- Who is Ontario Energy Savings L.P.?
Ontario Energy Savings L.P. (OES) is an independent natural gas and electricity supplier licensed by the Ontario Energy Board. OES is a part of the Energy Savings Group, which is one of the leading energy suppliers in North America. OES provides residences and businesses in the province of Ontario with Natural Gas and Electricity Price Protection Programs that reduce or eliminate their exposure to fluctuating energy prices. top
- What are the benefits of enrolling on an OES Price Protection Program?
By choosing an OES Price Protection Program, you enjoy the peace of mind of having a secured rate, while receiving the same quality of service, delivery and billing from your local utility (please note that you may not be eligible for equal billing with your local utility on our program). By choosing OES as your energy supplier, you are protecting yourself from a fluctuating commodity rate, while retaining the services of your local utility. top
- Are you licensed to market natural gas and electricity in Ontario?
OES is licensed by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to market natural gas under license # GM-2005-0316, and electricity under license # ER–2005-0314. top
- How is my natural gas rate determined now?
If you are not currently on a program with a gas marketer, you are paying a regulated utility rate for natural gas. Your local utility estimates what it anticipates the cost for supplying natural gas will be, and, based on this forecast, the utility proposes a rate to the Ontario Energy Board. Upon approval, the utility will begin charging this rate, and quarterly throughout the year the utility will review and may change the rate to reflect the actual costs of supply. Any discrepancy between the amount the utility received for natural gas and the amount it paid is billed to its customers as an adjustment. top
- How is my electricity rate determined now?
If you are currently using less than 250,000 kWh of electricity per year, or are otherwise considered to be a ‘designated’ consumer, then you are eligible for the Regulated Price Plan (“RPP”). Under the RPP, customers pay for electricity under a tiered pricing structure that may vary every 6 months. If you are not eligible for the RPP, then you are paying the cost of electricity, calculated on a monthly basis as determined by the Independent Electricity System Operator. top
- What is the Provincial Benefit?
The Provincial Benefit accounts for differences between the market price and rates paid to regulated generators, and the costs of generation contracts held with the Ontario Power Authority. This is a credit or charge determined by the Ontario government to be assigned to all Ontario electricity consumers. This adjustment was implemented on January 1, 2005 and the rate is adjusted monthly. The amount calculated and applied by utilities to non-RPP consumer invoices varies based on the meter read/bill cycle for each customer. The Provincial Benefit is set to reflect the difference between the market price and: top
- The regulated rate paid to Ontario Power Generation's baseload generating stations.
- Payments made to suppliers that were awarded contracts through the government's RFP process.
- Contracted rates paid to Non-Utility Generators.
- What is the ONPA or OPG rebate?
The Ontario government established a rebate on 85% of the output of OPG Non-Prescribed Assets (ONPA Rebate). This includes Ontario Power Generation's coal-fired and smaller hydro electric operations. The rebate is set to expire in 2009. The rebate is equal to the difference between the market price and a set capped rate for the OPG output. Monies collected above the set price will be refunded to non-RPP consumers paying the wholesale price and to customers on retail contracts. top
- For the period from May 2007 until April 2008, the rate cap is 4.7 cents per kWh.
- For the period beginning April 2008, the rate cap is 4.8 cents per kWh.
- RPP customers will not receive the rebate directly: it is included in RPP prices. OES customers will receive the rebate directly from OES.
- What is Final Variance Settlement?
For customers on the RPP, the difference between the amount consumers have paid for electricity and the amount that has been paid to generators is tracked in an account. Consumers who move out of province or leave the RPP for a retailer or spot market pricing will need to settle their share of the balance of that account. This may result in a credit or a charge, depending on price of electricity paid to generators.
For customers who remain on the RPP, the amount of the settlement will be rolled into the new pricing set every six months. Customers who protect their price with OES will only pay a one time settlement. top
- How do the Price Protection Programs work?
