lakeland power _ customer information

27
4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 1/27 Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Home About Us Customer Information Links Contact Us Power Outages You are here :: Customer Information Close Move Business Policies Documents Privacy Policy Deposit Policy Implied Contracts Payment Options Late Payment Charges / Overdue Interest

Upload: genability

Post on 11-May-2017

215 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

TRANSCRIPT

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 1/27

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Home About Us Customer Information Links Contact Us Power Outages

You are here :: Customer Information

C lose Move

Business Policies

Documents

Privacy Policy

Deposit Policy

Implied Contracts

Payment Options

Late Payment Charges / Overdue Interest

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 2/27

Disconnection and Reconnection

Power Interruptions

Closing Your Account

Conditions of Service Collection Overview

Disconnection/Reconnection Policy Security Deposit

Accessible Customer Services Policy Continuous Service Agreement

Note : The Documents are viewed by Adobe® Acrobat Reader. The software can be

downloaded free of charge by clicking on the icon to the right.

Close Move

General Service

Application Forms

Transformer Bulletin: Obstruction Free Zone

General Service < 50 kW Customers – Rates and Pricing

Explanation of Electricity Terms on Your Bill

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you serviced by Lakeland Power?

Pre-Authorized Payment Plan General Service Application

Declaration for Multi-UnitResidential Premises

Declaration for Bulk Metered ResidentialCondominium Corporations

Note : The Documents are viewed by Adobe® Acrobat Reader. The software can be

downloaded free of charge by clicking on the icon to the right.

Close Move

Electricity Retailers

An Important Message from Lakeland Power

Purchasing Electricity from Licensed Retailers

OEB News Release Aug 2012 Consumer Awareness Campaign

Consumer Awareness Campaign - Read more about Retail Energy Contracts

The power of high-pressure sales

CBC Marketplace recently broadcast an informative program on Electricity Retailers in Canada.

Please click the link on left to be directed to the CBC website for viewing.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 3/27

Close Move

Smart Meters

Installation Backgrounder

Smart Meters Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

The Energy Information Loop

Visit 10 Smart Meter Lane

Smart Meters: A New Way to Think About Electricity

C lose Move

Exciting new Conservation Programs are here!Click here for more information.

2012 CDM Annual Report - Lakeland Power Dist Ltd

Click here for Lakeland Power saveonenergy Coupons!

Close Move

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kWh?

If I have more than one person inquiring or doing business on my account, what is required bycustomer Service before they can discuss my account with another person?

I have recently moved and was asked for a security deposit on my hydro service. I have notbeen asked for a deposit before, why now?

What is the Account Set Up Charge that is shown on my first bill?

How often am I billed?

How can I pay my bill?

Can I pay in advance? I am going to be away for a couple of months.

Can I pay my electricity bill automatically?

Why is a bill estimated?

How do I read my meter?

Why is my bill so much higher than my last bill or my neighbours' bill?

Is an Equal Payment Plan available to me?

What uses the most electricity in my home?

Where does my electricity come from?

What causes a short or a long term power outage?

Who can I buy my electricity from?

Do I have to sign a contract with an electricity Retailer?

Can an electricity contract with a Retailer be cancelled once it has been signed?

Can I be transferred to a new supplier without my knowledge or approval?

Will my power be interrupted if a Retailer cannot fulfill their contractual obligation?

Close Move

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 4/27

Residential Services

Application Forms

Transformer Bulletin: Obstruction Free Zone

Residential Customers – Rates and Pricing

Explanation of Electricity Terms on Your Bill

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you serviced by Lakeland Power?

Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Residential Service Application

Note : The Documents are viewed by Adobe® Acrobat Reader. The software can be

downloaded free of charge by clicking on the icon to the right.

Close Move

Ontario Clean Energy Benefit (OCEB)

About the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit (Ontario Regulation 495/10)

Amended Ontario Regulation 495/10

Medical Self-Declaration Form

OCEB Frequently Asked Questions

Close Move

Customer Education Insert

May Bill Insert: Take Charge

May Bill Insert: Attention, Please Read

Bill Message March 2014

Archived Bill Messages

Close Move

Documents

The links below provide access to acquire and print the documents. These documents are revised and

updated from time to time and the most recent versions are posted on this site.

Conditions of Service Collection Overview

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 5/27

Disconnection/Reconnection Policy Security Deposit

Accessible Customer Services Policy Continuous Service Agreement

Note : The Documents are viewed by Adobe® Acrobat Reader. The software can be

downloaded free of charge by clicking on the icon to the right.

Close Move

Privacy Policy

At Lakeland Power, we respect our customer's rights to personal privacy. It has always been our priority to

safeguard any information provided by our customers, and we are committed to full compliance with the

Privacy Laws that relate to our business.

We collect personal information, primarily from our customers and from other sources, to:

Set up and administer your account;

Bill and collect for amounts owing;

Verify credit worthiness;

Respond to your inquiries about energy use and billing;

Inform you about the electricity market and rates;

Provide you with support services such as safety information and timely notification of plannedoutages;

Meet legal and regulatory requirements.

You may also decide to provide us with an alternate contact name and number to help serveyou better.

We do not sell your personal information. In order to measure our performance and develop service

improvements for you, we may conduct surveys. To do so we may disclose your information to third parties,

who are bound by confidentiality contracts to use the information for the sole purpose of the survey. If you do

not want your information used in this way please contact us and we will withhold it.

It is important that your information is accurate. You have the right to your information, and the opportunity to

correct anything that is not accurate. Please contact our Privacy Officer if you require further information.

Close Move

Deposit Policy

The Ontario Energy Board issued on August 3, 2004, amendments to the Distribution System Code to

standardize consumer security deposit policies of all electricity distribution companies. All licensed

electricity distributors in the province must comply with the provisions of the Code as a condition of license.

All new residential and general service customers will be required to pay a security deposit unless the

customer has a good payment history with Lakeland Power of:

1 year in the case of a residential customer;

5 years in the case of a non-residential customer in a <50 kW demand rate class;

7 years in the case of a non-residential customer in any other rate class;

– or –

the customer can provide a letter of reference confirming good payment history from anotherdistributor or gas distributor in Canada;

and the customer registers for the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan.

Cash, cheque and Pre-Authorized Payment are acceptable forms of payment for a security deposit and

payment arrangements are available. The maximum amount of security deposit that a customer is required

to pay is calculated using 2.5 times the estimated bill based on the service premises average monthly load

in the most recent 12 consecutive months.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 6/27

in the most recent 12 consecutive months.

