TORONTO, Ont. The introduction of Smart meters and time-of-use pricing has not been effective in energy conservation.
That's according to a new report by our Province's environmental commissioner.
The Time-of-Use system began in 2011. Hydro customers are charged for their power consumption based on when they use power along with how much they use.
The rate structure is a provincial initiative designed to make the electricity market more environmentally friendly.
But studies by two Ontario energy agencies concluded the system is reducing or shifting consumption from peak periods by only two to five per cent.
Thunder Bay Hydro President Rob Mace says there needs to be a greater differential between the peak and off-peak pricing.
Mace adds that a three-to-one ratio would give customers a greater incentive to stick to the peak and off-peak times.
Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller is calling for a change to four-to-one, or even five-to-one.
(TBT News)
