FAQ

New Public Awareness Campaign

New Rules To Protect Energy Consumers

Retailer Information

• Westario Power employees ARE NOT knocking on doors selling electricity contracts.
  
• Know your rights. If someone comes to your door selling electricity, you have the right to ask for photo identification and to ask what company they are representing.
  
• Compare prices carefully. Customers, who have not signed a contract with an electricity retailer, are supplied electricity under the Regulated Price Plan. As of May 1, 2007 the “two step” residential rate is 5.3 cents and 6.2 cents. What is the contract price offered?
  
• Regulated Price Plan Variance: The Regulated Price Plan (RPP) variance settlement amount applies to a consumer on the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) who switches to a retailer. This amount reflects your share of any accumulated variance between the actual price paid to generators and the forecast price paid by RPP consumers (e.g. 1 year of customers kWh consumption multiplied by the OPA rate). The variance will be settled on your next bill.
  
• Existing Budget/Equalized Billing Plans. Should you sign a contract with an electricity retailer, your existing budget/equalized billing plan will end and any settlement amount (debit or credit) will appear on your next bill.
  
• Contract Commitment: Withdrawal Penalties – Renewal. Before signing a contract, know the terms, read the fine print, and understand everything you are committing to. What are the penalties to get out of the contract? If you have an existing contract nearing the end of the term, read the terms of the contract to determine what action you need to take to renew the contract or to let it expire.
  
• The Ontario Energy Board licenses all electricity retailers and gas marketers. Retailers and marketers must use fair marketing practices. This includes immediately and truthfully identifying themselves, what company they represent and to not pressure you to sign a contract. If you have any issues or concerns in this regard, please report them directly to the Ontario Energy Board.

  Ontario Energy Board
  Box 2319 TORONTO, ON M4P 1E4
  Consumer Information Website: www.oeb.gov.on.ca
  Toll Free Call: 1-877-632-2727
  Email: complaints@oeb.gov.on.ca

  Consumer Alert Press Release – May 18, 2007

ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS

Unsafe wiring can be hazardous to the health and safety of you and your family by causing shocks, fires, and other electrical hazards. The Ontario Electrical Safety Code exists to minimize the dangers caused by unsafe wiring and unsafe electrical products. An electrical inspection must be conducted by a qualified Electrical Inspector to ensure that your wiring complies with the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.

When Should Electrical Inspections Be Performed?

An electrical inspection must be conducted anytime you do anything within your business concerning the electrical wiring.

For more information, call the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-372-7233 or visit their website at www.esasafe.com

Dispute Resolution

Why Is My Bill Estimated?

Bills are estimated for one of several reasons:

• You have an inside meter and no one is home when the meter reader calls
• The meter is covered by trees or bushes, making an accurate reading difficult
• A gate, animals or driveway conditions prevent access to the meter

An estimated reading takes into account previous use and adjustments relating to the season. To avoid an estimated bill, and for the accounting of actual electricity pricing, we need your meter readings brought in, mailed via Canada Post, e-mailed to customer.service@westario.com or telephoned in within 24 hours of a card being dropped off.