Author: Sudhanshu Rewari

Oshawa, ON…On November 14, 2016 the City of Oshawa experienced a power outage that affected approximately 18,000 customers in the north east quadrant of the City. The outage started at approximately 6:00 p.m. and Oshawa Power crews worked tirelessly throughout the evening to safely restore power to all customers by 11:15 p.m.

“The Oshawa Power crews pulled together and did not stop working until power was safely restored to every customer affected by the outage”, said Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO of Oshawa Power. “It is tremendous efforts like this one that show our commitment to the residents of Oshawa.”

The root cause of the outage was a 44,000 volt overhead conductor splice failure that caused a live power line to come down at the corners of Mary Street and Taunton Road. In the process of making the site safe and restoring power, we experienced a second event as a 44,000 volt switch failed on an adjacent circuit at the main Wilson Substation at Rossland Road extending the duration of the outage.

Oshawa Power has implemented new customer facing technology solutions such as an on-line website customer portal, live outage reporting and tracking map and a twitter social media account that provide timely 24 hour customer information. During the outage, there was a significant spike in Oshawa customers seeking real-time updates on the status and restoration time for outages with over 50,000 impressions from these various communication channels.

About Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation
Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (Oshawa Power) is the holding company for a diversified group of four subsidiaries involved in energy distribution, telecom ventures, clean power generation and solar energy generation. Through its subsidiaries OPUC provides: safe, reliable and efficient electricity distribution services to over 57,000 customers; develops, constructs and operates clean and green energy generation assets in Ontario; and provides a reliable dark fibre optics communications network within Oshawa and the Region of Durham. OPUC is wholly owned by the Corporation of The City of Oshawa.

Media Contact:
Nadeige Carter
905-439-1917; ncarter@opuc.on.ca
www.oshawapower.ca

Oshawa PUCN’s network relies on approximately 11,000 poles to provide power to our customers. Over time these poles can weaken due to poor weather conditions, insects, birds and wildlife. In order to maintain the reliability and safety of our poles and network, OPUC has contracted PoleCare International to perform a city wide inspection of all of our poles. These pole inspections are planned to be completed by the fall.

As early as the end of June 2016, your mail delivery may be interrupted or delayed by a possible labour disruption at Canada Post.  While this labour disruption may be delayed or avoided at any time, here are some important things to keep in mind as it pertains to your Oshawa PUC Networks bill:

  1. You are still responsible for paying your bill by the payment due date. To avoid potential late payment charges, make the switch to eBilling to receive your monthly bill by email notification when your bill is ready.  Visit http://opuc.on.ca/residential/ebill/
  1. Even though your bill won’t be delivered by mail, you can still login to download or print a PDF copy of your bill at any time at https://ecareets.opuc.on.ca/myDSM/login.asp
  1. Because Canada Post will not be making deliveries during a labour disruption, we will be unable to accept payment by mail. For payment options visit http://opuc.on.ca/residential/bill-information/payment-options/.  This same information can be found on the back of your electricity bill under Payment Methods.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. encourages customers to be prepared in the event of power outages

OSHAWA, ON – Monday February 29, 2016 – The latest weather forecast from Environment Canada for Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. is indicating the possibility of 15 to 30 cm of heavy snow, with the possibility of ice pellets and freezing rain for the Oshawa service area starting on Tuesday evening continuing through to Wednesday. Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. will continue to monitor storm models and weather forecasts and is preparing for the forecasted weather, by ensuring line crews and staff are available to respond. Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. will optimize the electrical distribution system prior to the weather system moving in as a mitigation strategy.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. is encouraging customers to be prepared for power outages before the power goes out. Emergency Management Ontario and local emergency responders recommend that residents prepare and plan to be self-sufficient for 72 hours in an emergency situation. Please make sure that you have flashlights and batteries available.   Do not use charcoal or a gas barbecue, camping heating equipment or portage generators indoors as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Down hydro lines are considered live, contact our 24/7 telephone number (905) 723-4623 and refer to outage maps on our website at www.oshawapower.ca for updates.

Before you leave home, please do walkthrough of your home just as you would when going on vacation and make sure all appliances are turned off such as stoves, ovens, coffeemakers, etc.

Stay safe and informed

Just like you, we’re keeping a close eye on the weather. We’re ready to respond if it causes damage and outages in the Oshawa area. Whenever severe weather threatens, it’s important to stay safe and informed.

Consumers have alerted the Ontario Energy Board that individuals, representing themselves as Ontario Electricity Support Program employees, had called them to request access to their homes. In two incidents last week, consumers were contacted about the OESP and notified that a home inspection was a condition of the program.

If you are contacted by anyone who has received a similar request, please assure them that the OESP application and approval process does not require anyone to visit their home. The OESP will not perform home inspections, conduct tests or install equipment.

The Ontario Energy Board is taking these reports very seriously and is investigating further. In addition to notifying the OESP Contact Centre, Intake Agencies and Utilities about these incidents, we have also released a Consumer Alert to the public: ow.ly/XBZwJ

Consumers with questions or concerns about any sales calls or door-to-door experiences they have had are encouraged to contact the OEB:

Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1-877-632-2727 (toll-free within Ontario)
416-314-2455 (within Greater Toronto Area or from outside Canada)
Fax: 416-440-7656
ConsumerRelations@OntarioEnergyBoard.ca
OntarioEnergyBoard.ca

Media Release

The Corporation of the City of Oshawa

For Immediate Release

Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (Oshawa Power) is one of the first utilities in North America to champion residential solar-plus-storage systems, spearheading innovation in delivery of energy services that can change how we power our customers’ homes and ensure that lights stay on even in the event of grid outages, such as due to extreme weather

OSHAWA, ON – Oshawa Power, in partnership with the City of Oshawa and the Japanese government agency New Energy and Industrial Development Organization (NEDO) is leading the charge for the way utilities will do business and provide economically and environmentally sustainable energy services to their customers in the 21st century. This week, Oshawa Power, along with its partners, will celebrate one of the first several installations of residential solar-plus-storage systems by a utilities company in North America.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on November 20, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the first installation. Tabuchi Electric president and CEO Toshihiro Kaihoshi, Oshawa Power CEO Atul Mahajan and Oshawa Deputy Mayor Nester Pidwerbecki will participate along with other dignitaries in the ceremony at a customer’s home.

