Oshawa, Ontario – In advance of this year’s Remembrance Day Parade and Ceremony taking place at Oshawa’s Memorial Park, Oshawa Power has raised more than 100 banners honouring and memorializing Oshawa’s veterans.
Each fall since 2017, we have joined together with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 to install these banners recognizing local heroes around the Downtown Core. This year, we had the honour of raising an additional 15 banners, bringing the program’s total count to 101 memorials.
“Oshawa Power is honoured to participate in this initiative with the Royal Canadian Legion recognizing local veterans. We recognize the sacrifices these brave men and women made for our freedom and proudly celebrate them as heroes in our community. Our team takes great pride in helping to grow this program and in ensuring these banners are raised high and treated with great respect each November.”
– Daniel Arbour, President & CEO, Oshawa Power
We offer our sincere gratitude to the brave individuals who fought for our freedoms and for the great nation of Canada. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
“Each year since we joined this program in 2017, we have had the pleasure of hearing from families across Oshawa about what these banners mean to their families. For our team, hearing from these families and playing a small part in recognizing the sacrifices of their relatives is a source of enormous pride.”
– Mike Weatherbee, Managing Director, Oshawa Power
To find out how you can honour a veteran, please visit our Community page.
Honoured Veterans
Thomas Bruce Baird
Eleanor Beck
Shawn Bowe
William Ernest Boyce
Eric C. Branton
Winnifred A. Branton
Elam Brinson
S/Sgt. Alfred C. Brisebois
Ed Brisebois
Ken Brisebois
Nancy C.M. Brisebois
George Brocanier
Orval Earl Brock
Gordon James Brown
Harry Arthur Brown
Norman Edward Brown
William Robert Brown
Frank Buller
Earl K. Campbell
Frederick Edmond Carey
WO2 Don Chapman
Leslie W.B. Childerhose
Edward J. Crawford
George Hayward Crawford
James Convery
John Thomas Dalby
Archie S.D. Dean
James Essex
Kevin Ferguson
Harry L. Ferneley
D. Craig Finney
Douglas J. Finney
Roy Foster
Henryk K. Fraczek
William Roy Gillman
John (Jack) F. Goulding
Edward C. Halcomb
Thomas Hopkins Hammond
Francis Charles Hannan
William Thomas Harding
Joseph Hart
Henry J. “Chick” Hewett
John H. Hodgson
Norman Roy Hodgson
Ben Jacklin
Ted Kelly
George W.B. Kingsland
Lt. Alan Edward King
Bernard Kinlin
James Kinlin
Lawrence Kinlin
Thomas Kinlin
William Kinlin
Gordon H.E. Kitchen
Malcolm W. Knocker
Bill Kurelo
Henry Samuel Lee
William James Lee
Elmer Eirra Lewis
Victor P. Lockie
Sgt. John A. Lowry M.M.
Terry Macdonald
William “Sam” Magee
John Manning
Glen Wm. Maunder
Ted McComb
James Claude McPhee
Ronald W. McTague
Daniel D. Normoyle
Gregory Francis Normoyle
Patrick J. Normoyle
Robert D. Normoyle
Robert James Normoyle
Harold H. Nugent
WO1 Fred Palmer
John Edward Parr
Major Zane Piekenbrock
Henry Hatton Price
Harold Power
Maurice Bruce Proctor
Alexander Reid
Calvin Cecil Reid
James Reid
Ronald F. Rice
Allen W. Robinson
James M. Scott
George James Simmons
Cecil Henry Smith
William James Somerville
Gordon Thomas Stacey
Evan Strait
Charles William Taylor
Frederick Charles Taylor
Walter Taylor
Bedford David Thomson
Davey Thompson
Private Nelson Train
Harry A.C. Turner
Charles Alfred Wells
Gren Williams
Fredrick William Willis
Earl “Bus” William Wilson
Robert E. Woodward
Bishop Alfred Woolcock
The Unknown Soldier
Along with the shift to Winter Time-of-Use hours and Tier limits, Oshawa Power customers will see changes to the Electricity portion of their hydro bills starting this November. In line with the Ontario Energy Board’s directive, we are announcing the following changes to electricity rates, effective November 1, 2023.
Time-Of-Use (TOU) Pricing:
New TOU Pricing Effective November 1, 2023.
