Getting smart about Smart Meters

The stable supply of electricity in our province is critical to our economic future, but building new generation facilities is only part of the solution. Reducing the amount of electricity we consume is just as important - a smart meter is one of the tools that will help us do this! All homes and businesses across the province will have one by 2010.

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited is proud to have taken on a leadership role with the installation of smart meters. In 2007, we had 400,000 smart meters installed across our city - that was half of the government's target of smart meter installations province-wide by December 31, 2007. In 2008, we will continue with smart meter installations.

A smart meter will:

• record how much energy is used and when it's used
• help you manage your electricity costs when you curb your electricity use to times when prices are lower

About Time-of-Use Pricing (TOU)*

To prepare for smart metering, the OEB has developed the daily and seasonal time-of-use periods shown in the charts below. For more information on current TOU pricing, visit http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca/

The Summer weekdays (May 1 - October 31)
The highest energy prices occur over the afternoon from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., largely due to greater air-conditioning use.

Weekends and Holidays (All year)
Demand, and electricity prices are lower on weekends and holidays - as well as overnight.

The Winter weekdays (November 1 - April 30)
Energy prices peak twice - in the early morning and in the evening - mainly due to space heating, plus increased lighting and appliance use.

* Time-Of-Use prices are not yet in effect. Toronto Hydro-Electric System will advise our customers as soon as the Ontario Energy Board announces a mandatory effective/start date.

You'll receive advance notice of your smart meter installation along with detailed information about how you can take advantage of this tool together with Time-Of-Use prices to help you manage your electricity costs.

To Learn More - http://www.torontohydro.com/electricsystem/residential/smart_meter/index.cfm