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Home > Regulatory Affairs
Why are you proposing to raise distribution rates?
The Ontario Energy Board has asked all utilities in Ontario to present
their rate submissions this spring. The Ontario Energy Board will review
our submission and decide what the new rate should be.
- Hydro One has applied to increase the distribution rates to ensure
we can continue to deliver your electricity safely and reliably. Here
are some of the places where we're investing in the system: We need
to replace old, worn out parts of our system like power lines and hydro
poles so that we can continue to deliver electricity to you safely and
reliably.
- Ontarians are using more electricity, so we need to upgrade power
lines so that they can carry more power to where it's needed.
- A lot of our system is reaching the end of its functional life span
at the same time. We're now at a point where major investments in the
distribution system are needed to avoid more frequent and lengthy power
outages.
- We're focusing on preventing outages. One way we do this is by ramping
up our maintenance programs like our tree-trimming and clearing program.
We're now clearing more trees more often to prevent them from falling
on power lines.
- We need to expand and upgrade the system because we've connected so
many new customers since 1999.
Where will this distribution rate increase appear on my bill?
If approved, these charges will appear under the Delivery line
item on your bill.
When will I see the distribution rate increase on my bill?
We expect the Ontario Energy Board to decide on the new rates later this
spring. This means any change in your rate will be effective on May 1st,
2006 and it would show up on your first bill issued on or after May 18th,
2006.
Does this increase in my bill include higher electricity prices?
Hydro One has applied only for an increase to deliver your electricity.
The Ontario Energy Board will be announcing its new Regulated Price Plan
prices this spring.
Are Regulated Price Plan prices increasing as well?
It's expected the Ontario Energy Board will announce its new Regulated
Price Plan (RPP) prices in April. This is the Electricity charge
on your bill. We simply pass this cost through to our customers with no
mark up or profit.
In determining the new RPP prices, the Ontario Energy Board will:
- Calculate the difference between what customers have paid for electricity
(5 cents and 5.8 cents) and what has been paid to generators since April
2005.
- Determine a new price forecast of the costs of electricity generation
going forward.
Do you have any suggestions on how I can better manage my electricity
use?
Residential customers:
Many of our customers tell us that they've found our simple, "no
cost" or "low cost" suggestions
on ways to use less electricity helpful and effective.
If you're considering renovations or even small improvement projects,
home energy audits can help you find the most effective ways to use
less electricity. Our Web
site has more information on where you can find energy audit providers.
Hydro One will also be introducing exciting new energy conservation programs
this year and we'll keep you informed about these changes.
Farm customers:
We have partnered with the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Farmers'
Association to produce the Energy
Wise series of videos for Farmers. They address ways to reduce or
manage electricity on dairy, swine, poultry and greenhouse operations.
In addition, energy-saving tips are available for lighting, heating,
ventilation, and for renewables.
Business customers:
An energy audit is a great place to start. Natural Resources Canada's
(NRCan) Office of
Energy Efficiency offers a number of incentive programs for audits
and retrofits for commercial and industrial buildings. NRCan also offers
a Dollars to Cents workshop where you can learn energy-saving tips that
can help you lower operating and production costs.
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