Today, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) announced new electricity prices for households and small businesses, effective November 1, under the Regulated Price Plan (RPP).
The winter Time-of-Use (TOU) hours and the winter Tier threshold for residential customers, which were maintained for the summer 2020 period, will remain in effect until November 1.
The total bill for a typical residential customer who uses 700 kWh per month will increase by about $2.24 or 1.97%, after accounting for the bill relief provided by the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER), a total (pre-tax) bill credit that appears at the bottom of electricity bills. The Ontario government has increased that rebate from 31.8% to 33.2% effective November 1, 2020.
The Ontario Energy Board is also introducing new Pricing Plan Choices for customers. Effective November 1, 2020 customers can now choose between paying Time of Use rates or Tiered Pricing rates.
Learn more about the new choices and how to change between plans here.
Read the Ontario Energy Board announcement here
About Time-of-Use (TOU) rates
Under Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing, customers are charged according to the day of the week and time of day that they use electricity. This gives customers the option to shift higher electricity-use activities — such as laundry or running the dishwasher — to off-peak periods, which are charged at a lower rate.
There are three different TOU price periods: on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak.
TOU rates and price periods typically change twice a year (May 1 and November 1). Both the rates and price periods are set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
November 1, 2020 Time of Use Rates:
On Peak – 21.7 ¢/kWh
Mid Peak – 15.0 ¢/kWh
Off – Peak – 10.5 ¢/kWh
Note: Currently, all TOU customers are paying the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8¢/kWh for all price periods. Please note that winter TOU rates will come into effect on November 1, 2020, and will be updated below once rates are announced by the OEB.
Winter pricing periods
To learn more about TOU rates, visit our Time of Use page.
About Tiered rates
Tiered pricing separates electricity consumption into two price tiers. Customers are charged one rate for electricity usage up to a certain amount of consumption (or threshold) per month, and a higher rate for electricity used above that amount.
The price threshold (the amount of electricity consumption that is charged at the lower price) is set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and will typically change twice a year for residential customers.
Note: Updated Tiered rates as of November 1, 2020.
| Price tier | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to 1,000 kWh/month | 12.6¢ per kWh |
| Tier 2 | More than 1,000 kWh/month | 14.6¢ per kWh |
| Price tier | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to 750 kWh/month | 12.6¢ per kWh |
| Tier 2 | More than 750 kWh/month | 14.6¢ per kWh |
September 22, 2020 – We have received reports from small commercial customers that there are callers impersonating Hydro One calling Oshawa businesses and demanding payment by midnight and threatening disconnection.
Let us confirm that Hydro One does not operate in Oshawa and would not be calling our customers to demand payment. The phone number they are calling from is 1-800-581-4814.
Please do not engage with these callers and call Durham Regional Police to report at 905-579-1520.
If you have questions about your account please call our office at 905-723-4623 or email contactus@opuc.on.ca.
Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. has applied to the Ontario Energy Board to increase our electricity distribution rates. Please review the Ontario Energy Board’s Notice of Hearing to learn more and to find out how you can participate in the Ontario Energy Board’s hearing.
To view a full version of the 2021-2025 Rate Application please visit the link below:
Oshawa Power 2021-2025 Application
August 5, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OSHAWA – Oshawa hydro customers receive a new upgrade to their online customer account portal. On July 29, 2020 Oshawa Power launched their new interface MyOshawaPower. The new portal is intuitive, easy to use and provides customers a host of new data that was not available in the previous portal.
MyOshawaPower, powered by Silverblaze, allows customers to compare their usage against the weather, the previous month, the previous year and their neighbourhood. Customers have more control over the administration of their accounts with the ability to grant permission to others to access their account and they can set usage threshold and power outage alerts that can be delivered by email, text or phone.
“We are committed to improving our customers’ experience. With the launch of this new tool, we are providing our customers with useful information not previously available. Through this self service portal, customers can access their account and usage information easily and at their own convenience. Being new to Oshawa Power I am very excited to be a part of this evolution in our customer service capabilities,” states Susanna Beckstead, Vice President, Finance, Corporate and Business Services.
