Smart Questions
What is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is an electricity meter that is designed to allow your local electricity distributor to track how much electricity you use, and more importantly, what time of day you use it, making it possible for customers to take advantage of Time of Use (TOU) pricing. It looks very similar to your existing meter except there are no dials and the numbers are digital.
What Does a Smart Meter do?
In measuring how much energy you use and when you use it, your smart meter is a tool that you can use to take action in helping to reduce your energy bill.
A Smart meter will automatically send out your meter readings via wireless and other technologies, meaning you no longer have to estimate your monthly bill.
When Will My Smart Meter be Installed?
Smart meter installations began in the City of Windsor in August, 2010. Installations will be scheduled in advance in order to take advantage of current meter reading schedules. All installations are scheduled to be completed by early 2011. You will be notified prior to installation.
How Will I Know the Difference Between an Installer and Someone Who is Coming to My Door to Talk about Electricity Prices?
For your smart meter installation, you will NOT be required to show your EnWin Utility bill, provide your account number, or to sign anything. Look for the Olameter logo on both the vehicle and on the ID cards that will be carried by the installers
What Changes Will the Smart Meter Bring?
Nothing will change for you once a smart meter has been installed. Your bills will look the same and you will continue to be billed on a monthly basis. In the future, the province is expected to switch electricity rates over to 'time of use' rates. As we learn more about what this will involve, we will inform you of any changes you can expect. We anticipate this taking place by 2012.
What is Time of Use (TOU) Pricing?
Time of Use (TOU) pricing means that electricity prices will vary based on when electricity is used, taking into consideration time of day, time of week (weekday/weekend), and season. TOU pricing is being implemented to encourage Ontarians to use electricity when it is at it's lowest price, which can lead to substantial changes on their monthly bill (i.e. take advantage of lower prices at night and on the weekends).
Will Residents See a Smart Meter Charge on Their Bills?
The cost of the smart meter initiative will be recovered through the electricity distribution rates paid by all customers in the same way that costs for existing meters and services are recovered today. A recovery amount has been approved to be included in the monthly fixed delivery charge on customer bills starting May of 2009.