A customer is deemed to have a good payment history, unless the customer's account has record of any of

the following incidences:

more than one disconnection notice from Lakeland Power;

more than one cheque given to Lakeland Power by the customer has been returned forinsufficient funds;

more than one pre-authorized payment to Lakeland Power has been returned for insufficientfunds;

a disconnection/collection trip has occurred.

Lakeland Power reserves the right to collect a security deposit from existing customers if any of the above

conditions occur and the customer is deemed to have developed a poor payment history.

Lakeland Power shall review every customer’s security deposit at least once every calendar year to

determine whether the amount of the security deposit is to be returned to the customer or adjusted based on

a re-calculation of the maximum amount of the security deposit.

Note : Security deposits may be adjusted upward and customers will be required to pay this additional

amount at the same time the customer’s next regular bill comes due.

Deposit interest shall accrue monthly on security deposits made by cash or cheque commencing on the

receipt of the total deposit. The interest shall be at the Prime Business Rate as published on the Bank of

Canada website less 2 percent, updated quarterly. The interest accrued shall be paid at least once every 12

months, on return of deposit, or closure of the account, whichever comes first, and will be credited to the

account to offset other amounts owing by the customer to Lakeland Power. Credit balances shall be

returned to the customer within six weeks of closure of the account.

Failure to pay the security deposit as required will result in the immediate implementation of Lakeland

Power’s collection policy process which may lead to the discontinuation of electrical service.

Close Move

Implied Contracts

Lakeland Power has an implied contract with every customer connected to our distribution system. Anyone

who uses or takes electricity that we deliver is responsible to pay for it. The terms of the implied contract are

outlined in our Conditions of Service, our Distribution License, our Rate Schedules, the Ontario Energy

Board Distribution Rate Handbook, the Retail Settlement Code, the Standard Supply Service Code and the

Distribution System Code, which are amended from time to time. Lakeland Power prefers to have a signed

application from every customer to ensure that the setup and administration of your billing account is correct

and so that we may effectively manage the delivery of electricity services to you.

Any implied contracts for the supply of electricity will be binding upon heirs, administrators, executors,

successors and assigns of the person(s) who took or used electricity supplied by Lakeland Power.

Close Move

Payment Options

Pre-Authorized Payment is the easiest method of payment available. You will still continue to receive your

monthly Lakeland Power bill. The total amount due is withdrawn automatically from your bank account on the

due date shown. To enroll, please mail or deliver a completed enrolment/authorization form and a void

cheque to our office listed below. Enrolment/authorization forms are available on this website in the

Residential or General Service Customer Information segments.

Most Financial Institutions offer telephone or internet banking and payments can be made via either of these

methods as well. Please note that your account number is a total of 8 digits and all 8 digits must be

recorded to properly credit the correct account with payment. Lakeland Power assumes no liability for the

electronic transfer of funds to incorrect account numbers. Also please note that if you move within Lakeland

Power’s service territory, your account number will change and you will have to register your new account

number with your Financial Institution for telephone or internet banking.

VISA and Mastercard payments are now accepted by Lakeland Power. Paymentus Corporation, a third party

electronic bill payment service provider, will process all of our credit card payments. This new payment

option is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers who use this payment option will be

charged a processing fee of $4.95 for each payment made up to a maximum of $250. If your payment

exceeds this $250 maximum, you will have to process more than one payment. Each payment will incur a

$5.95 processing fee.

To make a credit card payment, you have 2 options:

To pay online, click

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 7/27

To pay online, click

To pay using the automated telephone system, call the toll free number at 1-866-417-2810

You may also pay your Lakeland Power bill by cash, cheque or money order. Use our convenient drop box at,

or mail payment with the remittance stub to: Lakeland Power, 200 - 395 Centre St N, Huntsville, Ontario, P1H

2M2. A drop box is also located at our office at 196 Taylor Road in Bracebridge, Ontario.

We strongly recommend that you do not put cash into any of our drop boxes.

Payment can also be made in person at most Financial Institutions again with presentment of the

remittance stub at the time of payment.

Note : Payments mailed or paid at a Financial Institution may take several days to reach us. To avoid late

payment charges, please ensure that we receive your payment before the due date.

Close Move

Late Payment Charges/Overdue Interest

Lakeland Power requires that you have 21 days from the billing date on your statement to get your payment

to us, although bills are due upon receipt. The Ontario Energy Board has approved a 1.5% monthly interest

charge (19.56% annually) to be applied to accounts not paid in full by the due date

Close Move

Disconnection and Reconnection

Lakeland Power may disconnect or restrict the amount of electricity you consume if you default on any of your

obligations under our Conditions of Service, including non-payment of your electricity bill. We may also

disconnect or restrict the amount of electricity you consume if we have reason to believe that our equipment

has been tampered with at your service address or if we believe that there is any threat to personal safety or

to the reliability of any part of the distribution system. Lakeland Power will also disconnect the electricity by

order of the Electrical Safety Authority. Reconnection or restoration of the electrical service will occur only

after the reason for disconnection or restriction is remedied. There are fees associated with disconnection

and reconnection services, which are listed under Miscellaneous Charges in our Rate Schedule.

Lakeland Power will not be responsible for any damage or inconvenience which may be caused by the

disconnection or restriction or reconnection of the electrical service.

Close Move

Power Interruptions

Lakeland Power’s service territory is among the most heavily forested areas in the province, and with

reliance on supply from Hydro One Networks, sometimes events beyond our control may cause power

interruptions or voltage irregularities. Lakeland Power cannot guarantee a continuous or constant supply of

power and will not be liable for any damages caused by a power outage or surge. Planned interruptions to

your electricity service do occur, and while we do our best to provide you with advance notice, sometimes we

may be unable to do so; and in such situations, the interruptions have to proceed as planned. Lakeland

Power will not be liable for any damages or inconvenience caused during such planned outages.

Close Move

Closing Your Account

If moving, it is the customer’s responsibility to notify Lakeland Power and make the necessary arrangements

for termination of service and provide forwarding address information. If you are moving within Lakeland

Power’s service territory you must submit an application for the new service address as well. Lakeland

Power requires at least 2 days notice to allow us time to read your meter and issue your final bill.

Close Move

Transformer Bulletin: Obstruction Free Zone

During routine maintenance, our staff has noted several locations where customers have planted various

combinations of trees, shrubs and plants around pad-mounted transformers. Please note that there is an

obstruction free zone, as indicated in the detail below, around pad-mounted transformers that must be

maintained for public and worker safety. If you have any questions regarding this bulletin, please contact our

Engineering and Operations Department at (705) 645-2670.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 8/27

Note:

1. For all instances, including townhouse complexes, a 3.0 m clearance shall be maintained from

trees, hydrants and above grade utility structures.