“Upgrading our portal was long overdue. MyOshawaPower advances the services we provide and enhances our future relationships with our customers,” says Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO, Oshawa Power. “We’re proud that we have the ability to improve services and maintain low rates. Migrating to the new portal helps move our customer service to the next level. Customers don’t want to have to call in every time they have a question, they want to be able to have the answer available and easy to find whenever they need it, and this new portal does that,” continues Labricciosa.
“We are really excited to see OPUC launch their new Customer Service Portal! It has been a pleasure working with their talented team to deliver a great tool for their customer community”, commented the Silverblaze team.
To log in or register for MyOshawaPower you can visit myaccount.opuc.on.ca. The portal is available 24 hours a day.
PDF – Utility launches MyOshawaPower customer information portal
About Oshawa Power:
Oshawa Power and award-winning electrical utility that has more than 130 years’ experience of delivering services and bringing Oshawa forward through innovation and technology. Oshawa Power prides themselves on delivering ratepayers safe, reliable service to over 60,000 customers at the lowest rates in Durham Region.
About Silverblaze:
SilverBlaze is an award-winning software innovation, development, and consulting firm. Founded in 1999, SilverBlaze offers comprehensive software solutions for utilities – the SilverBlaze Customer Portal, and SilverBlaze Smart Forms and Workflows.
-30-
Media Contact
Sheila Risorto
Marketing and Communications
905-439-1930
srisorto@opuc.on.ca
COVID-19 ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM APPLICATIONS START TODAY
Applications for the Province of Ontario’s new COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) are available now. The Government of Ontario is providing $9 million to support residential customers struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of COVID-19.
CEAP is a one time, on-bill credit for eligible residential electricity and natural gas customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments.
CEAP funding is limited. Oshawa Power will process applications in the order in which they are received. Submitting an application for CEAP to Oshawa Power does not guarantee funding. To see if you qualify or to apply for funding please visit www.oshawapower.ca/need-help-paying-electricity-bill
The Province of Ontario’s current moratorium on disconnections for non-payment is scheduled to end July, 31, 2020. In light of the government extension ending in July Oshawa Power is being proactive and working with customers to help ease the burden. Oshawa Power is offering assistance to their customers to help them navigate through this next transition.
If you have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are having difficulty paying your bill there is help available for you. There are programs designed to help for both short term and long term needs; please visit www.oshawapower.ca/need-help-paying-electricity-bill to see what program best suits your situation or to determine if you qualify for CEAP.
Oshawa Power is working with customers and offering payment extensions to assist customers during this time. You can request a payment extension here and a customer service representative will contact you.
Oshawa Power working with customers as the moratorium ends
The Province of Ontario’s current moratorium on disconnections for non-payment is scheduled to end July, 31, 2020. In light of the government extension ending in July Oshawa Power is being proactive and working with customers to help ease the burden. Oshawa Power is offering assistance to their customers to help them navigate through this next transition.
If you have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are having difficulty paying your bill there is help available for you. There are programs designed to help for both short term and long term needs; please visit www.oshawapower.ca/need-help-paying-electricity-bill to see what program best suits your situation. Oshawa Power is working with customers and offering payment extensions to assist customers during this time. You can request a payment extension here and a customer service representative will contact you.
“Disconnecting an account for non-payment is a last resort, it is an option that we would prefer not to use. It is far more productive and less costly to work with our customers to find assistance or arrangements that work for them,” says Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO, Oshawa Power.
“We are here to assist our customers and we want to remove the unnecessary stress of having to worry about how they are going to pay their bill. I encourage anybody who has fallen behind or struggling to make payments to reach out to our team. We will find a solution. By working together, we can make paying your Hydro bill one less thing to worry about,” continues Labricciosa.
Oshawa Power would like customers who require financial assistance, arrangements or advice on their hydro accounts to contact the Customer Service department through email at contactus@opuc.on.ca or use their online form at www.oshawapower.ca/contact-us. Together with the customer, Oshawa Power will review the account and help develop a workable plan that best meets their situation. Oshawa Power is encouraging customers to contact them to start the dialogue on finding the solution that works.
The current rate of 12.8¢/kWh, 24 hours/day has been set until October 31, 2020. Beginning November 1, 2020 customers will have the choice between the current Time-of-Use plan and the regulated tiered pricing plan. More details will come about those options as the date draws nearer.
Still have questions? Visit our frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19.