PRICE PERIOD
PRICE
Off-Peak
¢8.7/kWh (+¢1.3)
Mid-Peak
¢12.2/kWh (+¢2.0)
On-Peak
¢18.2/kWh (+¢2.9)
TOU Pricing usage periods will also shift to winter hours on November 1, aligning with seasonal energy consumption patterns.
Tiered Pricing:
New Tiered Pricing Effective November 1, 2023.
USAGE TIER
PRICE
Tier 1
¢10.3/kWh (+¢2.0)
Tier 2
¢12.5/kWh (+¢2.2)
Residential Tiered Pricing customers will also see a shift to winter tier limits and be charged Tier 1 rates for their first 1,000 kWh of usage, followed by Tier 2 for additional consumption during their billing period. Non-residential Tiered Pricing customers will still have a Tier 1 limit of 750 kWh of consumption.
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) Pricing:
New ULO Pricing Effective November 1, 2023.
PRICE PERIOD
PRICE
Ultra-Low Overnight
¢2.8/kWh (+¢0.4)
Weekend Off-Peak
¢8.7/kWh (+¢1.3)
Mid-Peak
¢12.2/kWh (+¢2.0)
On-Peak
¢28.6/kWh (+¢4.6)
In addition to electricity rate changes, Oshawa Power customers will see the Ontario Electricity Rebate increase from 11.7% to 19.3%. This rebate is automatically applied to each customer’s bill and is intended to help make electricity bills more manageable.
These adjustments reflect various factors, including market conditions and provincial investments in building a sustainable, and reliable, energy future for Ontario. Customers can expect an impact on their bills; however, the exact effect will vary based on individual usage patterns.
We understand that these changes may pose challenges for some of our customers. Oshawa Power offers Financial Assistance programs designed to help those who may be struggling to manage their bills. More information about available programs can be found at www.oshawapower.ca/assistance.
Winter Energy Savings Tips:
As the temperature drops and winter approaches, here are a few high-impact tips that can help you improve efficiency and save on energy costs:
Prevent Drafts
Check for gaps around your windows and doors, and apply caulking or weather stripping to seal them. This simple step prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.
Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats allow you to customize your heating schedule to help you save on heating costs at night or when you are not home.
Let the Sunshine In
Sunlight is a free way to warm your home! During the day, open the blinds and let in the rays. Close your blinds at night to keep the warmth inside.
Insulate Your Home
Proper insulation in your attic and walls can significantly reduce heat loss.
Maintain Your Heating System
Regular maintenance ensures your heating system runs efficiently, reducing energy consumption. A simple seasonal filter replacement can maximize efficiency and keep the air clean in your home.
Unplug Electronics
Even when turned off, electronics can draw power. Unplug chargers and devices not in use to save energy.
Oshawa Power is committed to providing the information customers need to make informed decisions about their energy consumption and pricing plans. For more information on Customer Choice and pricing plans available to our customers, visit www.oshawapower.ca/customer-choice.
Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).
With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.
The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).
Find out if an EV could be right for you!
Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!
We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.
Today’s guest: The Advocate
Name: Derek
EV Owner Since: 2013
EV: Chevrolet Volt
What made you choose an EV?
Partly because I love technology, and partly because I’m a gearhead. I had a Pontiac G8 with the 6.0L V8 and while it was awesome for so many reasons, it was also $700 a month in fuel costs with my job driving around. The appeal of near instant torque in a chassis that has more storage space, excellent winter driving aspects, far lower maintenance, and an overall reduced cost of ownership brought me into the world of EVs. Surprisingly, I don’t miss ICE vehicles as much as I thought I would (although the Blaupunkt stereo in the G8 was pretty darn good).
Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?
I installed a Level-2 charger in my garage, which despite being a century home, had 240v already out there thanks to the previous owner being a welder. Aside from that, plugging in at the end of the day became as commonplace as putting on a seatbelt in the morning. Waking up to a “full tank” was a bit of a switch for me! I did, however, start staying at hotels or shopping at malls that had charging stations set up, since it would make more sense for me to drive there, park, get a charge usually for free, as a way to get me to stay at that place longer.
What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?