2. Any and all objects within the obstruction free area are subject to removal without any prior notice

should operational or emergency conditions exist.

3. The distributor shall not be held responsible for any costs associated with the removal or resulting

damage to any objects within the obstruction free area. (The developer/owner assumes all

responsibility for encroaching within the obstruction free area.)

Printable Version of "Transformer Bulletin"

Close Move

Residential Customers – Rates and Pricing

Effective June 1, 2011, Lakeland Power’s residential customers switch to the Regulated Price Plan

(RPP) Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing. For these customers, electricity consumed will be priced at On-peak, Mid-

peak and Off-peak rates depending on when electricity was consumed. These rates are set by the Ontario

Energy Board (OEB). For further details, please check the OEB website press release. Every six

months rates may change based on an updated OEB forecast and any difference between the amount

consumers paid for electricity and the amount paid to generators.

On your bill, Electricity charges are shown separately from Delivery, Regulatory (industry-related), Debt

Retirement and Other Miscellaneous charges. Volumetric charges ($/kWh) are calculated on metered usage

(shown as usage on your bill) or on adjusted usage (metered usage multiplied by the OEB approved

adjustment factor, currently 1.0585%). For further details, please see the section “Explanation of Electricity

Terms on Your Bill” posted on this website.

Electricity Charges Effective Nov 1st 2013 - Apr 30th 2014 Off-peak : 7pm - 7am weekdays & all day on weekends and holidays $0.072/ kWh [2]

Mid-peak: 11am - 5pm weekdays $0.109 / kWh [2]

On-peak : 7am - 11am / 5pm - 7pm weekdays $0.129 / kWh [2]

Delivery Charges

Customer Charge $21.72/ mth

Distribution $0.0180 / kWh [1]

Transmission Network $0.0062 / kWh [2]

Transmission Connection $0.0045 / kWh [2]

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 9/27

Transmission Connection $0.0045 / kWh [2]

Regulatory Charges

SSS Administration $0.25 / connection / mth [3]

Wholesale Market Services $0.0056 / kWh [2]

Debt Retirement Charge [one of the following]

All other Lakeland Power $0.0070 kWh [1]

Old Town Proper Bracebridge $0.0046 kWh [1]

[1] calculated on metered usage

[2] calculated on adjusted usage

[3] if you have enrolled with a retailer, the $0.25 Standard Supply Service (SSS) Administration charge is

deducted from the Regulatory Charges on your bill

C lose Move

Application Forms

The links below provide access to acquire and print the forms. These forms are revised and updated from

time to time and the most recent versions are posted on this site.

Application forms must be completed and submitted by mail or in person to the address below:

Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd.

200 - 395 Centre St N

Huntsville, ON, P1H 2M2

Note: If you are not able to view or print the application forms from this website, you can pick them up at our

office located at the address specified above.

Pre-Authorized Payment Plan

For applicants applying for the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan with Lakeland Power.

Residential Service Application

For applicants applying for Residential Services with Lakeland Power.

Note : The Documents are viewed by Adobe® Acrobat Reader. The software can be

downloaded free of charge by clicking on the icon to the right.

Close Move

Explanation of Electricity Terms on Your Bill

Electricity : This is the cost of the electricity supplied to you during the billing period and is the part of the bill

that is subject to competition. The electricity consumed is multiplied by the adjustment factor.

Adjustment (Loss) Factor : When electricity is delivered over a power line, it is normal for a small amount of

power to be consumed or lost as heat. Equipment, such as wires and transformers, consumes power

before it gets to your home or business. The adjustment factor accounts for these losses.

Delivery : These are the costs of delivering electricity from generating stations across the Province to

Lakeland Power then to your home or business. This includes the cost to build and maintain the

transmission and distribution lines, towers and poles and operate provincial and local electricity systems. A

portion of these charges are fixed and do not change from month to month. The rest are variable and

increase or decrease depending on the amount of electricity that you use. These charges are made up of

the following:

Customer Charge : A fixed monthly charge to recover costs such as meter reading, billingand account maintenance.

Distribution Charge : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recover the cost to deliverelectricity through Lakeland Power’s distribution network.

Transmission Network : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recover the costs oftransporting electricity from the generators to Lakeland Power across the high-voltage

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 10/27

transporting electricity from the generators to Lakeland Power across the high-voltagetransmission grid.

Transmission Connection : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recover the cost toconnect Lakeland Power’s distribution network to the transmission grid.

Regulatory Charges : Regulatory charges are the costs of administering the wholesale electricity system

and maintaining the reliability of the provincial grid. These charges are made up of the following:

SSS Administration Charge : A fixed monthly charge to recover administrative costs ofproviding Standard Supply Service.

Wholesale Market Service Charge : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recoverthe costs charged by the IESO to operate the Provincial electrical system and Rural RateProtection.

Debt Retirement Charge : The debt retirement charge pays down the debt of the former Ontario Hydro.

Global Adjustment: This charge\credit is applicable only to Non-RPP consumers and consumers who have

signed with a Retailer. The price of generation in Ontario is set by a competitive market. Certain generators

receive payments through regulation or contract that differ from the market price. Your portion of the net

adjustment arising from these different payments is included on your bill (if applicable).

P.A.P. : Pre-Authorized Payment.

Standard Supply Service : Where consumers have not chosen to sign a contract with a licensed retailer,

Lakeland Power, as required by the OEB, will provide the electricity.

For more information please visit the Ontario Energy Board at www.oeb.gov.on.ca

Close Move

Application Forms

The links below provide access to acquire and print the forms. These forms are revised and updated from

time to time and the most recent versions are posted on this site.

Application forms must be completed and submitted by mail or in person to the address below:

Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd.

200 - 395 Centre St N

Huntsville, ON, P1H 2M2

Note: If you are not able to view or print the application forms from this website, you can pick them up at our

office located at the address specified above.

Pre-Authorized Payment Plan Commercial Service Application

Declaration for Multi-UnitResidential Premises

Declaration for Bulk Metered ResidentialCondominium Corporations

Note : The Documents are viewed by Adobe® Acrobat Reader. The software can be

downloaded free of charge by clicking on the icon to the right.

C lose Move

General Service < 50 kW Customers – Rates and Pricing

Effective June 1, 2011, Lakeland Power’s General Service < 50kW customers switch to Time-of-use pricing.