Province announces new COVID-19 Recovery Rate, COVID Energy Assistance Programs and New Customer Choice Initiative
OSHAWA – Ontario announces new energy assistance available for residential and small commercial customers. The province previously announced a disconnection ban in place for residential and small commercial customers.
Announced this past weekend, consumption used as of June 1, 2020, the new COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8¢/kWh is in effect, 24 hours a day until October 31, 2020. No action by the customer is required for this rate to take effect.
The province has also announced that as of July residential and small commercial can apply for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) to receive a one-time payment assistance for customers struggling to pay their bill. Oshawa Power will share more information about this upcoming program when it becomes available.
Starting November 1, 2020 Ontario hydro users will have the choice between paying the regulated Time-Of-Use rates or pay the regulated Tiered Pricing Plan. As more information is released about this new option Oshawa Power will share.
See the Province’s announcement.
Please be assured that Oshawa Power is ready to support their customers through these new changes. As more information becomes available Oshawa Power will share on their website and social media channels. You can stay current by visiting our COVID-19 information page, visiting our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page or you can contact our Customer Service Department at 905-723-4623 or contact us
What is the impact to my bill?
The Government of Ontario introduced a fixed electricity price, known as the COVID-19 Recovery Rate, of 12.8 cents per kWh, which will be automatically applied to all time-of-use customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This fixed electricity price will be in place from June 1 – October 31, 2020.
With this, Oshawa Time of Use (TOU) consumers will not be subject to TOU rates and will be paying the rate of 12.8¢ per kWh during this period. Customers will receive crossover bills showing a consumption used prior to June 1, 2020 and after June 1, 2020. As a result, customer will see six line items representing their monthly consumption. See Sample below:
The Government of Ontario has introduced a fixed, COVID-19 Recovery Rate starting June 1, 2020, for households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates
The Government of Ontario has introduced a fixed electricity price, known as the COVID-19 Recovery Rate, of 12.8 cents per kWh, which will be automatically applied to all time-of-use customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This fixed electricity price will be in place from June 1 – October 31, 2020. As of Monday June 1, 2020, households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates will be charged 12.8¢ 24 hours a day, seven days a week until October 31, 2020.
With this, Oshawa Time of Use (TOU) consumers will not be subject to TOU rates and will be paying the rate of 12.8¢ per kWh during this period. This announcement eliminates the on-peak pricing of 20.8¢ per kWh for the next 5 months.
Tiered customers will not be affected by the new fixed price. The Ontario Energy Board has extended the winter tier prices and the winter thresholds also remain in place until further notice. By keeping the winter threshold in place, residential customers will have an additional 400kWh/month available at the lower Tier 1 price.
See the Province’s announcement here
Oshawa Power is ready to implement this change on your bill. We are working diligently to ensure this reduction in rate is executed quickly and accurately.
Bill Comparison Examples:
- Compared to regular time-of-use rates, the average consumer (700kWh monthly consumption, 64% off-peak, 18% mid-peak, 18% off-peak) would not see a bill change when charged the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
- Compared to regular time-of-use rates, a consumer who uses 700kWh a month but has an atypical consumption pattern (45% off-peak, 25% mid-peak, 30% on-peak) would see a bill decrease of approximately $9.47 when charged the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
- Compared to regular time-of-use rates, a consumer who uses 700kWh a month with a consumption pattern of 55% off-peak, 20% mid-peak, 25% on-peak would see a bill decrease of approximately $4.99 when charged the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
- Compared to the current off-peak price of 10.1 cents/kWh, the average customer (700kWh monthly consumption) would see a bill increase of approximately $16.13 when they are moved to the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
What will change on your bill?
On your bill you will see your consumption that was used prior to June 1, 2020 will be charged at the rate of 10.1 cents/kWh and any consumption used after June 1, 2020 will be charged at the flat rate of 12.8¢.
No action is required by electricity consumers: this change will be applied automatically for everyone paying time-of-use rates, for electricity consumed starting at 12:00 a.m. EST on June 1, 2020.
Oshawa Power will continue to support you through this unprecedented time. We are offering our customers payment flexibility and assistance to those who need it. Please contact our office to see what option is best for your situation. You can reach out to our Customer Service team Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm at 905-723-4623 or contacting us here.
