46% INCREASE IN HYDRO RATES IN 5 YRS

HYDRO ONE TO LEARN ABOUT SMART(CONTROL FREAK)METERS HOW THEY CONTROL OUR HYDRO ETC.
http://www.hydroone.com/Pages/Default.aspx
SMART METERS HYDRO ONE TIME - PEAK HOURS
http://www.ieso.ca/house/hydroone/
http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/MyAccount/MyMeter/Pages/SmartMeters.aspx
http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/MyAccount/MyMeter/Documents/Smart_Meters_Answer_book_ENG.pdf
http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/MyAccount/MyMeter/Documents/Smart_Meters_Report_on_RFE.pdf

WE DEFINATELY WILL NEED 10% REBATES EVERY MONTH STARTING JAN 2011 ONTARIANS,CANADIANS SINCE OUR HYDRO BILLS WILL BE SKYROCKETING UP 50% IN 5 YEARS.JUST REDICULAS.PEOPLE LIKE ME ON FIXED INCOMES WILL BE BROKE FOR SURE.

The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit

The Ontario government has announced the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit will provide eligible customers a 10 per cent rebate on the total cost of electricity charges related to electricity consumption on their bills including HST, effective with electricity consumed January 1, 2011. This rebate will be in effect for five years until December 31, 2015.

The government estimates Ontarians will be faced with a 46 per cent increase in home electricity costs over the next five years to pay for much needed electricity system upgrades. The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit will help customers manage the rising cost of electricity.

Who is Eligible?

Residential and seasonal customers are eligible for the rebate, as well as farm and small business customers (general service energy-billed with less than 50 kW demand) as long as they do not use more than 250,000 kWh annually. Customers eligible for the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) two-tiered prices and Time-of-Use (TOU) prices are eligible for this rebate, including retailer enrolled customers and customers on spot as long as they would otherwise be RPP eligible.

For more information, go to www.ontario.ca/energyplan or call 1-888-668-4636.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit?
The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit will help residential customers and small businesses manage rising electricity bills as we transition to a cleaner, modern electricity system. The government has announced this benefit will result in a 10 per cent reduction on the total electricity bill, including HST. The benefit will be in effect for five years beginning January 1, 2011.

When will I see the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit on my bill?
Eligible customers will see the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit on their first bill issued after January 19, 2011. Your first bill issued with the rebate will be prorated as the rebate only applies to your electricity use as of January 1, 2011. The pro-ration is based on the number of eligible days in the billing period.

What charges are included in the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit?
The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit applies a 10 per cent rebate to the following charges: Electricity, Delivery, Regulatory Charges, the Debt Retirement Charge, Global Adjustment (if applicable) and HST.

What charges are not included in the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit?
The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit does not apply to late payment charges, security deposits, new account set-up charge, past due charges, and rental charges (e.g. sentinel light rental, pole rental, etc.).

How much will I save with the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit?
The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit is a 10 per cent reduction on your total electricity charges, including HST. An average Residential - Medium Density customer using 1,000 kWh will see a reduction of about $17 a month.

Where will the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit appear on my bill?
It will appear as a separate line item on your bill. The new line item is Ontario Clean Energy Benefit (-10%) and it will appear below the Total of your electricity charges line item. In addition, there will be a New total of your electricity charges line item showing the net charges after applying the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit.

How will you determine the portion of my electricity charges that is consumed starting on January 1, 2011? The consumption for the entire billing period will be pro-rated based on the number of days before and after January 1, 2011.

http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/MyAccount/MyMeter/Documents/Smart_Meters_Answer_book_ENG.pdf

What is a smart meter?
Smart meters look similar to conventional meters but the display is digital and there are no dials. Unlike conventional electricity meters that can only measure the total amount of electricity used over a billing period, smart meters record how much and when electricity is used, typically hourly, and transmit this information automatically. Your smart meter will record your total electricity consumption hour by hour and send that information to Hydro One through a wireless or another form of technology. As the communication network is installed in your community customers will receive bills produced with an automated meter reading. Automated meter reading will roll out across the province starting in 2009 through 2010. You will be notified that you have been migrated to automated meter reading with a message on your first bill.

Why do we need Smart Meters?