For these customers, electricity consumed will be priced at On-peak, Mid-peak and Off-peak rates

depending on when electricity was consumed. These prices are part of the Ontario Energy Board's (OEB)

Time-of-use pricing. For further details, please check the OEB website press release. Every six months

prices may change based on an updated OEB forecast and any difference between the amount consumers

paid for electricity and the amount paid to generators.

On your bill, Electricity charges are shown separately from Delivery, Regulatory (industry-related), Debt

Retirement and Other Miscellaneous charges. Volumetric charges ($/kWh) are calculated on metered usage

(shown as usage on your bill) or on adjusted usage (metered usage multiplied by the adjustment factor).

For further details, please see the section “Explanation of Electricity Terms on Your Bill” posted on this

website.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 11/27

website.

Electricity Charges Effective Nov 1st 2013 - Apr 30th 2014

Off-peak : 7pm - 7am weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays $0.072 / kWh [2]

On-peak : 7am - 11am / 5pm - 7pm weekdays $0.129 / kWh [2]

Mid-peak : 11am - 5pm weekdays $0.109 / kWh [2]

Delivery Charges

Customer Charge $48.64 / mth

Distribution $0.0120 / kWh [1]

Transmission Network $0.0057 / kWh [2]

Transmission Connection $0.0042 / kWh [2]

Regulatory Charges

SSS Administration $0.25 / connection / mth [3]

Wholesale Market Services $0.0056 / kWh [3]

Debt Retirement Charge [one of the following]

All other Lakeland Power $0.0070 kWh [1]

Old Town Proper Bracebridge $0.0046 kWh [1]

[1] calculated on metered usage

[2] calculated on adjusted usage

[3] if you have enrolled with a retailer, the $0.25 Standard Supply Service (SSS) Administration charge is

deducted from the Regulatory Charges on your bill

C lose Move

Transformer Bulletin: Obstruction Free Zone

During routine maintenance, our staff has noted several locations where customers have planted various

combinations of trees, shrubs and plants around pad-mounted transformers. Please note that there is an

obstruction free zone, as indicated in the detail below, around pad-mounted transformers that must be

maintained for public and worker safety. If you have any questions regarding this bulletin, please contact our

Engineering and Operations Department at (705) 645-2670.

Note:

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 12/27

Note:

1. For all instances, including townhouse complexes, a 3.0 m clearance shall be maintained from

trees, hydrants and above grade utility structures.

2. Any and all objects within the obstruction free area are subject to removal without any prior notice

should operational or emergency conditions exist.

3. The distributor shall not be held responsible for any costs associated with the removal or resulting

damage to any objects within the obstruction free area. (The developer/owner assumes all

responsibility for encroaching within the obstruction free area.)

Printable Version of "Transformer Bulletin"

Close Move

Explanation of Electricity Terms on Your BillElectricity : This is the cost of the electricity supplied to you during the billing period and is the part of the bill

that is subject to competition. The electricity consumed is multiplied by the adjustment factor.

Adjustment (Loss) Factor : When electricity is delivered over a power line, it is normal for a small amount of

power to be consumed or lost as heat. Equipment, such as wires and transformers, consumes power

before it gets to your home or business. The adjustment factor accounts for these losses.

Delivery : These are the costs of delivering electricity from generating stations across the Province to

Lakeland Power then to your home or business. This includes the cost to build and maintain thetransmission and distribution lines, towers and poles and operate provincial and local electricity systems. A

portion of these charges are fixed and do not change from month to month. The rest are variable and

increase or decrease depending on the amount of electricity that you use. These charges are made up of

the following:

Customer Charge : A fixed monthly charge to recover costs such as meter reading, billingand account maintenance.

Distribution Charge : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recover the cost to deliverelectricity through Lakeland Power’s distribution network.

Transmission Network : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recover the costs oftransporting electricity from the generators to Lakeland Power across the high-voltagetransmission grid.

Transmission Connection : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recover the cost toconnect Lakeland Power’s distribution network to the transmission grid.

Regulatory Charges : Regulatory charges are the costs of administering the wholesale electricity system

and maintaining the reliability of the provincial grid. These charges are made up of the following:

SSS Administration Charge : A fixed monthly charge to recover administrative costs ofproviding Standard Supply Service.

Wholesale Market Service Charge : A variable charge, based on your usage, to recoverthe costs charged by the IESO to operate the Provincial electrical system and Rural RateProtection.

Debt Retirement Charge : The debt retirement charge pays down the debt of the former Ontario Hydro.

Global Adjustment: This charge\credit is applicable only to Non-RPP consumers and consumers who have

signed with a Retailer. The price of generation in Ontario is set by a competitive market. Certain generators

receive payments through regulation or contract that differ from the market price. Your portion of the netadjustment arising from these different payments is included on your bill (if applicable).

P.A.P. : Pre-Authorized Payment.

Standard Supply Service : Where consumers have not chosen to sign a contract with a licensed retailer,

Lakeland Power, as required by the OEB, will provide the electricity.

For more information please visit the Ontario Energy Board at www.oeb.gov.on.ca

Close Move

An Important Message from Lakeland PowerLakeland Power is very concerned about the tactics used by some Energy Marketers/Retailers as they go

door-to-door, selling electricity contracts.

Some Retailers may be giving the false impression that they represent Lakeland Power.

Lakeland Power delivers the electricity to your home or business. We do not sell or retail electricity nor do we

have representatives going door-to-door.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 13/27

have representatives going door-to-door.

If you have any concerns about the conduct of an Energy Retailer, please contact the Ontario Energy Board.

Email: Click Here

Phone: 1-877-632-2727 (toll-free within Canada)

1-416-314-2455 (from outside Canada)

Close Move

Purchasing Electricity from Licensed Retailers Like interest rates or gas prices, future electricity prices cannot be predicted with absolute certainty.

Contracts can add an element of certainty because they allow you to lock in your electricity costs for the term

of the contract. Despite the many benefits a contract can provide, you should learn about your options todetermine whether signing a contract is right for you.

Not all retail contracts are the same - most offer a fixed price over a period of time or, for businesscustomers with interval meters, contracts can provide a fixed price for a block of kilowatt hours. Before you

sign a contract, read it carefully so you are aware of all terms and conditions. Ask questions if anything is

unclear, or if you are unsure.

Consumers may choose to enter into a retail contract for a variety of reasons. In many cases, consumers

pay a premium because they want the price stability and predictability that a contract provides. Retailers mayalso offer services with a retail contract, such as energy-saving programs, energy audits, equipment

maintenance or the option to have a portion of the rate support renewable energy projects.

To learn more so you can make an informed decision about purchasing electricity, please visit the Ontario

Energy Board website.

