Smart Meter Installations

Why is this Meter Exchange taking place?

The Ontario Government has a goal to install a smart meter in every Ontario home and small business by 2010. Smart meters are a key component of the Province’s overall strategy to reduce electricity consumption and peak electricity use as well as support a conservation culture within the province.

To comply with this, Fort Frances Power Corporation (FFPC) will begin installing a smart meter in local homes and small businesses this year.

How will customers know when they are getting a smart meter?

All customers will receive general notice of the fact that installations are taking place during 2009. FFPC will advertise and installation in each neighbourhood may be spread out over several windows of opportunity during the year.

What is expected during the installation?

Our meter installers will have identification signs in their vehicles and will carry personal identification tags. Please ask to see our installer’s tag – we will be pleased to show our identification.

Look for both these logos on both the vehicle and on the personal ID that will be carried. Any concerns, please call our office at 274-9291.

Our installer will knock on the door before they start. The installation will take only a few minutes to complete. We will need to shut off the home or business power for a short period to complete the installation.

If a customer is not at home, they will proceed with the installation and leave some information to let them know that their smart meter has been installed.

How will I know the difference between the installer and someone who is coming to my door talking about electricity?

Our installers WILL NOT ask to see your customer bill nor WILL THEY ask you to sign anything.

These requests may be from an electricity retailer. Learn more about your energy options.

What changes will the Smart Meter bring?

Nothing will change for you once a smart meter is installed. Your bills will look the same and you will continue to be billed on a monthly basis.

In the future, the province is expected to switch electricity rates over to time of use rates. As we learn more about what changes this will involve, we will inform our customers of what changes they can expect.

Will residents see a smart meter charge on their bills?

The cost of the smart meter initiative will be recovered through the electricity rates paid by all customers in the same way that costs for existing meters and services are recovered today.

A recovery will be applied for to be included in the monthly fixed delivery charge on customer bill. If approved, this rate change may begin in May of 2010.

Is usage information secure and will it remain confidential?

Yes. Smart Meters will send usage information wirelessly.

Ontario’s electricity distribution companies are required, by law, to ensure that the smart meters and communication networks that are put into place are equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access. We must also comply with federal laws regarding the privacy, protection and disclosure of personal information. Any data that is sent to the central data repository will be provided in such a way as to prevent identification of an individual customer.

Will residents see lower electricity bills?

With time-of-use rates, they’ll see the results of their conservation efforts – and save money if they can shift their heaviest use to off-peak hours. We will be in regular communications with our customers about how and when this may be accomplished.

Will a smart meter be installed for those currently with, or moving to, a retailer?

Yes, smart meters will be installed in all residential and small business locations. Rates will be determined by the terms and conditions of the retailer contract that a customer chooses to sign. Customers will need to find out the impact of time-of-use rates from their retailer.

Want to know more?