Questions You Should Have Answered Before Agreeing to Sign With an Electricity Retailer
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- When can I sign with an electricity retailer?
- What do I need to know to compare retailers' offers or
sign a contract with an electricity retailer?
- What if I have a problem with a retailer?
- Do I have to notify Thunder Bay Hydro if I am planning
to change suppliers?
- In the situation of a rental property, who chooses an electricity supplier - the tenant or the landlord?
- What happens if I change residence or move after I have signed up with a new supplier?
- Can I cancel a contract with a supplier once I have signed it?
- Will I be able to change retailers in order to take advantage of different promotional packages?
- Will I need a new meter if I change suppliers?
- Who will read and maintain the meter at my home or business?
- Will I risk a power outage in the process of switching companies or if my retailer goes out of business?
- Who do I call if I have a service problem, outage or emergency?
1. When can I sign with an electricity retailer?
You can sign with a retailer anytime. Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Hydro will continue to supply you with electricity under the default electricity rates set by the province.
- If you currently are under contract with one electricity retailer, you are likely to pay a buyout to transfer to another electricity retailer.
2. What do I need to know to compare retailers' offers or sign a contract with an electricity retailer?
You will want to know:
- The price the retailer is charging for electricity. Compare this to the "Cost of Electricity" rates section on your current bill -not the total bill. Retailers do not sell distribution or pay other itemized parts of the bill on your behalf. They only sell the commodity of electricity. Learn more by visiting our Rates Page
- Is the price fixed or will it increase or decrease in the future?
- Does the contract require that you transfer your "OPG rebate" to the retailer?
- When is the start & duration of the contract?
- Can the contract be canceled? What penalties or service charges are involved?
- Does the contract cover all or part of the electricity you consume?
- If you are currently an RPP (pay direct cost straight from TBHydro) customer, who will get (or pay) the RPP settlement amount when that arrangement is terminated?
- What obligations will you and the retailer have?
- What is the company's background and business experience in retailing electricity. Take the time to check them out before signing anything.
- Ask to see proof that the retailer has a licence from the Ontario Energy Board.
- Telephone sales will use a recording of your voice as proof of contract - do not agree with anything verbally if you do not understand the full impact of your agreement. Words like "yes" should be replaced with "go on" if you are not specifically asking to be signed up with the retailer.
3. What if I have a problem with a retailer?
Retailers are governed by a Code of Conduct under the Ontario Energy Board.
You should know all your options for buying energy before you commit to any one supplier.
If you have a complaint, you should contact the Ontario Energy Board.
4. Do I have to notify Thunder Bay Hydro if I am planning to change suppliers?
No. The electricity retailer will do this. They will contact Thunder Bay Hydro directly and request your electricity purchases be switched over to them and the date the switch is to become effective.
5. In the situation of a rental property, who chooses an electricity supplier - the tenant or the landlord?
If you have a separate meter and you pay your own electricity bill, you make the choice of an electricity supplier.
If your electricity is included in your rent, the landlord has the choice of electricity supplier.
6. What happens if I change residence or move after I have signed up with a new supplier?
You will want to clarify this when talking to any retailer. When you sign an agreement with a retailer, it is for a specific period of time.
Chances are this agreement will remain in effect when you move, unless your agreement terminates when you change residences. (In this case, the new resident is then able to choose his/her electricity provider.)
7. Can I cancel a contract with a supplier once I have signed it?
The Ontario Consumer Protection Act allows you a 10 day "cooling off" period to change your mind and cancel the contract, in writing, without penalty. To do this, you must send the retailer a letter giving notice you want to cancel by registered mail, fax or by personally delivering it.
Before you sign any contract, make sure you understand the terms and conditions, as this will be a legally binding agreement. You should also ask for a signed copy of the contract.
May sure that you have all contact information whenever you enter into any conversation with a retailer.
8. Will I be able to change retailers in order to take advantage of different promotional packages?
Once you sign a contract with a retailer, it is considered legally binding on both sides for a set number of years. You will have to check the terms of your contract.
9. Will I need a new meter if I change suppliers?
No. Your existing hydro meter remains at your premises.
10. Who will read and maintain the meter at my home or business?
Thunder Bay Hydro continues to maintain meters and provide for meter reading.
11. Will I risk a power outage in the process of switching companies or if my retailer goes out of business?
No. If a retailer goes out of business, even unexpectedly, you will not be left without power. And if you switch electricity providers, your power will continue without interruption.
Power distribution is provided by Thunder Bay Hydro. This is the separate charge you see on your bill for distribution. The same standards of reliability you're used to will be maintained.
12. Who do I call if I have an outage or emergency?
Call Thunder Bay Hydro at 343-1002 (24 hours). We own the local electricity distribution system and are responsible for the power lines and ensuring electricity is delivered to your home/business.
This page last updated 2012-02-06.
