Time of use pricing

Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are an important step to making Ontario’s electricity system greener and more efficient. Erie Thames Powerlines will begin using TOU pricing on September 1, 2011.

TOU rates will tie electricity prices to the level of demand on the system. When demand and the cost of producing electricity is highest, an “on-peak” rate will apply. At times when demand and production costs are lower, rates will also be lower.

The smart meter that will has replaced your traditional electricity meter, tracks the amount of electricity you use, as well as the time of day and the day of the week that you use it. Under TOU rates, Erie Thames Powerlines will use the information received from your smart meter to calculate your bill based on when you use electricity.

By managing when your household uses electricity, you will become an active participant in shaping the future of Ontario’s energy system.

What will Time-of-Use rates look like?

Summer Rates (May 1 to October 31) In the summer, on-peak prices apply during the middle of the weekday (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), reflecting the increase in the air conditioning use.	Winter Rates (November 1 to April 30) In the winter, on-peak prices apply in the morning (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and evening (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), when demand ramps up as residential electricity use increases.	Weekends and Holidays (All year) All hours of the day are off-peak.

For detailed information on current TOU pricing visit the Ontario Energy Board.

For some more information from the energy board, check out their May 2011 Newsletter or their Consumer Information Brochure.

To learn more about Smart meters and TOU rates, visit Smart Meters Ontario,

In August 2011, you will have received information from Erie Thames Powerilnes regarding the TOU pricing. The information can be found below.

• Letter from Erie Thames Powerlines
• Bill Insert

In September 2011, Erie Thames Powerlines' bills include one of the following brochures:

• Introduction to Time of Use Pricing - Residential
• Introduction to Time of Use Pricing - Small Business

In November 2011, one of the following brochures will accompany your new Time-of-Use bill:

• Managing Your Electricity Costs - Residential
• Managing Your Electricity Costs - Small Business
  

Erie Thames Powerlines and the IESO have launched two new tools designed to help home owners and small businessess better understand Time-of-Use rates.  Small business customers click the "Time-of-Use Rates at Work" icon to access the small business online tool.  Residential customers click the "Visit 10 Smart Meter Lane" to learn how shifting electricity makes sense.