Supporting Customers

OSHAWA, ON – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues we all are adjusting to the new norm. The virus has affected every person and business in some way. At a time when we are learning to cope we are also, coming together as a community.

With more and more people, working from home and students conducting home study, Oshawa Power recognizes it is more important than ever to keep the lights on. With many households and businesses experiencing income reductions steps have been put in place to assist account holders.

• The Province of Ontario has adjusted the Time of Use Rates to the lowest rate available, 10.1¢/kWh 24 hours a day until May 7, 2020.
• Oshawa Power is not disconnecting any residential or small commercial customers for non-payment until further notice.
• Policies have been adjusted to allow for payment flexibility and payment extensions where needed.
• A new payment arrangement form was added to the website, allowing customers to request an extension or advise when they can make a payment, from the comfort and safety of their homes. This form can be found at: https://www.oshawapower.ca/extension-request/

“Supporting our customers, both residential and commercial, is of paramount importance during the pandemic. We will do whatever we can to help our customers achieve successful outcomes, which in turns supports our Oshawa economy. Oshawa needs their local businesses in operation when this is all over”. says Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO, Oshawa Power.

Your Safety is Their Priority

Oshawa Power continues to operate at full capacity, ensuring the reliability and continuity of Oshawa’s electricity supply. The electrical industry is one that already has extensive safety procedures in place and Oshawa Power is recognized as a top safety performer. Oshawa Power has adjusted normal practices to protect our workers and the community from COVID-19. Some of the measures put in place include:

• Physical Barriers – Social distancing (moving workstations, holding virtual meetings)
• Personal Protective Equipment – providing sanitizing wipes, gloves, and hand sanitizer to employees
• Proper Procedures – Extra cleaning and sanitizing; limiting outside guests coming into our building; self screening stations; and asking the public not to approach our field crews or trucks

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Oshawa Power has had no reported cases of COVID-19 in the workplace. They will continue to remain vigilant and keep barriers in place that keep staff and the public safe. Public safety and employee safety are always their top priority.

Connected to the Community

Oshawa Power employees are committed to looking after the Oshawa community amidst the current circumstances.

• Supporting the City of Oshawa’s project to increase security in the downtown via telecom solutions
• Supporting Lakeridge Health in efforts to set up a mobile testing site
• Providing telecom solution support to the Back Door Mission
• Participating in the City’s Telephone Townhall for local small businesses
• Being a member of the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force for the City of Oshawa
• Supporting All or Nothing Brewery in their efforts to convert production to hand sanitizer for the frontline workers.
• Member of the Downtown Oshawa BIA – Business Improvement Association
• Member of the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce

Using their supply chain process Oshawa Power provided N95 masks and PPE for community partners such as:

• Carea Health Centre
• Community Living Oshawa Clarington
• Lakeridge Health Oshawa
• Carriage House Retirement Residence
• Hillsdale Estates Long Term Care Residence
• Hillsdale Terrace Long Term Care Residence
• Extendicare Long Term Care Residence
• Chartwell Wynfield Long Term Care Residence
• Revera Thorntonview Long Term Care Residence
• Cornerstone
• First Light Foundation of Hope
• Denise House
• YWCA Durham
• Back Door Mission

Advocating for Customers

In the industry, Oshawa Power has been actively involved in influencing policies to bring as much relief to our customers as possible. Oshawa Power is currently advocating for the extension of the COVID-19 Rate Relief Program beyond May 7, 2020 through involvement with industry organizations such as:  the Electricity Distributors Association, Ontario Energy Board information sessions and workshops and committee participation with the Independent Electricity System Operator.

As we navigate through these uncertain times, Oshawa Power will be there to keep the power flowing. As the Oshawa community comes together to support each other, be assured that Oshawa Power will be there to support Oshawa residents, businesses, frontline workers, and their employees to get through this pandemic.