Ontario Energy Board

C lose Move

Smart Meter Installation – Backgrounder

Lakeland Power started the roll-out and installation of smart meters throughout our service territory June 1,

2009. We anticipate the entire mass installation will continue on through the remainder of the year.

An information package on smart meters will be provided at each residence when the installation has been

done.

Residents who have an outside meter do not need to be home when the meter exchange is being done. You

do not have to present your hydro bill or sign any contract.

Homeowners are asked to ensure the area around their current electricity meter is clear and easily

accessible.

If the meter is located inside, you will be contacted to book an appointment.

The time involved in installing the smart meter will vary from location to location, but is estimated to take an

average of 10-15 minutes.

The installation process is most locations will not be difficult because smart meters typically fit into the

same standard meter base used by current meters.

For the safety of the installation crew, there will be a short power interruption during the meter exchange.

Clocks and timers will need to be reset but the brief interruption should not affect the temperature inrefrigerators and freezers. We apologize in advance for this inconvenience.

Once the new smart meter is installed, homeowners are not required to take any further specific steps forthe meter to work.

Until the “time of use” rate structure is implemented, there will be no immediate change to how the electricityrates work and how Lakeland residents are currently billed for electricity.

Ontario is introducing smart meters – along with a “time-of-use” (TOU) electricity price structure – to helpconsumers manage their electricity costs, while helping Ontario to build a more efficient, more

environmentally sound electricity system. Between now and 2025, Ontario will replace about 80 percent of its

electricity system.

Smart meters measure hourly electricity use, so electricity prices can be different at different hours of the

day. That better matches the way prices work in the electricity market.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 14/27

day. That better matches the way prices work in the electricity market.

Residents cannot choose whether or not to have a smart meter. Smart meters will be standard province-

wide. Under Ontario’s Smart Meter Initiative, residential and small business electricity consumers acrossthe province will receive a smart meter by 2010.

Please contact us if you have further questions.

Close Move

Here's the path information takes from your smart meterto your electricity bill.

Smart Meters

On an hourly basis, the amount of electricity you use is tracked by the smartmeter on your home.

CollectorsEach day, this hourly information is sent by wireless connection or through telephone or power lines to adata collector located in your neighbourhood.

Meter Data CollectionThese collectors relay energy usage information to larger control computers operated by your LocalDistribution Company (Lakeland Power) which ensure that all the meters have been read and all thenecessary information has been captured.

Meter Data Collection

These collectors relay energy usage information to larger control computers

operated by Lakeland Power which ensure that all the meters have been read

and all the necessary information has been captured.

Smart Meter Data RepositoryLakeland Power will then send this information to the provincial smart meter data repository whichcalculates how much electricity was used during on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak hours. In its role asinterim Smart Metering Entity, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is responsible formanaging this repository. This energy use information will also help in the development of electricityforecasts and will help the Ontario Energy Board determine future time-of-use prices. Only authorizedparties, such as Lakeland Power, will have access to the highly secure database.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 15/27

Customer Information and BillingInformation from the data repository is sent back to Lakeland Power and other billing agents so it can beused to prepare invoices.

Home Energy ManagementHomeowners will have access to their energy use data in two ways: Lakeland Power invoices willprovide consumption data each billing cycle; and in many communities, the previous day's energyconsumption information will be available each morning on a secure personalized web page. Thisinformation allows you to manage your energy use based on time-of-use prices.

Close Move

SMART METERS FAQs

SMART METERS

What is a smart meter

How different is it from my old meter?

What do smart meters look like?

Will someone need to come into my house to install it? Do I need to take time off work?

How long is it going to take them to install?

Will my electricity be switched off? Will it affect tiers in my house? will the food in my freezerbe OK?

Why has the Province mandated the use of smart meters?

Why does our Peak Demand matter so much?

What will my smart meter do?

Will I be able to monitor my electricity consumption?

Where will all the meter data be stored?

Will my electricity bill automatically go down once I have a smart meter?

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 16/27

Will my electricity bill automatically go down once I have a smart meter?

Will my electricity bill go up?

What are some examples of how I can save energy with a smart meter?

Will everyone get a smart meter?

Will I receive a smart meter if Im currently with, or moving to, a retailer? Will I pay Time-of-Use prices?

How are smart meters being introduced?

Are smart meters just for residential customers or will businesses get them too?

I live in an apartment/condo, will I have one?

Are smart meters the same as load management (peaksaver) devices?

Will I be able to see the Time-of-Use (TOU) rates or my hourly consumption data on mymeter?

TOU RATES

What are Time-of-Use (TOU)rates?

What are the benefits of TOU rates?

TOU sounds complicated.

Im a Senior, Disabled Person and/or Stay-at-Home Parent who is home during weekdays.Will I be disadvantaged by TOU prices?

I run a business thats open mostly in peak and mid-peak times. Wont these rates cost memore?

How do I make all this work for me?

When will I be moved over to TOU pricing?

What are the Time-of-Use rates going to be?

Close Move

Smart Meters

Installation Backgrounder

Smart Meters Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

The Energy Information Loop

Visit 10 Smart Meter Lane

Smart Meters: A New Way to Think About Electricity

C lose Move

What is a smart meter?

A smart meter looks like the meter you have now, except the display isdigital and there are no dials. It records how much electricity was usedand when it was used (typically hourly) and communicates thisinformation automatically via wireless and other technologies.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 17/27

Close Move

How different is it from my old meter?

The old meter has dials and measures the total amount of electricityused in a billing period, typically one or two months, so customers donot have the ability to track their electricity consumption. This isbecause old meters were read manually; new meters are read remotely.

Close Move

What do smart meters look like?

Smart meters look like standard meters (except with an LCD display andno dials) and fit into a standard meter base. No modifications of yourequipment will be necessary to accept a smart meter.

Close Move

Will someone need to come into my house to install it? Do I need totake time off work?

If you have an outside meter you do not need to be home. If your meteris inside your home, we will need to book an appointment with you.

Close Move

How long is it going to take them to install?

It takes approximately 10 minutes to install the smart meter.

Close Move

Will my electricity be switched off? Will it affect timers in my house?Will the food in my freezer be OK?

For the safety of our crews, a very short interruption (1-2 minutes) willoccur during the meter change but this should not affect thetemperature in your freezer. As with any power interruption, you will

need to reset clocks and timers on all equipment.

Close Move

Why has the Province mandated the use of smart meters?

