Is it mandatory that I have a smart meter installed?
Yes. The province has a target that by the year 2010, every home and small business in Ontario will have a smart meter.
My Smart Meter was just installed. What will happen next?
For now, nothing will change. Your new Smart Meter will continue to work just like your current one. There will be no immediate change to how your electricity rates work, or how you will be billed
Is there a cost to customer for the Smart Meter?
The cost of the Smart Meter initiative will be recovered through the electricity rates paid by all customers in the same way the costs for existing meters and services are recovered today.
When will I begin paying time-of-use rates?
The Province’s central data management system required to manage your Smart Meter information is scheduled to be in place by 2010 after which, consumers with Smart Meters will begin to be phased on to time-of-use rates sometime in 2011.
Do I need to sign a contract?
There is absolutely no contract involved. You will not be asked at any time by Burlington Hydro or our approved representatives to sign a contract due to your Smart Meter installation.
Will I see lower electricity bills?
Once time-of-use rates are introduced, you’ll see the results of your conservation efforts and you’ll save money if you can shift your heaviest electricity use to off-peak hours.
Will I know when I am paying TOU rates?
Customers will be notified well in advance of when they can start to take advantage of time-of-use rates.
Where can I view the TOU rates?
Visit www.ieso.ca, click on Consumer Information and then the Smart Meter link
Will someone still come to read my meter?
Yes, meter readers will continue to visit and read your meter to ensure you continue to receive timely and accurate billing. Once all systems are fully operational, Burlington Hydro will then be able to rely fully on the Smart Meter systems to handle everything & discontinue manual meter reading.
How can I read this new Smart Meter?
The Smart Meter displays your meter reading in an easy-to-read, digital format.
Is my usage information secure?
Yes. Ontario’s electricity distribution companies are required, by law, to ensure the Smart Meters and communication networks that are put into place are equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access.
Will I receive a Smart Meter if I am currently with or moving to a Retailer?
Yes, you will receive a Smart Meter.
Will I pay time-of-use rates if I am currently with or moving to a Retailer?
Your rates will be determined by the terms and conditions of the retailer contract you chose to sign
Will I have to change anything to accommodate the installation of the Smart Meter?
If the customer owned meter socket base is accessible and, in proper working order there should be no modifications required to accommodate installation of the Smart Meter.
What will happen to my power during the Smart Meter Installation process?
We’ll need to turn your power off for a brief period (10 minutes or less) while the meter change takes place
Do I need to be home for my Smart Meter to be installed?
No. If your meter is located outside, you don’t need to be at home.
If my meter is located inside my home how will my Smart Meter be installed?
The installer will leave a note stating they were there and they will be in touch to make an appointment to get access to the house.
Where can I get more information on Smart Meters and conservation?
Burlington Hydro has a comprehensive Smart Meter Answer booklet posted on line. Please visit: www.burlingtonhydro.com/smartmeterbook
For the Ministry of Energy resource site please visit: www.smartmetersontario.ca
For Burlington Hydro’s on-line conservation tips please please visit: www.burlingtonhydro.com/conserve
