FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SMART METERS
Why is PowerStream installing Smart Meters? Do I have to pay for my Smart Meter? Will I receive a Smart Meter if I am currently with, or moving to, a retailer?  Will I pay Time-Of-Use rates? Is my usage information secure and will it remain confidential? When will I receive my Smart Meter? Can I volunteer to get my Smart Meter installed now? What are Time-Of-Use (TOU) rates? Will a Smart Meter save me money? Can I opt-out of the Smart Meter Program? Will my electricity be shut off for Smart Meter installation, and if so, for how long? Do I need to be home for Smart Meter installation? I live in an apartment/condominium.  Will I be receiving a Smart Meter? Where can I get more information on the Ontario Government’s Smart Meter initiative?

Why is PowerStream installing Smart Meters?

The provincial government has mandated the installation of Smart Meters for all residential and small business customers in Ontario.  Conventional meters currently in use measure only the total electricity consumed per month.  A Smart Meter records the time of day electricity is used and allows customers to save money when they use electricity in the lower rate off peak hours.

Do I have to pay for my Smart Meter?

The cost of the Smart Meter initiative will be recovered through the regulated electricity distribution rates paid by all customers in the same way that costs for existing meters and services are recovered today. There will not be an additional line item charge on your bill.

Will I receive a Smart Meter if I am currently with, or moving to, a retailer?  Will I pay Time-Of-Use rates?

Yes, customers in this situation will receive a Smart Meter. Their rates will be determined by the terms and conditions of the contract signed by customers.

Is my usage information secure and will it remain confidential?

Yes. PowerStream is required, by law, to ensure that the Smart Meters and communication networks in place are equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access. PowerStream must comply with federal laws regarding the privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information. Any data sent to the central data repository will be provided in such a way as to prevent identification of an individual customer.

When will I receive my Smart Meter?

To help meet the government’s targets, PowerStream by the end of September 2011 had installed more than 314,000 Smart Meters in its service territory and completed the migration of the majority of residential customers to TOU rates. Small business customers in PowerStream's service territory are being switched to TOU rates starting in October 2011. Notification of each Smart Meter installation was made a few weeks in advance on the scheduled installation.

Can I volunteer to get my Smart Meter installed now?

No. PowerStream has developed an installation schedule for all customers based on several factors mostly geared to reduce implementation costs and customer inconvenience.

What are Time-Of-Use (TOU) rates?

Time-Of-Use (TOU) rates are the fixed electricity pricing rates for customers with Smart Meters.

Until a customer is migrated to TOU rates, they will see no change in their electricity bill even if they have a Smart Meter installed. PowerStream will be notifying each customer in advance of being migrated to TOU rates.

For more information read Introducing Time-Of-Use Rates - A Quick Guide.

Click here for current TOU pricing.

Will a Smart Meter save me money?

Not necessarily. The Smart Meter is a tool to measure how much and when electricity is consumed during the day. When combined with Time-Of-Use rates and energy conservation, the Smart Meter gives customers the opportunity to shift electricity use to lower cost off peak hours.

Can I opt-out of the Smart Meter Program?

No. The Ontario Government has mandated that every residential and small business customer in the province must have a Smart Meter.

Will my electricity be shut off for Smart Meter installation, and if so, for how long?

To ensure the safety of PowerStream employees, the installation of a Smart Meter normally requires that power be shut off for approximately 15 minutes. PowerStream apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and reminds all customers to reset any electronic devices and clocks. 

Do I need to be home for Smart Meter installation?

Smart Meters will be installed in the same location as existing meters. Customers do not need to be present for the installation of a Smart Meter on the exterior of a home or building. Where existing meters are located on the inside of a home or building PowerStream will make arrangements for installation.

I live in an apartment/condominium.  Will I be receiving a Smart Meter?

Multi-unit residential and commercial buildings that are currently bulk-metered, such as apartments and condominiums will not be receiving Smart Meters for individual units. However, many bulk-metered buildings will be converted to individual-unit metering in the coming years. When this happens, Smart Meters will be installed.

Where can I get more information on the Ontario Government’s Smart Meter initiative?

The Ontario Government has created the “Getting Smart about Smart Meters” website to provide electricity consumers with information about its Smart Meters initiative. The website is located at www.smartmetersontario.ca.