Between now and 2025, Ontario must build almost a whole newelectricity system. This includes replacing about 80 per cent of ourcurrent generating facilities as they retire over time, and expanding thesystem to meet future growth. Building new supply is vital. So isconservation. That's why the Government of Ontario is introducing newtools like smart meters that will encourage all of us to think more abouthow and when we use electricity.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 18/27

Smart meters measure hourly electricity use, so electricity prices can bedifferent at different hours of the day. That better matches the wayprices work in the electricity market, and will encourage us to thinkmore about how and when we use electricity. As we move consumptionaway from the more expensive (peak) times of the day, we can helpOntario reduce its peak demand, which can help limit the building andoperation of peak generating facilities.

Close Move

What will my smart meter do?

The smart meter system provides a number of significant benefits.

1. Measures how much energy you use and when you use it -providing you with the opportunity to take action to reduce yourenergy bill by:

Lowering your electricity use during peak (higher price)periods; and

Shifting your electricity use to lower price periods.

2. Stores electricity use information - providing you the opportunity toreview your electricity use information the next day through theinternet.

3. No more estimated electricity bills - smart meters willautomatically and regularly send your meter readings via wirelessand other technologies.

4. Faster response to outages - smart meters will eventually tell uswhen your power is out.

5. Reduces need to build power generation facilities - as all Ontariansshift energy use away from peak periods.

Close Move

Will I be able to monitor my electricity consumption?

In the future, you will be able to access your meter data through theInternet and/or telephone. With the implementation of smart metersand future Time-Of-Use rates, customers will have the information theyneed to make decisions about how and when they use electricity.

Close Move

Where will all the meter data be stored?

The Government of Ontario's current plan is to develop an independentmeter data repository. All Local Distribution Companies (like LakelandPower) would transmit customers' hourly smart meter data to thecentral meter data repository on a daily basis.

Close Move

Will my electricity bill automatically go down once I have a smartmeter?

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 19/27

Smart meters will not automatically result in energy cost savings.However, when teamed with time-of-use rates, your smart meter willprovide you the opportunity to better manage your electricity bill byreducing electricity use during higher price periods and by moving yourelectricity use to lower price periods.

Close Move

Will my electricity bill go up?

That will depend, in part, on you. Once you’re billed on a Time-of-Usebasis, depending how and when you use electricity, you may pay a bitmore or less or see very little difference. With Smart Meters, those whowork to conserve and shift their usage to off-peak, weekends orholidays may benefit the most. Currently those customers see nopricing advantage no matter what time of the day they use power.

Close Move

What are some examples of how I can save energy with a smartmeter?

Shift your electricity usage to periods when the prices are lower

Do laundry on weekends and wash in cold water

Turn the dishwasher on after 10 p.m. and select the Economy

setting and air dry cycle

Lower your electricity usage during periods when the pricesare higher

Set the air-conditioning a few degrees warmer during theafternoon

Turn appliances such as the computer, radio and TV offwhen they're not in use

Most common but sometimes forgotten, turn lights off whennot in use

Close Move

Will everyone get a smart meter?

As an initiative of the province of Ontario, all homes and businesseswill be equipped with smart meters by 2010. Smart meters will bestandard province-wide.

Close Move

Will I receive a smart meter if I’m currently with, or moving to, a

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 20/27

Will I receive a smart meter if I’m currently with, or moving to, aretailer? Will I pay Time-of-Use prices?

Yes, you’ll receive a smart meter. Your electricity rates, however, willbe determined by the terms and conditions of the contract you chooseto sign.

Close Move

How are smart meters being introduced?

Smart meters will be installed at homes where the existing meter needsto be upgraded. The goal is that everyone in Ontario will have one byDecember 31, 2010.

Close Move

Are smart meters just for residential customers or will businessesget them too?

Residential and business customers will both have smart meters. Manybusinesses already have smart meters.Close Move

I live in an apartment/condo, will I have one?

Yes, if you have an individually metered apartment or condominium (i.e.you receive a bill for electricity from Lakeland Power).

Close Move

Are smart meters the same as load management (peaksaver®)devices?

No. Load management uses a peaksaver switch that is attached toyour air conditioning, electric water heater, and pool pump. The controlswitch interrupts power for brief periods of time to reduce the amountof electricity being used during provincial peak demand periods.

Close Move

Will I be able to see the Time-of-Use (TOU) rates – or my hourlyconsumption data on my meter?

No, TOU rates and consumption data do not appear on the meter. Yoursmart meter will show total consumption, just as the old meter. Youwill, however, have access to your meter data – up to the previousday’s data – via the internet.

Close Move

What are Time-of-Use (TOU) rates?

Time-of-use rates refer to electricity prices, which vary based on whenelectricity is used. That includes by time of day, by day of week

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 21/27

electricity is used. That includes by time of day, by day of week(weekdays versus weekend), and by season (winter or summer).

TOU rates better reflects the way the electricity market works.Electricity prices rise and fall over the course of the day, and tend todrop overnight and on weekends, based on the amount of supplyavailable and our levels of demand.

Close Move

TOU sounds complicated.

It’s true that, at first, you’ll need to be more aware of how and whenyou use energy, but over time, it will simply become a habit. Smartmetering will give you better information and a tool to help you makeinformed decisions about your electrical usage. Once you review this

information on the internet through the TOU portal, you’ll be able todevelop the best strategies for you.

Close Move

I’m a Senior, Disabled Person and/or Stay-at-Home Parent who ishome during weekdays. Will I be disadvantaged by TOU prices?

Time-of-Use prices have not been designed to penalize those customerswho, for various reasons may have difficulty shifting consumption or areusing a very small amount of power. Testing and piloting under time-of-use pricing to date has shown that for most customers, if they do notchange their behaviour, then they will pay about the same price forelectricity that they did under the current tiered pricing model.

This is due in part to the fact that there are over 3 times as many off-peak hours (93) as there are on-peak (30) in a given week. In otherwords, for every hour that your fridge is running on-peak, there arethree off-peak hours when you’re paying significantly less than thecurrent tiered rates.

In this way, the time-of-use prices tend to off-set one another so thatcustomers are not penalized by this rate but are still given incentives toshift some of their peak consumption if they are able.

Close Move

I run a business that’s open mostly in peak and mid-peak times.Won’t these rates cost me more?

TOU rates better reflect what it actually costs to provide electricity atvarious times of the day, so to the extent that you can shift someelectricity usage to off-peak time, you’ll save. Many businesses can alsoreduce their electricity bill through conservation and improved energyefficiency.

Close Move

How do I make all this work for me?

You’re encouraged to take advantage of the new electricity consumption

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 22/27

You’re encouraged to take advantage of the new electricity consumptioninformation that will be available to you via the internet, and toconsider strategies that work for you.

