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New Estimating Process for Seasonal Customers

We have improved the way we estimate your bill. In the past, we assumed your usage was fairly evenly consumed over the year. However, since most seasonal customers have higher usage in the summer, we have updated our estimating logic to reflect the seasonal variation in electricity usage.

The table below displays the seasonal percentage factors now used to estimate bills. Our billing system now assumes the highest usage occurs in July and August.

Seasonal Percentage values

Another improvement to our estimating process is we will no longer use a zero estimate. If our billing system is unable to generate an estimate, we will assume a nominal estimate of 300 kWh per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an estimated reading?
As a seasonal customer you are billed quarterly and your meter is read annually. In months where a bill is issued but no reading is obtained, Hydro One will estimate your electricity usage. An estimated reading takes into account past electricity use as well as adjustments relating to the season.

Any difference between an estimated reading and the actual consumption for that billing period is resolved automatically when the next actual reading is taken. Customers who have overpaid for electricity at the higher tier price as a result of our estimating logic will receive an Estimated Bill Adjustment credit on their bill.

What can I do to prevent an estimated bill?
To avoid estimated bills, you can provide your meter reading to us either by phone or online. You'll need to know when to provide your meter reading as it has to be within our billing window to be used to calculate your bill.

By phone:
Click here for a copy of our meter reading schedule. You will need to have a current bill handy to determine your Bill Group. You'll have a four-day window when you can provide your meter reading. Simply call 1-888-664-9376 to submit your meter reading, anytime day or night. Just remember you meter reading must be received before 5:30 pm on the last day of the billing window in order for it to be used for billing purposes.

Online:
Step 1: Find your bill group and schedule (You'll need to have a current bill handy to determine your Bill Group)
Step 2: Locate and read your meter
Step 3: Enter your readings
Note: Hydro One will validate your meter reading before it will be used.

How do I read my meter?
Read our detailed instructions on How to Read Your Meter.

How has the estimating process changed?
We have improved the way we estimate your bill. In the past, we assumed your usage was fairly evenly consumed over the year. However, since most seasonal customers have higher usage in the summer, we have updated our estimating logic to reflect the seasonal variation in electricity usage.

Another improvement to our estimating process is we will no longer use a zero estimate. If our billing system is unable to generate an estimate, we will assume a nominal estimate of 300 kWh per month.

How will my estimated electricity usage change?
You should notice your estimated bills with usage for July, August, October and to a lesser extent January will be somewhat higher than usual. Whereas your estimated bills with usage for the other months of the year will be somewhat lower than usual. The example below shows how the estimated usage would change for a customer using 1,000 kWh per month (12,000 kWh/year).

Month	Old Estimate	New Estimate
Jan	960 kWh	984 kWh
Feb	960 kWh	924 kWh
March	1,080 kWh	948 kWh
April	960 kWh	924 kWh
May	960 kWh	948 kWh
June	1,080 kWh	1,020 kWh
July	960 kWh	1,176 kWh
Aug	960 kWh	1,176 kWh
Sept	1,080 kWh	936 kWh
Oct	960 kWh	1,056 kWh
Nov	960 kWh	912 kWh
Dec	1,080 kWh	972 kWh

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