Hydro - Time-of-Use Pricing

(left-click to enlarge pics)
10/21/10 - To put my previous item (below) in perspective, most problems are also opportunities - pessimist vs optimist.
PowerStream has sent us our usage details for August and September, in preparation for our move to TOU pricing November 26th.
They also include average daily consumption ... but use the summer rates for the analysis. As the winter rates are Nov-Apr, it would have been more useful to use them. 


Now that we know when the new rates are coming, we have an opportunity to take advantage.

Here is a copy of the rates brochure sent to everyone being impacted by smart meters.
  
















10/19/10 - Has it started in your area?
This article in the Star today indicates a small decrease in electricity cost starting November 1st ... but probably not for time-of-use (TOU) Ontarians.
The time-of-use will, in fact, raise what we pay ... unless we drastically change our habits.
I understand washer/dryers are being manufactured with timers, to help take advantage of lower off-peak rates.

Here is an exert from the PowerStream site indicating the timing for TOU in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Aurora.

Here are the rates to be used at the various times of the day/week. 
Note the highest rate ($.099):
1. May-Oct - 11am-5pm
2. Nov-Apr -  7-11am and 5-9pm


Our area of Markham begins TOU after September 26th.
Here is a link to the Time-of-Use Rates Quick Guide, for your reference.
Get ready for this more expensive approach to paying for necessities!