The typical reactions are usually just questions… lots and lots of questions, myths to be debunked, and always questions about the winter time driving aspects. Canadians love talking about the weather, so I get it! In the past, when I first got an EV, they weren’t as commonplace or available from every manufacturer as they are today, so the reactions back then were almost of ridicule (“hope you have a long extension cord for when you run out!” Or “hope you enjoy your golf cart!”). There’s definitely been a change in the reactions as costs of living have gone up, gas prices have remained high, so now the reactions are more along the lines of “hey, that holds that much cargo? Is it fast? Where can I get one?”
What is your typical charging routine?
ABC – Always Be Charging. One of the benefits of the car I drive (and many other EVs) is that when it is plugged in, it charges up what is necessary, and also regulates all of the voltage of every cell. Thermal management also happens, so on very cold nights, some coolant can flow through the pack to keep the batteries nice and warm for the next day’s drive, rather than doing so when I start it up and have to sacrifice some range in order to heat up the pack. Plus, I’m a sucker for always having the full range available every time I get in, so I just plug it in whenever I park in my garage.
What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?
It’s improving, it was stagnant for a long while, but I’ve attributed that to the Chicken or the Egg dilemma. Businesses and governments don’t want to pay to install lots of charging stations if there’s not enough cars that will use them, and people don’t want to buy the cars if there’s no where to charge. Lately, however, the amount of chargers I see locally and outside of the area has been growing very fast! That’s great! I hope to see the sudden influx of new charging stations be just the thing to convince someone that now they can finally look at their next vehicle possibly being an EV.
What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?
November of 2020, I had to host a conference in Thunder Bay, but being 2020, I drove instead of a flight that was unavailable at the time. My seats were warm, the steering wheel toasty, and the sights along the upper edges of Lake Superior I highly recommend people do at least once in their life.
Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?
Absolutely! The electric bill did increase, but it was still just a fraction of the cost I was spending in gas per month. Literally a small fraction! To this day, I’d rather spend $40 more in electricity vs the close to $700 I was spending in gas costs. Then you factor in the lack of belts, alternator, starter, a traditional air conditioning unit, brake pad maintenance, the list goes on. Now, it’s not all rosy, there is still one significant change I’ve noticed… it turns out I like the electric torque being nearly instant. And I use it. A lot. Which in turn, means I have to look at tires a little bit more often than I used to, but that’s all on the driver!
Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?
I’ve personally not faced any challenges, at the end of the day, a car is a car. The functions are all the same, “drive and reverse” is still “drive and reverse” on the gearshifter. There are a number of apps available that help locate nearby stations, and vehicles like the ones from GM that were aforementioned can even plan routes along your journey that include stops based on stations. It’s really no different than people knowing instantly where a nearby gas station is, because they’ve seen it before and they’ve used it. It’s part of their memory, now. With an EV, it’s new to you, so you have something new to find, but once you look around, you’ll start to find that in some areas there’s more charging stations than gas stations.
What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?
Near instant heat in the wintertime after starting the vehicle (known as preconditioning) from my watch. Coming out to a clear car that has had the snow melt off and it’s toasty inside? Priceless. The flat cargo space means my car can hold more than some other compact SUVs. The low centre of gravity from the battery pack being down low gives exceptional handling for the type of vehicle it is, with a good balance from front to rear. That really helps for winter driving, where weight balance and a system that can have a more finite control of stability systems comes to life. Beyond that, I just enjoy not thinking about it any more as an EV or something different, and I think that’s the point… it becomes just another car. Hopefully others will get to that point as well, where our transportation isn’t solely defined by the method of fueling it up, be it gasoline or electrons.
What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?
Do research on what your needs are, think about your daily commute, and so on. There are a number of great resources for people starting out on their research, like a great organization called Plug’n Drive. Just don’t get hung up too much on the specifics, because at the end of the day it just seems scary or different because it’s new. No one thinks about what goes on inside a gas engine, or how high the PSI is of a fuel injector for a direct injection system is, they just want to know if it’s got decent performance and fuel efficiency. EVs are no different in that regard. Lots of new tech if you’re interested, but also everything you’re already familiar with. It can be complex, but it’s not complicated, so take your time and definitely drive one!
Still not sure if an EV is right for you?
Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestyle!
Oshawa Power, in collaboration with Scout Environmental, a Canadian not-for-profit organization focused on engaging Canadians in sustainable actions, are excited to announce the launch of a digital electric vehicle (EV) education tool designed to support EV awareness and adoption across Oshawa and the Durham Region. With a $110,790 investment through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, Oshawa Power and Scout Environmental launched an interactive guide and awareness campaign aimed to assess and address gaps in EV knowledge in our local community.
