We have had concerns raised by members about the Hydro One delivery charge being applied to customers accounts during the winter when they are not using electricity. The attached CTV article may be of interest.
Click here to read the CTV article.
Hydro One Delivery Charge
Jul 24, 2017 | News | 4 comments
The judge may have been right on a contractual basis, but if a cottage owner is paying higher “seasonal” rates then it’s only fair that they could elect to receive seasonal service and avoid paying for services not being used during the off season. I would understand paying for the smart meter rental fee and some other minor fees during the off season, but not everything.
I had this conversation with Hydro and was told even though no hydro being delivered the delivery charges applied as they had to keep the lines clear, etc.
Didn’t make sense to me or the rep, but that was the official reply. I see they are now advertising a reduced rate for second homes during the normally disconnected period. It is more expensive for them to do the turn off/turn on so perhaps they are getting the message.
Thank you for your comment Jane. Unfortunately this not something that SCOI has any control over.
The article says “To avoid paying the (Delivery) charge, customers should cancel their service and return the equipment.” I’ve been through all the documents I can find, including printed bills and the website they refer to for more details, and cannot find this statement anywhere. How was Van Kempen to know he had to return his meter to avoid Delivery charges for a physically disconnected service? He is correct, you will never win against Goliath, because they will always find a way to deny your claim. If he had disconnected his service, there would be a charge for it, and to have it reconnected. If more than 6 months, you also need an ESA inspection, which you have to pay for (plus any deficiencies they find). I applaud him for taking on Hydro One, but it seems to be another case of being less expensive to bite your lip and take it on the chin.