I received a note today from Toronto Hydro. They informed me they've replaced my hydro meter with a smart meter (I had no idea I had a dumb meter before).
This smart meter, will, of course, tell the Hydro company exactly when I use and abuse electricity.
I am really good, most of the time.
I do my laundry on the weekends, and usually after 10 p.m.
I only keep the light on in the room I'm in at the time.
I have my thermostat programmed, so I can save even more.
My electronics are on power bars with timers.
Etc.
I didn't realize, however, that Hydro has different peak periods in the Summer and in Winter.
I also wasn't aware that electricity prices change every six months (in May and November).
As of May 1st, 2009, for everyone who now has the Smart Meter, this is what the Time of Use prices will look like:
- Off Peak; lowest price of 4.2c
- Mid Peak: mid price of 7.6c
- On Peak: highes price of 9.1 c/kWh
As you can see, it's a huge difference. More than double, between off and on peak.
The lowest rates are usually nights, weekends and holidays.
As far as the Hydro company is concerned, we have TWO seasons. Summer and Winter.
(They're sort of right, I guess....) ... so this is how the rates apply...
SUMMER SEASON - (May 1 to October 31)
10 p.m., to 7 a.m., you will be charged OFF Peak rates.
7 a.m. and 11 a.m., you will be charged Mid-Peak Rates.
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. you're on the PEAK rates.
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., you're back to Mid rates, and so on....
In the WINTER MONTHS (November 1 to April 30), the peak periods change as follows:
7 a.m. to 11 a.m. - ON PEAK (highest rates)
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - MID Peak
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - ON PEAK (highest rates again)
8 p.m. to 10 p.m. - MID PEAK
10 p.m. to 7 a.m. - OFF PEAK
Did you know that:
- 1 load of laundry in the washing machine, during Peak hours can cost you .71c, but that it can cost only about .33 c in Off Peak hours?
- that using your electric stove for ONE family meal can cost you .46c, instead of .21c?
- your central a/c can cost about .25c per hour at 25 degrees, and about .29c per hour at 20 degrees?
So, install a couple of overhead fans in the rooms you use most often, and keep your central air working as little as possible, or it could cost you dearly, especially if you're now on a smart meter.
You can track your usage at www.torontohydro.com/tou
Keep your costs low and you will help to reduce the need for additional power; and you can help the environment at the same time.
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Toronto Real Estate by Sylvie Conde, Broker
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage 416-966-0300
(Independently Owned & Operated)
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
416-966-0300 Office
416-564-7431 Direct
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