Smart Meters

Do I have a Smart Meter?

Possibly. A Smart Meter Answer Book will be provided to you when the meter exchange takes place.

While some Thunder Bay Hydro customers have dial meters and others have digital meters, we only began installation of Smart Meters within the city of Thunder Bay at the end of April 2009. As of June 15 about one quarter of the city was converted.

What is so Smart about Smart Meters?

Smart Meters communicate your electricity usage wirelessly. This eliminates the need to have a meter reader come to your home.

Smart Meters provide electricity usage on an hourly basis. This allows you to monitor your own homes electricity consumption more closely. It also allows the province to implement changes in the electricity pricing in the future.

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.  The Province's Plan for Smart Meters is explained at the provincial information site.

Learn more about local installations

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 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 future time-of-use rates from their retailer.

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.  

How Will my Home be affected by Future Time of Use Prices?

Check out the ieso interactive site to see what your appliance use will cost during different time periods.

This page last updated 2009-09-30.