Between now and 2025, Ontario must build almost a whole new electricity system. This includes replacing about 80 per cent of our current generating facilities as they retire over time, and expanding the system to meet future growth. Building new supply is vital. So is conservation. That's why the Government of Ontario is introducing new tools like smart meters that will encourage all of us to think more about how and when we use electricity. Smart Meters when teamed with Time-of-Use prices are new energy management tools to help customers manage their electricity use and costs, reduce the need for additional power generation during peak periods and create real supply and environmental benefits.

When will I get my smart meter?
Hydro One has installed more than one million smart meters and is on track to meet the provincial government’s target of having a smart meter in every home and small business by the end of 2010.

Smart Things Your Smart Meter Will Do:
•Measure how much energy you use and when you use it
•Send your meter readings, automatically via wireless technology
•Eliminate the need for you to submit your meter readings (if you do so today)
•Eliminate the inconvenience of providing access to meters located indoors, behind locked gates etc.

Frequently Asked Questions - My Meter
Why do we need smart meters?

It's estimated that over the next twenty years, Ontario will need to refurbish, rebuild, replace, or conserve 25,000 megawatts (MW) worth of generating capacity — more than 80% of Ontario's current electricity generating capacity — at an estimated cost of $70 billion. Producing more electricity is only part of the answer. Conservation and demand management will help us make the best use of our existing electricity resources and slow our growth in demand. There are tremendous opportunities to reduce the supply-demand gap through the wise use of electricity — and smart meters together with Time-of-Use prices will help encourage us all to think about how and when we use electricity.

Why is Hydro One installing smart meters?
Together with all local electricity distribution companies across Ontario, Hydro One is installing smart meters in support of the Government of Ontario’s program to build a culture of energy conservation in Ontario.

What is a smart meter and what does it look like?
A smart meter looks like the meter you have now, except the display is digital and there are no dials. However, a smart meter is much more technologically advanced compared to your current, old-style meter. It can record how much electricity you use and when you use it (typically hourly), and communicates this information automatically via wireless and other technologies. In contrast, conventional electricity meters measure the total amount of electricity consumed over an entire billing period (typically one or two months) and must be read manually.

When will I get my smart meter?
The Ontario government's target is to have smart meters installed in all Ontario homes and small businesses by 2010. Hydro One has over one million meters to install province-wide. You should receive one by the end of 2010. Installers will leave a letter at your door when your meter has been replaced.

Can I volunteer to get a smart meter now?
We are very encouraged by the level of interest and enthusiasm of our customers to adopt the smart meter technology. However, in order to maximize the efficiency of the smart meter deployment across the province, customers will not be able to select when they receive a smart meter.

I don't want to have a smart meter installed. Can I refuse?
No. The Electricity Act (Section 40) and Hydro One’s Conditions of Service permit us to maintain and replace our meter at your premises.

How long will the meter installation take?
The installation generally takes only a few minutes to complete.

What are the hours for installation?
The hours for installation are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Will you be booking appointments for installation?
No, unfortunately we will not be booking appointments, as we do not normally need to enter your home or business to replace the meter. If we need to enter your home or business to install the meter, and if you are not at home, we will contact you in the future when we are back in your community. This makes the process more efficient and helps to minimize costs to all customers.

Is it possible to have an installation after hours or on weekends?
Unfortunately, no, but the installation really is a short procedure that will be done with little or no inconvenience to you.

Do I have to be there for the smart meter installation?
No, you don't have to be there for the installation to proceed and it takes only a few minutes to complete.

Will my power be interrupted during the installation of my smart meter?
Yes. The installation of your smart meter will require a very short power interruption (usually less than a minute). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and you will need to reset digital clocks.

How will I know if my meter's been replaced with a smart meter?
We will leave a card at your door letting you know that we have completed the installation. Also, the meter will look a little different as it has a digital display and no dials.

Will my first bill after the meter replacement look any different?
Yes, it will be a longer bill as it will display two sets of electricity usages — first for the meter that was replaced, and second for the new smart meter. This will appear on the first bill after the installation of your smart meter only; after that your bill will look the same.

How much am I paying for my smart meter now?
All Hydro One customers are currently paying $2.32 per month to recover smart meter-related costs. These costs have been reviewed and approved by the Ontario Energy Board and are a part of the delivery line item of your Hydro One bill.

Will I see a separate smart meter charge on my bill?
No. The cost of smart metering is included in the delivery line item of your bill. Smart metering costs are recovered through electricity rates in the same way as costs are recovered for other equipment that serve our customers including distribution wires, poles and transformers.

