| Smart Meter FAQ |
FAQ: General
- How is the electricity market changing in Ontario?.
- What's happening with residential electricity usage rates?
- Where can I pay my bill?
- How does the Equal Payment Plan work?
- What is the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan?
- Who do I call if I have a service problem, outage or emergency?
- When I call customer service, why am I asked identifying information?
- Why have I been asked to pay a security deposit on my account?
- Why is my bill so much higher than my neighbor’s?
- How often am I billed?
- Understanding My Bill
How is the electricity market changing in Ontario?
On May 1, 2002 Ontario’s competitive electricity market opened. The primary goals were to safeguard the future of electricity supply in the province and to continue to supply energy at a competitive cost.
These changes have enabled consumers to make a choice between continuing to purchase the electricity portion of their bill from the local utility or purchase electricity under a fixed contract with a licensed retailer.
The Ontario Energy Board continues to set fixed commodity prices for low volume consumers. The current electricity pricing plan for low volume customers is a two tier structure, where the prices and the thresholds change periodically.
What's happening with residential electricity usage rates?
As of November 1, 2005, the first 1000 kWh consumed in a month is priced at 5.0 cents per kWh and the consumption above that level is priced at a higher rate of 5.8 cents per kWh. In the spring of 2006, and every six months after that, the prices you pay for your electricity may change as determined by the OEB.
The spring of 2006 will also see the onset of smart meter implementation. Under the pricing plan for smart meters, the price that consumers will pay for electricity will vary based on the period during the day when the electricity is used. For more information on smart meters and smart meter pricing please visit the Ontario Energy Board at http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca.
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At this time, you can make bill payments at our office, by mail, in the after hours drop box, through pre-authorized payment, telephone banking, online banking and at your bank or ATM. Methods of payment accepted include cash, cheque or money order. Debit is also available at the 290 Queen St W location.
How does the Equal Payment Plan work?
Please call 519.323.1710 for more information.
What is the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan?
Wellington North Power Inc. offers the convenience of Pre-Authorized Payment Plan (PAP) to most customers. You will still receive a monthly bill however, when your bill is due, the exact amount will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account. For more information contact our customer service department.
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Who do I call if I have a service problem, outage or emergency?
In all cases you would call Wellington North Power Inc.. WNP is responsible your distribution lines and poles and for delivering power to your home. Help can be reached at 519-323-1710 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When I call customer service, why am I asked identifying information?
Strict new federal privacy legislation ensures that your personal information is protected. When you call you will be asked to identify yourself and specific information regarding your account. If more than one person will be inquiring or doing business on an account a Connection Agreement must be in place that allows for their access. If a signed agreement is not on record, we are unable to release any information.
Why have I been asked to pay a security deposit on my account?
With the restructuring of the hydro industry deposits are now requested from all new customers. Deposits can be waived for customers who can supply a Letter of Credit from another utility. If you are an existing customer and your account remains in good standing you will not be asked to pay a security deposit. If you fail to maintain a good payment history we will require a deposit to continue service.
Interest is paid monthly on deposits. Residential customers who maintain a good payment history for one year will have their deposits credited to their regular hydro account. Commercial customers must maintain five years good payment history and our larger Industrial customers must maintain seven years.
If we still hold a deposit when an account is finalized, the deposit is applied to the final bill and any excess is returned. For complete details of our deposit policy, please consult our conditions of service.
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Why is my bill so much higher than my neighbor’s?
Different households have different patterns of electricity use so no two bills will ever be the same. Take an inventory of the electrical appliances in your home. Have you added or changed an appliance? What are the ages of your major appliances? Do you have an air conditioner, hot tub, pool? Some of the largest consumption culprits include electric heat, electric hot water heaters, fridges, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers. All of these contribute to the amount of energy you consume and can contribute to the variation between your bill and your neighbor’s bill.
Wellington North Power Inc. bills once a month. It is important however, to understand that you are billed for consumption used in the prior month. Watch for your read dates in the Meter Section of your bill.
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You can view a sample bill with detailed information understanding your bill.
Click here to view a sample.