Updated Conditions of Service - January 20, 2012

Erie Thames Powerlines has updated our Conditions of Service. In the latest version, you will find new policies on Opening & Closing of Accounts, Use of Load Control Devices, and revised policies on Security Deposits, Collections and Disconnection.

Please click here to view the latest version of the Conditions of Service

The Conditions of Service has been updated to reflect the ammendents in the Distribution System Code. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at 1-877-850-3128.

Time-of-use rates and the Holidays - December 21, 2011

Electricity rates on weekends and statutory holidays are "off-peak" all day. When a holiday falls on a weekend, the next weekday following (that is not a holiday) will be billed at the off-peak rate (6.2¢ per kWh). This year with Christmas and New Years Day falling on Sundays, off-peak rates will extend beyond the weekend. Starting at 7 p.m. on Friday December 23, enjoy off-peak rates straight through until Wednesday December 28 at 7 a.m. Then again on Friday December 30 beginning at 7 p.m., off-peak rates will run until Tuesday January 3 at 7 a.m. Please see the chart below for a list of 2011 and 2012 dates with all-day off-peak prices in honour of the statutory holidays.

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Time-of-Use Rates Will Start September 1, 2011 for Erie Thames Powerlines customers - August 26, 2011

Time-Of-Use (TOU) rates will come into effect for Erie Thames Powerlines' customers starting September 1, 2011. The Ontario government has introduced these rates to help smooth out peak demand for electricity.

Under TOU pricing, the cost of electricity reflects the level of demand in the system. During times of day and days of the year when demand and production costs are the highest, electricity rates will be "on-peak" and when production costs and demand go down - in the evenings and on weekends - so will rates.

For example, weekdays during the summer months (from May 1 to October 31) will be divided into three pricing bands that reflect the levels of demand. "On-peak" prices will be applied for energy use from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, when demand for electricity is typically highest. "Mid-peak" prices will apply during the periods from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The following chart from the Ontario Energy Board and Erie Thames Powerlines illustrates the different TOU pricing periods:

The current price of electricity is:

Prices are subjected to change two times per year. See the Ontario Energy Board's website for the most up-to-date prices.

TOU pricing is made possible through the Smart Meter already installed in homes and small businesses in your neighbourhood. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters track the amount of electricity you use, the time, and day of the week you use it, and send that information electronically to Erie Thames Powerlines.

"Smart metering" (smart meters and TOU pricing) is an important step in the drive to make Ontario's electricity system greener, more modern and more efficient. And you along with Ontarians all across the province can contribute to this effort. Smart metering will help you better understand and manage your own household's energy use. The choices you make will have an impact not only on your electricity bill, but also on the demands put on the electricity system overall, as well as the size of Ontario's carbon footprint.

When we all use power at the same time, it can put a strain on the system. TOU pricing is designed to shift some of the energy demand from "peak" to "off-peak" times. A simple change like running your dishwasher after 7 p.m. or doing laundry on weekends can make a big difference.

In the long run, smart metering is one part of a plan to bring a smart electricity grid to Ontario. Some of the benefits of a smart grid include allowing electricity utilities to quickly identify problems and bring the lights back on when there are outages. For more information on TOU visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at 1-877-850-3128.

Time-of-use Rates starting september 1, 2011 for erie Thames powerlines - August 8, 2011

On September 1, 2011, Erie Thames Powerlines will be moving to Time-Of-Use (TOU) pricing. This means that the price of electricity will reflect the level of demand in the system. During times of the day and year when electricity demand and production costs are the highest, rates will be "on-peak". When demand and production costs go down - in the evenings and on the weekends - so will the rates. Your Smart Meter will record when you use electricity and you will be charged accordingly.

Time-Of-Use pricing along with your Smart Meter, provides you the opportunity to be charged less for consumption by shifting some of your electricity usage away from peak demand times. Running your dishwasher after 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday instead of immediately after dinner represents a shift from mid-peak to off-peak time. This will benefit you and it will help the province smooth out "peak demand" periods, resulting in a more efficient electricity system for all of us.

Remember, off-peak periods occur Monday to Friday between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and all day Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays. A simple shift in some behaviours will help you save money on energy.

For more information on how Smart Meters and Time-Of-Use pricing works, click here.

To learn more ways to conserve energy, click here.

To contact us with any further questions or concerns, please call 1-877-850-3128.