SPRING/SUMMER 2012
IN THIS ISSUE:
 New Rates - May 1, 2012
 Convenient Payment Options
 Beware of “Power Saving Device” Scams
 Save on Energy - Fridge & Freezer Roundup
 Outdoor Electrical Safety
 Summer Time Energy Saving Tips
 Safety Around Generating Stations and Dams
New Rates - May 1st, 2012
The Ontario Energy Board has recently announced new electricity Time-or-Use Rates
(TOU). On May 1st, residential consumers
who buy their electricity from their utility will pay
6.5¢/kWh for off-peak, 10.0¢/kWh for mid-peak
and 11.7¢/kWh for on-peak times. (See chart to
right). For typical consumption of 800 kWh per
month, this represents an increase of approximately $3.99 on the “Electricity Line” or about
3.3% on the total monthly bill.
In addition, other rate changes will come into
effect on consumption after May 1 as well.
Orillia Power has received approval from the
OEB on its application to reduce distribution
rates effective May 1, 2012 representing a
3.2% decrease in the total monthly bill when
compared to rates effective May 1, 2011.
When the decreases in distribution rates are
combined with the rate increase for the commodity portion of the bill recently announced by
the OEB, a monthly residential bill for 800 kWh
will increase approximately $0.75 or 0.7% per
month.
Normally, the Ontario Energy Board announces
changes to electricity rates each May 1st and
November 1st while the rates under control of
Orillia Power are adjusted May 1st of each
year. Orillia Power will be submitting a special
rate application to the Ontario Energy Board in
order to begin the recovery of costs related to
the government mandated smart meter program. Orillia Power expects to receive approval in the fall of 2012 for a rate increase of approximately $3.00 per month per residential
customer. As always, Orillia Power remains
committed to maintaining a safe and reliable
distribution service to our customers, the citizens of Orillia.
Time-of-Use Pricing Guide
Prices subject to change May 1 and November 1 of each year
Off-Peak
6.5¢/kWh
Mid-Peak
10.0¢/kWh
On-Peak
11.7¢/kWh
Prices as of May 1, 2012
CONVENIENT PAYMENT OPTIONS
If you are still paying your monthly invoice by mail or at the office, please note
that Orillia Power offers a number of payment options that could save you time
and money.
Our most popular and convenient payment methods include:
 Internet or telephone banking
 Pre-authorized payment/debit
 At most financial institutions
Payments can also be made at our 24-hour drive-thru payment drop box (located
just outside the gate on West Street South). For more information on Payment of
Accounts, please visit our website at: www.orilliapower.ca
Beware of “Power Saving Device” Scams
There have been recent reports in some areas that electricity customers are
being approached by people offering to sell a “power saving device” - claiming it
could save customers up to 40% on their electricity bills. They have been using
high pressure selling tactics and have implied they have the customer’s consumption data.
Orillia Power does not sell energy saving devices and cautions once again to
never give out any personal information (your account number, credit card information, etc.) to anyone without checking them out first!
URB Orillia 30244-I-0049
FRIDGE & FREEZER PICKUP - Do you know that if you have a fridge or freezer that is 15 years or older and still
works, the Ontario Power Authority will haul it out of your home and recycle it in an environmentally-friendly way for
FREE? By ridding yourself of that old, energy-guzzling fridge, you could save up to $125 a year on your electricity
costs. There are certain criteria that must be met to be eligible. Call toll free at 1-877-797-9473 to book an appointment or go on line at www.powerauthority.on.ca and select “Fridge and Freezer Pickup” to get started.
Outdoor Electrical Safety......
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Check all outdoor electrical cords. Are they frayed?
Broken? Properly grounded? Replace, if needed.
Use approved covers with outdoor electrical outlets.
GFCI’s (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) can prevent shocks or fires.
Unplug appliances and tools when not in use.
Never build a pool or spa, or place a child’s pool under electrical wires.
Never fly kites or model airplanes near overhead
power lines.
During storms, stay out of lakes, ponds, pools and
spas.
Do not touch metal fencing during a storm.
Are they electrical wires or telephone wires? Don’t
guess! Assume any downed wires are energized.
Stay away and keep others away for everyone’s
safety!
tips
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Summer Time Energy Saving tips
 Ceiling fans use much less electricity than air condition-
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ers. Look for Energy Star qualified ceiling fans and if they
have lights, use compact fluorescent bulbs to further reduce electricity and heat buildup.
Keep blinds and drapes closed during the day to keep the
hot rays of the sun out. Install patio covers and awnings
to shade your home from the sun.
Plant deciduous trees and shrubs against the south and
west sides of your home. In summer, the leafy foliage
shades against solar heat.
“On-Line Drying” - don’t forget about your outdoor
clothesline - it uses zero energy and your laundry smells
fantastic too!
Need to heat your backyard swimming pool? Use solar
panels connected to your pump and use a solar blanket
at night to help keep the heat in. Put your pump on a
timer—it doesn’t need to run 24/7.
Get grilling! Barbecuing outdoors avoids heating up your
kitchen (which often causes us to blast the A/C).
SAFETY AROUND GENERATING STATIONS AND
DAMS
“Stay safe by staying clear”
Orillia Power’s generating stations are used for the generation of
electricity and we take pride in operating our facilities safely and
in a manner that respects the environment and the rights of others that use our waterways. Your safety is important to us!
Please heed warning signs, booms, buoys and sirens—they are
there for your protection!
Most hydroelectric dams and stations are remotely controlled by
operators many kilometers away. Throughout the
day and night as demand
for electricity changes,
operators must open and
close dams and start and
stop generators. This results in frequent and rapid
changes in water levels
and flows around dams
and stations—changes
that can drastically affect
the safety of those who venture too close!
Hydroelectric dams and generating stations and the
areas around them are:
NOT PARKS, FISHING HOLES, BOATING AREAS,
SWIMMING AREAS, CAMPING OR PICNIC SITES,
SNOWMOBILE OR SKI AREAS. THEY ARE NOT
SAFE FOR ANY RECREATION!
Safety applied
means
accident
denied!
URB Orillia 30244-I-0049