How much is the smart meter going to cost in the future?
The Ontario Energy Board has estimated that the incremental monthly cost for a typical residential or small business customer may be between $3 and $4 per month once full implementation is complete in 2010 but this is just an estimate.

Will my electricity bill automatically go down once I have a smart meter?
No. Your smart meter is a tool that measures and records how much electricity you use at different times of the day. When teamed with Time-of-Use prices, it provides you the opportunity to better manage your electricity use (and costs), reduce strain on the electricity system, and help the environment.

How do I know that my smart meter is accurate?
All meters are approved by Measurement Canada and Hydro One regularly tests a sample of meters for accuracy before they are deployed.

What are the cost savings and environmental benefits of smart meters?
When we're all using a lot of electricity at the same time, we create peak demand periods. Supplying electricity at those times has a range of impacts. Higher demand often means higher prices because having generating plants that stand ready to meet peak demand and only operate infrequently is expensive and these plants are usually the less attractive forms of generation that are harder on the environment. By smoothing out the peaks in demand, we can reduce the amount Ontario needs to invest in additional power generating plants, transmission lines, and distribution facilities.

Since my usage data will be sent automatically, will it remain secure and confidential?
Yes, Ontario's electricity distributors are required by law to ensure that smart meters and associated communication networks are equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access. We must also comply with federal laws regarding the privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information. In addition, the only information communicated is your meter number and your electricity usage (the same information that was displayed on the old conventional meter at your premises).

Can Hydro One access my property to change the meter?
Yes, Hydro One may enter a customer's property at any time to replace the meter. This authority is granted under the Electricity Act (section 40) and also in our Conditions of Service (section 1.7.A Hydro One's Distributor Rights - Space and Access).

Can you explain what I am seeing on the display of my new smart meter?
There are 3 types of smart meters currently being deployed (and the names of the meter are on the meter faceplate):

•If you have a Landis + Gyr Focus meter, the display alternates between the display check (which displays 88888) and the kWh consumption reading. There is approximately 5 seconds between the two displays.
•If you have an Itron Sentinel meter, the display stays on the normal kWh consumption display at all times.
•The GE i 210+ meter display will indicate kWh consumption for about 5 seconds and all eights (88888) for about 2 seconds. You might also notice that the LCD display flashes ADI (Automated Distribution Infrastructure).
I now have my smart meter installed but understand that I cannot manage my bill by adjusting my consumption until I am coverted to TOU pricing?
While it's true you are not being billed at TOU prices at the present time, you can start reducing your electricity consumption right now by following some or all of the examples below. A more extensive list is available at www.PowerSaver.ca.
•Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs which use 75% less power and last much longer.
•Always use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and also use the air dry setting.
•Install an energy-saving showerhead which can reduce your hot water use by up to 30%.
•Install faucet aerators on your sink faucets to lower water flow. Aerators mix air into the water flow and reduce water consumption by 25-50% per tap.
•Caulk, weather-strip, and insulate your home. Seal the leaks and cracks in your house, and you'll raise the humidity levels and have a more comfortable indoor environment. You'll be able to turn the furnace down which means a lower heating bill.
I understand that smart meters use radiofrequency communication. Is this safe?
Yes. Hydro One's smart metering system makes use of low power radiofrequency (RF) transmitters to communicate meter readings and weak RF fields in the range of 2.4 GHz are produced during the system's normal operation. These fields comply with Health Canada guidelines by a very wide margin ranging from hundreds to thousands times less than Health Canada limits.

How do smart meter RF emissions compare to other RF sources in my home?
Because of the very weak fields produced by Hydro One's smart metering system, it is likely that RF exposure of most individuals will be predominated by other RF sources in the home such as cordless phones, wireless routers, and microwave ovens.

How can I find out more about Health Canada RF emission guidelines?
To find out more about Health Canada guidelines, visit the Health Canada website, contact them at 613-954-6699, or email ccrpb-pcrpcc@hc-sc.gc.ca.

How can I find out more about RF emissions from Hydro One's smart metering system?
To find out more about RF emissions from Hydro One's smart metering system, download Hydro One's report An Analysis of Radiofrequency Fields Associated with Operation of the Hydro One Smart Meter System (PDF 335 KB).
http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/MyAccount/MyMeter/Documents/Smart_Meters_Report_on_RFE.pdf