As part of its commitment to a low-carbon energy transition, Oshawa Power is committed to supporting education initiatives that work to support EV adoption and encourage the use of electric and alternative-fuel vehicles locally and across Canada through research, innovation, community engagement, and infrastructure development. Powered by Manyways, the interactive digital guide provides valuable information that will help:
Gather expected power usage information from homeowners to assist in current and future grid planning;
Debunk common myths and promote public confidence in EVs by providing basic education on EV options, andcharging methods.
Currently, Oshawa has surpassed 1,000 registered EVs, with 811 BEV and 300 PHEV drivers – and that number is steadily growing. Learn more about EV ownership from local owners and check out the tool at group.oshawapower.ca/moving-forwards.
Quotes
“Oshawa Power is focused on collaborating with partners to develop innovative solutions, such as this digital experience, that inspire public confidence in the ability of our local power distribution system to support the increased demand that will come with widespread transit electrification — a key enabler for increased EV adoption in our community and across the country.”
– Daniel Arbour, President & CEO, Oshawa Power
“The adoption of electric vehicles is one way that Canadians can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and make the transition to a greener economy. Oshawa Power has shown leadership in its commitment to low-carbon energy future, and Scout and our technology partner Manyways are thrilled to be working with them to help Oshawa Power customers better understand and access EVs in their community.”
– Catherine Wood, Program Director, Scout Environmental
“Our government is committed to creating a cleaner and greener economy. Zero-emission vehicles are critical to our strategy to reach net-zero by 2050, but we know that this is a new reality for many Canadians. That is why we are making this investment today, which will help educate Canadians on the new, greener options available to them. Providing more information on EVs to Canadians is a great step to help with the adoption of low-carbon energy alternatives.”
– The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, Member of Parliament for Ajax
Oshawa Power is currently conducting our Customer Satisfaction Survey to gather feedback on issues ranging from electricity pricing to customer communications, service satisfaction, and more.
Oshawa Power has partnered with UtilityPULSE to conduct its 2023 Customer Satisfaction Survey. Beginning in early October, randomly selected customers may receive a telephone call or email invitation from UtilityPULSE requesting participation in the survey.
UtilityPULSE is a reputable opinion research company that has conducted surveys on behalf of utilities across the province, including Oshawa Power, for many years. You can learn more about UtilityPULSE at www.utilitypulse.com.
Our Customer Satisfaction Survey will take approximately 10 minutes of your time, and we would greatly appreciate your participation. This survey is an important tool that helps Oshawa Power gauge the effectiveness of our various services – what we’re doing well and where we might better focus attention to improve our service delivery to customers across Oshawa.
Oshawa Power is excited to announce the introduction of three new initiatives designed to simplify account management, improve data transparency, promote conservation, and help Oshawa residents save on their electricity bills.
To help streamline the customer experience Oshawa Power has launched a new and improved MyOshawaPower customer portal – the next step in simplifying the way customers manage their electricity accounts. This initiative will bring new features to customers enrolled in eBilling and create a ‘one-stop shop’ for all activities related to your electricity account.
The new MyOshawaPower will continue to allow customers to view their electricity consumption, compare usage to past periods, pay bills, receive outage notifications, and much more. These features will be available on a brand new, simplified interface, allowing you to spend less time managing your account whether you are accessing it on the go or from the comfort of your own home.
In addition to providing account-level insights and management, MyOshawaPower will now feature Green Button integration allowing customers instant access and sharing of their personal electricity data, all with the click of a button. Improving the transparency and accessibility of personal data will provide valuable insight into energy habits and encourage the development of conservation and cost-saving strategies for Oshawa Power customers.
“We understand that energy consumption varies drastically between families and businesses and this initiative will help customers further understand how to adjust their individual usage to ultimately increase control over their bills,” said Daniel Arbour, President and CEO of Oshawa Power. “Consumption data can also now be shared third-parties that may help customers develop strategies to reduce energy use or change pricing plans to find savings.”
Along with the implementation of Green Button, the Ontario government’s plan to provide consumers with more ways to keep costs down, save money, and take control of their energy bills includes the introduction of a new Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) pricing plan. The new pricing plan expands on the provincial government’s Customer Choice initiative, allowing customers to choose from three available pricing plans: Time-of-Use pricing, Tiered pricing, and the new ULO pricing. Available to Oshawa Power customers as of October 13, the new pricing plan will encourage consumers to shift their usage to off-peak hours – when provincial demand is at its lowest – by offering the lowest possible price per kWh.
