OEB forced smart meters despite problems

Ontario TOU Pricing Mandate confirms OEB approval after IESO review, directing electricity distributors to adopt time-of-use rates; smart meters, MDM/R stability, and bill impacts for ratepayers, Toronto Hydro, and Hydro One are highlighted.

The Ontario Energy Board forged ahead with smart meters and time-of-use pricing despite pleas from several electricity distributors to delay the program because of "issues" with performance and stability.

The OEB put the concerns to the Independent Electricity System Operator, and then ordered the distributors to proceed with the mandatory electricity price plan for households.

The order is included in an August 4 memo from the OEB to electricity distributors, which followed new rate plan prices set earlier and was released by the Ontario Conservative Party.

"Representatives of a number of distributors expressed the view that the setting of mandatory TOU dates is premature and inappropriate at this time because of issues associated with the performance and stability of the SME's meter data management and repository during the Smart Metering Initiative transition period already underway across the province," the memo says. "After reviewing the IESO's response, the board is satisfied that deferral of the mandatory TOU dates as set out in the June Proposed Determination is not warranted by reason of MDM/R readiness or performance issues."

TOU pricing, where ratepayers are charged different rates depending on the time that they use the power, including peak-time rates for higher demand periods, has resulted in price hikes to the majority of homeowners, although some people have seen a drop in their bills, according to Toronto Hydro.

It was previously revealed that Hydro One was one of the distributors that raised a red flag about the program amid broader changes for Ontario electricity consumers being discussed at the time.

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