OES enters into commitments for large quantities of natural gas and electricity under long term agreements and then arranges to supply this energy at a protected rate throughout the term of your agreement. You will continue to receive your delivery of energy and your bill from your local utility. In the case of electricity agreements, there is also a balancing adjustment, as described in our electricity agreements. top
- Can anybody join the Price Protection Programs?
Most Ontario residents reside in utility service areas that are eligible for the OES program. Please contact us for specific information on eligibility. top
- How do I sign up?
You have three options to register for the Price Protection Programs: top
- by signing up with one of the OES contractors canvassing neighborhoods throughout Ontario;
- by calling our customer service department at 1.888.590.9753 to obtain an agreement; or
- by completing our online enrollment form.
- Will I be switching utilities?
No. The switch you are making is only to your commodity supplier: your utility remains the same. top
- Am I going to receive two gas and/or electricity bills?
No, you will still get only one bill. top
- When will my program take effect?
After receiving your gas or electricity agreement and verifying data, OES will contact you by telephone or e-mail to reaffirm your intention to participate in our Price Protection Program. To expedite your enrollment in OES’ program, you may contact our customer service department ten days after signing an agreement ( by phone at 1.888.590.9753, by fax to 905.670.5111 or via e-mail at cs@energysavings.com), and one of our knowledgeable representatives will be pleased to complete your reaffirmation. If we do not or cannot get in touch with you, your agreement may become void. top
- How can I tell if the program has started?
Once the program begins, Ontario Energy Savings L.P. will appear on your utility bill as your energy supplier, along with our toll-free customer service telephone number. top
- What happens at the end of my chosen term?
Ontario Energy Savings L.P. may send you a renewal notice prior to the end of your chosen term. If you do not wish to renew, you must follow the instructions set out in your renewal notice and reply promptly to your notice. To inquire about your renewal date, please contact our customer service department at 1.888.590.9753. top
- Is the program transferable if I move?
Yes! Transferring is easy. If you are a residential customer, simply contact your local utility and provide them with your new address information, and then contact our customer service department at 1.888.590.9753 or e-mail us at cs@energysavings.com and this will ensure that your agreement moves with you. If you are a commercial customer, simply give us a call. top
- Can I cancel at any time?
OES gives me the right to cancel up to 30 days from the date of my first bill under this Agreement. top
- Is there a cost to cancel?
Cancellation rights are set out in your contract. You may cancel within 10 days after you sign and receive a copy of your agreement. Following that cancellation window (and any required reaffirmation), you will be required to remain on the program for the duration of your chosen 4 or 5 year term or you will have to pay Exit Fees. top
- If I have a question, comment or concern about your program or the contractor who came to my door, whom can I contact?
If you have any feedback, please contact our customer service department at 1.888.590.9753 or e-mail us at cs@energysavings.com. top
- What is the Ontario System-Wide Electricity Supply Mix?
| ELECTRICITY FACTS LABEL |
The following chart shows: (i)OES' electricity supply mix with 1 to 5 units of GEOpower; and
(ii)Ontario's system-wide electricity supply mix (2003 data, as determined by the Ministry of Energy). |
| Electricity Sources |
OES' Electricity Price Protection Program with GEOpower(i)
(projected) |
Ontario's Electricity Mix(ii)
(for comparison) |
| 1 Unit GEO (20%) |
2 Units GEO (40%) |
3 Units GEO (60%) |
4 Units GEO (80%) |
5 Units GEO (100%) |
| Water Power |
37% |
50% |
63% |
77% |
90% |
24% |
| Alternative Power Sources |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1% |
| Solar |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Wind |
3% |
4% |
6% |
8% |
10% |
- |
| Biomass |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Waste |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
| Nuclear energy |
31% |
23% |
15% |
8% |
- |
39% |
| Natural gas |
7% |
5% |
3% |
2% |
- |
8% |
| Coal or Oil |
23% |
17% |
12% |
6% |
- |
29% |
| TOTALS: |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
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