meter will record all of the electricity usage hour by hour and it will automatically send that information to your local utility through either a wireless or another form of technology.

This is why the Smart Meters make time-of-use (TOU) prices possible because the ability to measure exactly when electricity is used, different prices can apply at different times of the day. With time-of-use pricing, you will have a new way to managing your electricity usage and your energy bills.

Since the Smart Meters record your electricity usage digitally, you may be able to view your past and current electricity usage through your utility provider’s website. Contact your local utility for more info.

Customer Benefits

What Are the Benefits of Smart Metering for electricity customers?
Here are just some of the benefits you’ll see as soon as your Smart Meter is fully operational and time-of-use (TOU) pricing is in place:

1. You’ll be able to take action to manage your electricity bills.
   With attention to how and when you use electricity, you’ll be able to contain or reduce your costs.
2. You’ll get real feedback about your electricity use.
   Your electricity bill will show how much you consumed within each TOU period – and, more detailed on line information is available to you at your local ultility website.
3. You’ll get more precise electricity bills.
   The bills you receive will be based on the hourly readings taken and sent by your Smart Meter.

Time-of-Use Rates Holiday Schedule (Off-Peak days)

*When a holiday falls on a weekend, the next weekday following (that is not also a holiday) will be billed at the off-peak rate.

More info on your Smart Meters and Time-Of-Use (TOU) electricity cost. Visit the Ontario Energy Board’s website.