To learn more about eBilling and gain access to MyOshawaPower, click here.
For full Ultra-Low Overnight pricing details, click here.
For more information about the Green Button initiative, click here.
About Oshawa Power
Oshawa Power is dedicated to the evolving needs of our customers as a leading enabler of integrated critical energy and infrastructure. Oshawa Power is wholly owned by the great City of Oshawa.
Oshawa Power is proud to announce that we are charging forward with the introduction of four new Ford F150 PowerBoost hybrid trucks to our light duty fleet.
Serving more than 61,000 customers across 145km2, our fleet plays an integral part in the service we provide to the City of Oshawa. Making up the largest portion of our fleet, our light-duty trucks are used on a daily basis for general transportation and lighter duty work. With the introduction of our new hybrid trucks, crew members will traverse our city with the help of an onboard electric battery powered by regenerative braking. This eco-friendly option will contribute to an increase of approximately 35% in fuel economy over previous fleet vehicles.
“As more and more of our customers make the switch to electric vehicles, we want to learn first-hand how we can transition our fleet to lower emissions and support a greener future,” explained Manager of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) & Fleet, Wade Rowland. “Our goal is to eventually adopt a fully electric fleet, starting with our light-duty vehicles, without compromising our ability to safely complete the heavy duty work involved for our crew.”
Oshawa Power Manager of HSSE & Fleet, Wade Rowland, poses with one of the LDC’s newest hybrid pickups.
Accounting for greater than 30% of Ontario’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, transportation currently ranks as our province’s largest contributor to carbon emissions. With technological improvements and increased availability of low-carbon transportation alternatives, there is a substantial opportunity to create a cleaner future for our community through transportation electrification. As part of our responsibility to a low-carbon energy transition, we are committed to transitioning to a fully-electric light-duty fleet by 2030.
With plans to begin introducing fully electric models as current fleet vehicles reach end of useful life, we will also closely track GHG emissions from our overall fleet in order to effectively monitor and assess the impact of the transition on our overall emissions.
Our new hybrid trucks are not just a symbol of change; they are a tangible embodiment of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. In Ontario, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) can lower GHG emissions from personal transportation by up to 95%. By integrating hybrid, and eventually fully electric, trucks into our fleet, we hope to inspire others in the community to embrace sustainable transportation alternatives and contribute to building a cleaner, more sustainable local community.
Interested in learning more about the Oshawa Power fleet? Take a look under the hood!
Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…
Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).
With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.
The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).
Find out if an EV could be right for you!
Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!
We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.
Today’s guest: The Daily Driver
Name: Haroon
EV Owner Since: 2022
EV: Two Tesla Model Ys
What made you choose an EV?
Knowing that we could save on gas while charging right at home made a lot of sense to us. The beautiful interior and touchscreens on the Tesla Model Y really sold us on them as well!
Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?
The only real change is that long trips can take a little more planning. Finding a charger and setting aside time to charge is a longer process than simply stopping to refuel at a gas station.
What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?
Most people have a lot of questions to ask; how do I save on gas? Why did I buy an EV? What is the range like in the winter? People seem very curious about EVs.
What is your typical charging routine?
Plugging my car in overnight a couple nights a week is generally enough to get me through the week.
What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?
As an Oshawa resident, I’m a bit disappointed that the only Tesla Supercharger in Durham is located in Pickering but I do love the availability of free chargers to top up my car at places like the Oshawa Centre!
What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?
We took a trip to the US to visit family that was about 1,000 km.
Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?
Absolutely! The Tesla app helps me track savings and tells me I have saved about $1,200 in 6 months with our newer Tesla and over $3,000 on our first.
Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?
With the limited availability of Superchargers, there are times where you have to line up and wait but I’ve also experienced that at gas stations on certain occasions.
The biggest challenge we’ve faced is making sure we plan our charging around our schedules. My spouse has forgotten to charge at times before longer distance drives to visit family and has found herself having to go 30 minutes out of her way to find a Supercharger then stop for another 30 minutes to charge. Without proper planning, it can sometimes create a hassle.
What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?
