Smart Metering/Time-of-Use

Smart meters have now replaced the old electricity meters to better manage electricity usage and to create a culture of conservation in Ontario. The new smart meter will read the amount of electricity used and the time of day/day of the week it's being used. This information is sent to Erie Thames Powerlines and will ensure that meter reads are accurate.

Time-Of-Use (TOU) pricing will begin for Erie Thames Powerlines' customers on September 1, 2011. This means that customers will be billed according to the time of day/day of the week they use electricity. This allows customers the opportunity to be charged less for consumption by shifting some electricity usage away from peak demand times. Running your dishwasher after 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday instead of immediately after dinner represents a shift from mid-peak to off-peak time. This will benefit you and it will help the province smooth out "peak demand" periods, resulting in a more efficient electricity system for all of us.

The graphic below outlines when off-peak, mid-peak, and on-peak times occur. The price of electricity is greatest during "on-peak" times and least during "off-peak" times. Remember, off-peak periods occur Monday to Friday between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and all day Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays. A simple shift in some behaviours will help you save money on energy.

For more information on Time-Of-Use pricing, call 1-877-850-3128 or click here.