If you require, you can fill out an online payment extension request form at your convenience and a Customer Service Representative will contact you to discuss options.
Where to get help
To get additional help on your hydro bill you can reach out to the following organizations:
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
To receive community help
The Regional Municipality of Durham has launched a Community Resources webpage with information on resources available to support vulnerable and unsheltered members in our community, as well as local community agencies that are actively seeking volunteers to help in a safe way.
Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty
Community Development Council Durham
Durham Region Care Mongers – 1-888-573-0982
Oshawa, ON – Recently Oshawa Power, Hydro One Telecom and Cisco Systems collaborated to help the Back Door Mission, located on Bagot Street, Oshawa, with acquiring wireless internet service to support the recently launched the Mission United Project.
Mission United is a multi-agency project created in partnership with CMHA, Durham Mental Health Services, Lakeridge Health, the Region of Durham, and others working in the Back Door Mission space to support increased operations during the COVID-19 Pandemic, including the ability to set up video conferencing with health and social work practitioners from the mission location. These added services will assist the City’s most vulnerable population get the support they need safely.
Oshawa Power has a robust fibre network in the downtown core of Oshawa. In discussions with the Mission’s Board President Derek Giberson, who explained the Mission’s needs, the team started to brainstorm some ideas of how to get internet service to the Mission. Oshawa Power built a wireless building bridge to connect the Back Door Mission building to internet services from Oshawa Power’s location across the street. In partnership with Hydro One Telecom, who also donated their time and services to this initiative and in conjunction with Cisco Systems’ donation of equipment, the Back Door Mission received wireless internet service on May 6, 2020.
Quote:
“We are so proud of our team for creating this unique solution and for working with Hydro One Telecom and Cisco Systems to get internet service to a facility that needs it so desperately during this pandemic. The services provided by the Back Door Mission are so essential to our community and I’m glad we were able to enable them to continue their great work,” says Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO, Oshawa Power.
About Oshawa Power:
Oshawa Power is a regulated utility that supplies safe, reliable, and efficient electricity distribution to over 60,000 customers in the city of Oshawa. Oshawa Power is part of the Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation family of companies that also provides telecommunications, renewable energy solutions and energy generation projects.
About The Back Door Mission:
The Back Door Mission works to relieve the burdens of poverty and social dislocation within the economically deprived and street population of Oshawa. We provide clothing, lunch, groceries, on-site counseling, medical, and harm reduction support.
About Hydro One Telecom:
Hydro One Telecom delivers high-capacity telecommunications solutions to enterprises, wholesalers and public sector agencies via an expansive fibre-optic network across Ontario and extending into the United States. Hydro One Telecom provides high-speed data networking services for Network-to-Network, Cloud-to-Cloud, Network-to-Cloud and Data Centre-to-Data Centre business requirements and is a wholly owned subsidiary of 2486267 Ontario Inc., which is wholly owned by Hydro One Limited.
-30-
Media Contact:
Sheila Risorto
Marketing and Communications Analyst
Oshawa Power
905-439-1930
srisorto@opuc.on.ca
Province extends COVID Rate Relief to TOU Customers Until May 31st, 2020
Advocating for Customers
In the industry, Oshawa Power has been actively involved in influencing policies to bring as much relief to our customers as possible. Oshawa Power is currently advocating for the extension of the COVID-19 Rate Relief Program beyond May 7, 2020 through involvement with industry organizations such as: the Electricity Distributors Association, Ontario Energy Board information sessions and workshops and committee participation with the Independent Electricity System Operator.
Province Announces Extension
On May 6, 2020 The Province of Ontario announced an extension in the relief plan. “The Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rate relief to families, farms and small businesses until May 31, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. Customers who pay time-of-use electricity rates will continue to be billed at the lowest price, known as the off-peak price, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This electricity rate relief, initially provided for a 45-day period starting on March 24, 2020, has been extended by an emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The rate relief is intended to be in place for an additional 24 days.”
Read more of the Province’s announcement here: Ontario Extends Electricity Rate Relief During COVID-19
As we navigate through these uncertain times, Oshawa Power will be there to keep the power flowing. As the Oshawa community comes together to support each other, be assured that Oshawa Power will be there to support Oshawa residents, businesses, frontline workers, and their employees to get through this pandemic.
