Your Local Electricity Distribution Company

Westario Power Inc. is responsible for the delivery of electricity to homes and businesses within our service territory. We take our responsibility to maintain a reliable electricity distribution system for the benefit of all customers very seriously; this includes maintaining overhead wires, underground cables, poles, transformers and the infrastructure needed to operate the electricity network in our service territory. We do not generate, transmit, or retail electricity. Our delivery rates reflect the cost of service to deliver electricity to our customers.

The major components of your electricity bill consist of Electricity, Delivery and Regulatory Charges. Some of these line items have more than one component. These charges are consistent across all areas within the Westario Power service territory and most, but not all charges are based on your electricity usage.

Visit the Ontario Energy Board to learn more about your bill and what each item means.

Account Set-Up Charge

An “Account Set-Up” charge of $30.00 + HST is applied to all customers on their first bill when they establish a new account. This applies both to new customers to the Westario Power service area and to customers who have changed locations within the Westario Power service area. If a tenant moves out and the bill is placed back in the owner’s name during the vacant period, the Account Set-Up Charge will apply unless a Landlord Agreement has been established and Option 1 has been selected (click on “Forms & Applications” tab for more details).

Exclusionary Clause

The utility will make every effort to ensure bills are accurate; however, billing errors can occur. The utility reserves the right to collect under-billed amounts at any time.

Residential Security Deposits

Westario Power Inc. requires a security deposit to keep our rates as low as possible for all customers by decreasing our exposure to unpaid bills.

Less than 25% of your monthly bill is retained by Westario Power to pay for wires, poles, etc., however, we are responsible for collecting the other 75% on behalf of other electricity sector organizations for services such as electricity generation and transmission. Westario Power is required to pay that 75% even before we collect it from customers. Therefore, Westario Power assumes 100% of the risk of non-payment.

Residential security deposits will be calculated using the billing cycle factor (2.5) times the customer’s average monthly load, at the location the customer is moving into, in the most recent 12 consecutive months within the last two years. Where relevant usage information is not available for the customer for 12 consecutive months within the past two years or the billing system is not capable of making the calculation, the customer’s average monthly load shall be based on a reasonable estimate made by the distributor. Deposits will be required only from those new customers who do not demonstrate reasonable credit worthiness, or from those existing customers who have proven poor credit. The distributor shall permit the customer to pay security deposit in 6 equal monthly instalments, the first instalment being due on the implementation of an implied contract or the signing of service agreement. The customer may pay the security deposit over a shorter period of time.

Interest will be credited to the customer account quarterly. The interest rate will be determined based on simple interest paid from the date of the deposit being received. Residential security deposits will be held until the customer no longer requires service, at which time, it will be applied to the customer’s final bill.

Return of the deposit will be considered annually providing the customer’s payment history reflects a one year history of prompt payments and is void of collection action. Deposits are added to the customers’ first bills. Any payment made is allocated first to the outstanding deposit amount required.

Isolation/Re-Energization

To promote electrical safety, Westario Power shall provide a Residential customer an isolation and re-energization, free-of-charge for doing non-electrical maintenance. This service applies only during regular business hours and conditions are such that an Electrical Safety Authority permit is not required.

Non-Electrical Maintenance includes activities within 3 meters/10 feet of the overhead power line or service mast, such as tree trimming, eaves trough installation and repair, painting, siding, brick pointing, roof work or other minor renovations and installing Christmas lights (this service does not apply to construction, demolition or other ‘project-like’ requests).

For more information or to arrange for an isolation and re-energization (disconnection and reconnection), please contact the Operations Team at Westario Power. In order to complete a request for a service isolation, a Temporary Service Disconnection form must be completed.

All other customer classes will be advised of the cost for this service.

Life Support Notification Program

Important Information for Customers Using Life-Support Equipment

While we cannot guarantee uninterrupted power supply, we offer programs and resources to help you prepare for potential outages and understand your rights regarding service disconnection.

Register for Our Life Support Notification Program

If you or someone in your household depends on life-support equipment, we encourage you to enroll in our Life Support Notification Program. By registering, you will receive advance notice of planned power outages, allowing you to make necessary arrangements.

• How to Register:

1. Obtain Medical Documentation: Have your physician complete a form confirming the use of electrically powered medical equipment.
2. Submit the Form: Send the completed form to Westario Power Inc. via email or mail.
3. Confirmation: Once registered, you will be added to our notification list for planned outages.

*Please note: This program does not exempt customers from disconnection due to non-payment.*

Understanding Your Rights: Disconnection Policies

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has established regulations to protect customers using medical devices:

• Medical Documentation:
  • If disconnection poses a risk of significant adverse effects on the health of anyone in the household, and proper medical documentation is provided, utilities must:
  • Provide at least 60 days’ notice before disconnection.
  • Make reasonable efforts to contact the customer at least 48 hours before the disconnection date.

Winter Disconnection Ban: Residential customers cannot be disconnected for non-payment between November 15 and April 30.

Preparing for Power Outages

To ensure safety during unexpected outages:

• Backup Power: Invest in battery backups or generators suitable for your medical equipment.
• Emergency Plan: Develop a plan that includes alternative accommodations or contacts in case of extended outages.
• Stay Informed: Keep your contact information up to date with Westario Power Inc. to receive timely notifications.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance:

Phone: 519-507-6937 or toll free 1-866-978-2746

Email: WPIoperations@westariopower.com

Mailing Address: 24 Eastridge Rd., RR# 2 Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0

Your well-being is important to us. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, you can ensure continued safety and comfort.

Westario Power Inc. uses an automated dialer system to notify registered customers of planned outages. This system also issues reminder calls for upcoming outages and provides 48-hour notice calls before potential service disconnection. Ensuring we have your up-to-date contact information is essential for timely communication.