Conservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydro: Smart Meters (16)
- Why do we need smart meters?
- Why is COLLUS Power installing smart meters?
- What is a smart meter and what does it look like?
- I don't want to have a smart meter installed. Can I refuse?
- How much am I paying for my smart meter now?
- Will I see a separate smart meter charge on my bill?
- Will my electricity bill automatically go down once I have a smart meter?
- How do I know that my smart meter is accurate?
- What are the cost savings and environmental benefits of smart meters?
- Since my usage data will be sent automatically, will it remain secure and confidential?
- Can COLLUS Power access my property to change the meter?
- Can you explain what I am seeing on the display of my new smart meter?
- I now have my smart meter installed but understand that I cannot manage my bill by adjusting my consumption until I am converted
- I understand that smart meters use radiofrequency communication. Is this safe?
- How do smart meter RF emissions compare to other RF sources in my home?
- How can I obtain more technical information on Smart Meters and RF frequencies?
Hydro: Time of Use Rates (23)
- What are Time-of-Use (TOU) prices?
- Why are customers being switched to Time-of-Use prices?
- Why does "peak demand" matter so much?
- What is the difference between today's electricity prices (Regulated Price Plan Two-Tiered Prices) and Regulated Price Plan (RPP
- Why is it so much more expensive to use electricity during weekdays?
- What are the "holidays" that are included for off-peak pricing?
- How are Time-of-Use prices calculated?
- When will Time-of-Use pricing come into effect for me?
- I understand that I will be able to view my electricity usage over the Internet. When can I set up my account?
- I don't have access to the Internet to view my electricity use online? What other options are available to me to learn about my
- What are my best strategies to manage my electricity costs under Time-of-Use pricing?
- What other tips could you provide to manage my costs, reduce strain on the electricity system, and help the environment with Tim
- Where can I learn more about what it costs to operate different appliances under Time-of-Use prices?
- If everyone shifts their electricity usage, won't it just create a peak period at another time?
- Where will all the meter data be stored?
- Is my personal information secure?
- Won't I pay more for my electricity under Regulated Price Plan (RPP) Time-of-Use prices relative to today's RPP Two-Tiered price
- I am a senior/on a fixed income and I can't shift my usage. How can you help me?
- I operate a business. Won't these prices cost me more?
- If I have a contract with an electricity retailer, will I be switched to Time-of-Use prices?
- I rely on electric heat and air conditioning and I believe that Time-of-Use prices will increase my bill significantly – what ca
- What other service changes are being made by COLLUS when I am switched to Time-of-Use prices?
- Why can I no longer send in my meter readings when I am switched to Time-of-Use pricing?
Hydro: Regulated (Energy) Price Plan (21)
The OntarioEnergy Board released the information on the new Regulated Price Plan. The following Questions and Answers were provided by the OEB to help consumers better understand this new format of Energy Pricing.
- What is the Regulated Price Plan?
- Why is the OEB introducing a new electricity price plan?
- How does the price plan differ from the pricing system in place before April 1, 2005?
- How has the Ontario Energy Board determined the prices for the new price plan?
- What are the prices?
- When will the price plan take effect and how long will it be in place?
- How does the new price plan provide stability in prices consumers pay?
- Who is eligible for the price plan?
- Am I eligible for the price plan if already have a contract with an electricity Retailer?
- Are there other changes in my electricity bill besides the new pricing plan?
- Why are the prices under the plan for residential consumers different than prices the Government announced in February 2005?
- Do large commercial or industrial consumers pay more or less for electricity than eligible price plan consumers?
- Where will I see these prices on my bill?
- What is the purpose of seasonal threshold changes for residential consumers with conventional meters?
- Doesn't the seasonal approach to pricing fail to recognize people with special needs?
- What is the price plan for consumers with smart meters?
- When will I go on the smart meter price plan?
- Why do prices look so different for customers who have smart meters than for those with conventional meters?
- What is the benefit of having smart meter pricing?
- Won't the increased demand in the off-peak period turn it into a peak period?
- My rent/condo fees include electricity. How does the price plan apply to me?
Hydro: Billing and Rates (3)
Hydro: Electricity Deregulation (10)
- Why did the government deregulate the electricity industry?
- How do these changes to the electricity market affect me?
- What components of my bill are covered under a Retailer contract?
- When can I choose a Retailer?
- Does competition mean that each company will put up power lines?
- Will I need a new meter if I change suppliers?
- Who fixes power lines if they fail due to weather or accidents?
- Who do I call if I have a service problem, outage or emergency?
- Who will handle any complaints I may have?
- Can someone speak to our company or group about these issues?
Hydro: Electricity Retailers (14)
- What is electricity retailing all about?
- What do electricity retailers do?
- What happens if I don't want to switch suppliers?
- Is the rate charged by an electricity retailer regulated?
- Do I have to sign a contract?
- Do I receive a copy of the contract?
- Can my account be enrolled without my knowledge or approval?
- Can I cancel a contract with a supplier once I have signed it?
- What do I need to know before I sign a contract with a retailer?
- What questions should I ask before I sign a contract?
- What happens if my electricity retailer goes out of business?
- Is a fixed Retailer price a good thing?
- How can I tell if retailers' prices are reasonable?
- What do I do if I am having problems with my electricity retailer?