Lakeland Power will notify you when you can access the TOU web portalto view your personalized electricity consumption, current to theprevious day, on a secure web site. Your regular electricity bill will alsoshow your total electricity consumption in each pricing period (on-peak,mid-peak, and off-peak) over the month. Together, this will give youkey information about when you’re using the most electricity, and you’ll

be able to see how your electricity usage patterns affect your bills.

Close Move

When will I be moved over to TOU pricing?

Lakeland Power will notify you in advance prior to moving you over tothe new TOU pricing structure.

Close Move

What are the Time-of-Use rates going to be?

Effective May 1, 2009, the Ontario Energy Board's (OEB) time-of-usepricing includes:

Three different electricity rates

Highest price (On-Peak) - refers to when demand is highest

Mid price (Mid-Peak) - refers to when demand is moderate

Lowest price (Off-Peak)- refers to when demand is lowest

Note: Electricity prices change every six months (May and November).Click here to see the latest rates.

Visit 10 Smart Meter Lane

Explore the interactive house that calculates how you can benefit byshifting electricity use.

Close Move

TOU sounds complicated.

It’s true that, at first, you’ll need to be more aware of how and whenyou use energy, but over time, it will simply become a habit. Smartmetering will give you better information and a tool to help you make

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 23/27

metering will give you better information and a tool to help you makeinformed decisions about your electrical usage. Once you review this

information on the internet through the TOU portal, you’ll be able todevelop the best strategies for you.

Close Move

Why does our “Peak Demand” matter so much?

Supplying electricity at peak times (those timeswhen we’re all using a lot of electricity) has arange of impacts:

It adds to our electricity costs becausehigher demand often means higher marketprices.

It’s hard on the environment because moreof the less attractive forms of generationmust be run to meet them.

It adds to the amount that Ontario needs toinvest in the system because meeting thepeaks means building even more newgenerating facilities, and more transmissionand distribution infrastructure—and that alsoadds to electricity costs.

Close Move

What is a kWh?

A kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the unit of measure for electricity. A kWh is defined as the usage of 1000 watts for 1

hour. That means that for 1 kWh (about 11 cents) you can run a 100 watt light bulb for 10 hours

Close Move

If I have more than one person inquiring or doing business on my account, what is required by Customer

Service before they can discuss my account with another person?

Strict new federal privacy legislation is in effect to ensure that personal customer information is protected. If

more than one person will be inquiring or doing business on an account, the account holder must givespecific permission to allow this. You will be asked to identify the person or persons you are authorizing by

name and birth date. If this information is not in our files, we will not release any information to the person

inquiring

Close Move

I have recently moved and was asked for a security deposit on my hydro service. I have not been asked

for a deposit before, why now?With the restructuring of the industry, the legal right to lien an unpaid hydro bill against a property was lost.

Deposits are now requested from all new customers. Deposits can be waived for customers who are able

to supply a Deposit Waiver from another electrical or gas utility and who sign up for our Pre-Authorized

Payment Plan.

If you are an existing customer and your account remains in good standing, you will not be required to pay a

security deposit. However, if you fail to maintain a good payment history we will require a deposit to continue

service.

Interest is paid on security deposits. Residential customers who maintain a good payment history for one

year will have their deposits and accumulated interest credited to their regular hydro account.

Commercial customers must maintain five years of good payment history and our larger Industrial

customers must maintain seven years.

If we still hold a deposit when an account is finalized, the deposit is applied to the final bill and any excess is

returned to you.

For complete details of our Deposit Policy, please consult our Conditions of Service.

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 24/27

For complete details of our Deposit Policy, please consult our Conditions of Service.

Close Move

What is the Account Set Up Charge shown on my first bill?Any new account, or change in name or occupancy of an account, is subject to an Account Set Up Charge as

approved by the Ontario Energy Board.

Close Move

How often am I billed?

All accounts are billed monthly and you will receive your bill around the same time every month.

Close Move

How can I pay my bill?

There are a number of options:

Sign up for our Pre-Authorized Payment Plan so that your bill is paid automatically from yourbank account every month.

Through an ATM, telephone or the internet, depending on the services offered by yourFinancial Institution.

Mail a cheque or money order to our office.

Pay in person at your local bank branch.

To pay with VISA or Mastercard click here

Place a cheque or money order into the Drop Box at our offices in Huntsville or Bracebridge.For security reasons, do not place cash in the Drop Box.

Pay in person at our office with cash, a cheque, money order or debit card. 200-395 Centre St N, Huntsville, ON, P1H 2M2Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pmToll Free: 1-888-282-7711Phone: 705-789-5442

Close Move

Can I pay in advance? I am going to be away for a couple of months.

You can pay any amount at any time, assuming your account is up to date. However, to ensure that your

account does not fall into arrears while you are away, we advise that you use our Pre-Authorized Payment

Plan as a better alternative.

Close Move

Can I pay my electricity bill automatically?Yes you can by signing up for our Pre-Authorized Payment Plan. This enables the funds to be electronically

transferred from your bank account to pay for your current bill. You will still receive a bill in the mail as you

normally do and the money will automatically be removed from your bank account on the due date of the bill.

Close Move

I

Close Move

How do I read my traditional meter?

Your meter will have either 4 or 5 dials which look like little clocks. A picture of these clocks is shown on our

meter reading cards if you have one. Try to read the meter as close to eye level as possible. Look at each

individual clock and record the position of the dial from left to right. If the hand is between two numbers,

always record the lowest one. If it is between the 0 and the 9, record a 0. If you have trouble interpreting the

meter, draw the hand positions on the bill or the card and call our Customer Service department, we would

be pleased to assist you.

Close Move

Why is my bill so much higher than my last bill or my neighbours' bill?

The main reason is that different households have different patterns of electricity use and patterns within the

same household also differ from time to time. Take an inventory of the electrical appliances in your home.Have you added or changed an appliance? Do you have extra people living with you? Have you had visitors

for an extended period of time? Have you been using an appliance more, such as an air conditioner during a

hot summer; a plug-in electric heater to supplement your furnace during a cold winter; a clothes dryer; or a

hot water tank for extra showers when more people are present? Have you added an appliance such as a

computer or an extra fridge? All of these appliances will increase your electricity usage

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 25/27

Close Move

Is an Equal Payment Plan available to me?

Yes, an Equal Payment Plan is available on request. The plan is designed to help you average out your

electricity payments over the year. The payments are recalculated periodically and you will be notified if a

change is necessary. However, you must monitor your balance to ensure that you are not developing a large

credit or debit balance. Your equal payment amount can be changed at any time by calling our office. Please

note our Equal Payment Plan is not available to customers who sign with a Retailer.

