Time-of-Use - Switching to Time-of-Use Rates for Electricity

A smart meter tracks how much electricity your household uses and when it is used - key information you can use to help you better manage your electricity costs. In Ontario, all homes and small businesses will be equipped with smart meters by the end of 2010.

By 2011, consumers in Ontario will have made the switch to Time-of-Use rates, where the price of electricity depends on when it is used.

Now that the majority of Horizon Utilities customers have a smart meter installed, we will begin migrating groups of households over to Time-of-Use rates for the electricity they consume starting in November 2009 and continuing through 2010. All customers will be switched over to this new rate structure by the end of 2010. Other utilities across the province are following this same process.

Customers will receive advance notification

Since we will be migrating customers to Time-of-Use rates in batches, we will send you a letter advising you of your changeover date in advance of the change.

Then, watch for a bill insert to be enclosed with your last hydro bill on the old rates. This bill insert will remind you that all electricity consumed in the future will be charged at Time-of-Use rates.

Please note that this changeover to Time-of-Use rates will happen automatically. There is no need for you to do anything.

Until your household is migrated to Time-of-Use rates, you will not see a change on your electricity bill.

Note: If you currently purchase electricity under a contract with a retailer, you will continue to follow the terms and price stated in your contract.