The Oshawa Power Solar Storage Pilot Program, which runs at no cost to homeowners, will allow approximately 30 homes in Oshawa to use solar energy at home and store it using a lithium-ion battery for shifting energy demand from on-peak to off-peak and provide backup power supply during power outages. The initiative also supports Ontario’s clean energy generation and energy efficiency policies.

Despite the fact that a wide spread deployment of such a technology could be disruptive to its business model, Oshawa Power is leading the charge, “because, we are in the 21st century and there are technologies now available for us to serve the customer’s needs better” says Oshawa Power CEO, Atul Mahajan. He also added, “We are excited to bring these advanced energy solutions that provide increased reliability with storage back up and efficient and sustainable on-site solar power generation right where our customers need it. Integrating solar and storage with the grid in select homes across Oshawa will allow us to study the technology closely and most importantly develop innovative business models on our path to creating the utility of the future.”

The new solar-plus-storage systems by manufacturer Tabuchi Electric combines an all-in-one solar inverter and lithium ion battery that easily fits inside a home. The system marks a leap forward in reliability, efficiency, and a simple, unobtrusive installation.

“We designed our grid-friendly system to help utilities like Oshawa Power capture the benefits of solar power while also improving customer reliability during power outages. Extreme weather events are becoming more common and solar plus storage system allows continued power supply during these events. We are committed to helping Oshawa and Ontario continue to lead the way in bringing such innovative solutions to its residents, ” said Harumi McClure, Tabuchi Electric Managing Director and General Manager.

About NEDO
NEDO conducts technology projects around the world and promotes the demonstration of new energy, energy conservation and environmental technologies abroad.

About Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation.
Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC) is an infrastructure assets holding company that provides innovative energy and communication related services through its operating subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.oshawapower.ca

About Tabuchi
Electric Tabuchi Electric is the leading residential solar inverter manufacturer in Japan and has been a leading power electronics company since 1925.

For more information about the City of Oshawa’s Economic Development Services, visit www.oshawa.ca/business or follow @InvestOshawa on Twitter. For updates on the City, visit www.oshawa.ca or follow “OshawaCity” on: Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contacts:
Paul Ralph
Commissioner, Development Services
905-436-3311 ext. 2403; pralph@oshawa.ca

Cindy Symons-Milroy
Director, Economic Development Services
905-436-3311 ext. 3859; csymons-milroy@oshawa.ca

Nadeige Carter
Oshawa PUC Energy Services
905-743-5207; ncarter@opuc.on.ca

A new program is starting in 2016 that will help low-income consumers to pay their electricity bills.

  1. What is OESP?
  2. Do I Qualify?
  3. How Do I Apply?
  4. Sign up to be notified when applications are ready

[gdlr_video url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP7C4my8Ym0&feature=youtu.be” ]

 

*If you have not filed an income tax return recently, or your situation has changed since your last filing you can contact The John Howard Society located at 75 Richmond St. W. in Oshawa, 905-579-8482 for assistance.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. encourages customers to be prepared in the event of power outages

OSHAWA, ON – Tuesday October 27, 2015 – The latest weather forecast from Environment Canada for Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. is indicating the possibility of heavy rain and gusty winds for the Oshawa service area starting on Wednesday morning continuing through to Thursday afternoon. Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. will continue to monitor storm models and weather forecasts and is preparing for the forecasted heavy rain and gusty winds, by ensuring line crews and staff are available to respond. Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. will optimize the electrical distribution system prior to the heavy rain and gusty winds as a mitigation strategy.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. is encouraging customers to be prepared for power outages before the power goes out. Emergency Management Ontario and local emergency responders recommend that residents prepare and plan to be self-sufficient for 72 hours in an emergency situation. Please make sure that you have flashlights and batteries available.   Do not use charcoal or a gas barbecue, camping heating equipment or portage generators indoors as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Down hydro lines are considered live, contact our 24/7 telephone number (905) 723-4623 and refer to outage maps on our website at www.oshawapower.ca for updates.

Before you leave home in the event of an outage, please do walkthrough of your home just as you would when going on vacation and make sure all appliances are turned off such as stoves, ovens, coffeemakers, etc.

Stay safe and informed

Just like you, we’re keeping a close eye on the weather. We’re ready to respond if it causes damage and outages in the Oshawa area. Whenever severe weather threatens, it’s important to stay safe and informed.

* Oshawa PUC Networks does not solicit door to door

If you are approached to sign or renew a gas or electricity contract for your home or small business, it’s important to know who you’re dealing with. Energy company salespeople must wear an ID badge and give you a business card.

Four things to remember if you are approached to sign an energy contract:

  • Always make sure you get a business card and look at the salesperson’s ID badge first
  • Don’t share personal information (i.e. your gas or electricity bill) unless you are sure you want to sign a contract
  • Carefully read the contract, disclosure statement and price comparison provided by the salesperson
  • OPUC Networks Inc does not go door to door

Watch the video below from the Ontario Energy Board

[gdlr_video url=”https://youtu.be/Q5srRp8doRM” ]