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The Ontario Energy Board (OEB), at the request of the Minister of Energy, developed an electricity price plan known as the Regulated Price Plan (RPP). The RPP is designed to ensure that the price consumers pay for electricity better reflects the price paid to electricity generators.
RPP applies to residential consumers, small businesses and other designated consumers such as municipalities, schools, universities and hospitals. It does not, however, apply to large commercial customers using more than 250,000 kWh per year. Large volume commercial or industrial consumers will continue to pay the Hourly Ontario Energy Price (HOEP) or spot market price delivered through Standard Supply Service.
The OEB has developed a series of fact sheets to help residential consumers, small businesses and others who are considered low volume users of electricity learn more about the province’s electricity sector and their options for buying electricity.
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WHEN SOMEONE KNOCKS ON YOUR DOOR
….BE A SMART SHOPPER
7 IMPORTANT FACTS
- 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
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