Close Move

What uses the most electricity in my home?

Hot water tanks, air conditioners, and space heaters, in addition to your large appliances such as

refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers and dishwashers are the biggest contributors to your energy bill.

Other items such as pool pumps, pool heaters and hot tubs, also consume a large amount of electricity.

Close Move

Where does my electricity come from?

The majority of electricity that you use today is generated within Ontario. It is produced in a variety of ways:

hydro-electric dams; nuclear fission plants; coal/oil (fossil fuel) fired plants; natural gas plants; and a variety

of other methods including wind, chemical, solar power and the burning of waste.

Close Move

What causes a short or a long term power outage?

Electrical appliances that utilize a motor or compressor such as a vacuum cleaner, refrigerator, freezer,

clothes dryer or washing machine can cause the lights to flicker for an instant when the appliance starts.

This is perfectly normal.

However, if you notice that your lights are continually flickering throughout your entire house, or if you have

power in only part of your house, please call our office during normal working hours and speak to a

Customer Service Representative who may refer you to our Technical Services department.

Throughout Lakeland Power’s service territory, we have buildings called distribution stations. These are

small buildings that contain the equipment needed to regulate, monitor and control the supply of electricity

throughout the area served by that station.

If something happens on a wire that disturbs the supply of electricity, the station senses it, much like fusessense trouble in your home. During this disruption, you see either reduced electrical voltage (dim lights) or

no electricity at all. The stations' equipment will re-energize the line. If the problem continues, the station will

then shut down the line and energize the section via an alternate route. As a result, the electricity is

interrupted for a few seconds while this happens.

Falling tree branches are a good example of how this works. During a storm or high winds a branch may

break off and land with one end on the ground and the other on the wire. This creates a "short circuit" which

the station reacts to. Eventually the branch falls completely to the ground so that the line is clear. The station

reenergizes when that happens after a 2 or 3 second break in service.

Periodically customers can experience a brief 5-second power interruption to their electrical service. This

power interruption is our distribution system protection scheme operating to protect the system from

abnormal conditions, as a result of storms, equipment failures, vehicle accidents and wildlife contacts.

Close Move

Who can I buy my electricity from?

As an electricity consumer you currently have a few choices:

You can buy your electricity from an Ontario Energy Board Licensed Electricity Retailer at afixed price, for a fixed term. This contract covers only the electricity portion of your bill. TheDelivery, Regulatory and Debt Retirement charges will not be affected.

If you are a residential or small commercial customer you may purchase your electricity fromyour Local Distribution Company and pay the price regulated and set by the Ontario EnergyBoard.

If you are a large commercial or industrial customer you may opt to pay the WeightedAverage Price. This price is set hourly by the Independent Electricity System Operatordepending on market conditions and will differ on each bill.

C lose Move

Do I have to sign a contract with an electricity Retailer?

No, it's your choice. Follow this link to the OEB website for consumer protection information if you are

considering signing with an elecricity Retailer. If you choose to remain with your Local Distribution Company

4/30/2014 Lakeland Power > Customer Information

http://www.lakelandpower.on.ca/CustomerInformation/tabid/137/Default.aspx 26/27

considering signing with an elecricity Retailer. If you choose to remain with your Local Distribution Companyyou will be billed at the Regulated Price Plan rates set by the government. To smooth electricity prices and

protect you from day to day price volatility, the Ontario Energy Board will reassess the price for rates every six

months to ensure that the amount you pay for electricity is closer to the actual amount paid to generate the

electricity.

Close Move

Can an electricity contract with a Retailer be cancelled once it has been signed?

Once a contract has been signed, it may be cancelled providing the customer gives notice in writing within

10 days of signing.

Consumers should shop around and compare offers before deciding whether or not it is beneficial to

contract with a licensed electricity Retailer.

Close Move

Can I be transferred to a new supplier without my knowledge or approval?

The offer must clearly state whether your contract can be transferred to another electricity Retailer or not. Ifyour contract is transferred to another Retailer, you must be notified of the new Retailer's name and contact

details within 30 days of the transfer.

The Ontario Energy Board has the authority to investigate Retailers, cancel or suspend licenses, and shut

down Retailers who operate illegally.

Close Move

Will my power be interrupted if a Retailer cannot fulfill their contractual obligation?

No, Lakeland Power Distribution Ltd. will continue to supply electricity to your home or business, at ourstandard rates

Close Move

Payment Options Pre-Authorized Payment is the easiest method of payment available. You will still continue to receiveyour monthly Lakeland Power bill. The total amount due is withdrawn automatically from your bankaccount on the due date shown. To enroll, please mail or deliver a completed enrolment/authorizationform and a void cheque to our office listed below. Enrolment/authorization forms are available on thiswebsite in the Residential or General Service Customer Information segments.

Most Financial Institutions offer telephone or internet banking and payments can be made via either ofthese methods as well. Please note that your account number is a total of 8 digits and all 8 digits mustbe recorded to properly credit the correct account with payment. Lakeland Power assumes no liabilityfor the electronic transfer of funds to incorrect account numbers. Also please note that if you movewithin Lakeland Power’s service territory, your account number will change and you will have toregister your new account number with your Financial Institution for telephone or internet banking.

VISA and Mastercard payments are now accepted by Lakeland Power. Paymentus Corporation, a thirdparty electronic bill payment service provider, will process all of our credit card payments. This newpayment option is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers who use this paymentoption will be charged a processing fee of $5.95 for each payment made up to a maximum of $250. Ifyour payment exceeds this $250 maximum, you will have to process more than one payment. Eachpayment will incur a $5.95 processing fee.

To make a credit card payment, you have 3 options:

To pay online, click

To pay using the automated telephone system, call the toll free number at 1-866-417-2810.

You may also pay your Lakeland Power bill by cash, cheque or money order. Use ourconvenient drop box at, or mail payment with the remittance stub to: Lakeland Power, 200 -395 Centre St N, Huntsville, Ontario, P1H 2M2. A drop box is also located at our office at 196Taylor Road in Bracebridge, Ontario.

We strongly recommend that you do not put cash into any of our drop boxes.

Payment can also be made in person at most Financial Institutions again with presentment of theremittance stub at the time of payment.

Note : Payments mailed or paid at a Financial Institution may take several days to reachus. To avoid late payment charges, please ensure that we receive your payment beforethe due date.

Home | About Us | Customer Information | Links | Contact Us | Power Outages