I haven’t had to go to a gas station or Supercharger in the last 6 months with just local driving. Charging at home is very cheap, netting me about 500 km of driving for about $5 of electricity. It will become even cheaper to charge once the new Ultralow Overnight (ULO) rates become available in Oshawa!
What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?
Be sure that you can deal with the minor inconveniences of charging! To charge from empty to full at home can take about 5 hours and 30 to 45 minutes at a Supercharger. Obviously, with gas it is much quicker, but the need for planning is well worth the savings.
Still not sure if an EV is right for you?
Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestlye!
Who are EV owners? The answer might surprise you…
Take a drive around Oshawa’s city streets and you’re bound to spot vehicles of all shapes and sizes, from two-door coupes to lifted pickup trucks to family-friendly minivans. But one increasingly common type of vehicle has started to stand out – the electric vehicle (EV).
With more than 1,000 EV owners across the city (and hundreds more coming and going from towns across Ontario!), it’s no longer rare to spot an EV cruising Oshawa’s roadways. Whether you spot an EV charging at the Oshawa Centre or your attention is captured by a sleek design and near silent operation, you’ve likely found yourself wondering ‘who are EV owners?’.
The answer? Most likely somebody just like you. Gone are the days when EVs were a radical shift from the landscape of traditional personal transportation adopted only by the most ardent and dedicated environmentalists (with deep pockets too!).
Find out if an EV could be right for you!
Our new EV education tool, developed in partnership with Scout Environmental will help you understand more about the realities of EV ownership and how adoption can work for anyone from any lifestyle!
We caught up with local, everyday EV owners to show you that EVs are a realistic and cost effective option for anyone, from any lifestyle.
Today’s guest: The Commuter
Name: Lori
EV Owner Since: 2018
EV: Ford Fusion Energi
What made you choose an EV?
As somebody who commutes just under an hour to work each day, I do a lot of driving. I liked the idea that choosing an EV would help me lower my carbon-footprint and, in 2018 when I purchased the vehicle, there were great incentives to help make it more affordable. As a bonus, gas prices rising has helped me realize some serious savings.
Did you have to make any changes to your lifestyle or driving habits?
I wouldn’t say that I’ve made any lifestyle changes but I’ve definitely become more conscious and connected to the way I drive. I’ve found that I’ve made some small changes like speeding less and braking more gradually to help make my charge last as long as possible. I feel like these changes have also made me a safer driver!
What reaction do you normally get when you tell people you drive an EV?
Most people are really curious to learn more, like they are almost shocked that a ‘normal’ person owns an EV. They usually want to know how it compares to ICE vehicles, how it affects my electricity bills, and are amazed at how quiet the car is.
What is your typical charging routine?
I always plug in when I get home from work and have my charger set up to charge my battery overnight. I’m also lucky enough to have a free charging station right outside my workplace, so I also charge through the work day! As a plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV), my battery has a lot less range than some EVs, but with these two options I can complete most of my daily commute before the gas engine kicks in!
What is your opinion of the local public charging infrastructure?
It has come a long way in Oshawa (where I commute to!) with quite a few level-2 and level-3 chargers available. However a lot of the new installations are level-3 chargers, which my particular PHEV model doesn’t support. It isn’t a big deal for me though because I have the gas engine for backup in a pinch.
What is the longest trip that you have taken in your EV?
The trip wasn’t fully electric but we went on a road trip through Northern Ontario back in 2019 that was over 1,100km.
Have you noticed any savings since you started driving an EV?
Yes, definitely! With gas prices continuing to rise it is probably higher now, but last time I did a quick calculation I estimated that I’m saving about 75% on gas.
Are there any challenges you have faced as an EV driver?
It really hasn’t been too much of a change but it took me a while to find a good mechanic who would help maintain my vehicle. I found that many shops didn’t know how to service them or just didn’t want to deal with them. Luckily, with my EV I’ve found it needs less maintenance in general.
What are the most positive parts of your EV experience?
Honestly, the experience as a whole has been great. I absolutely love how quiet it is, it makes my commute feel very ‘zen’!
Obviously the savings, both for my wallet and the planet, are a huge positive too.
What advice would you give to someone considering purchasing an EV?
Do it! If you are nervous or have ‘range anxiety’ start with a hybrid. They are definitely here to stay and the charging infrastructure is only getting better. Even chain stores and restaurants are jumping on board now. It is definitely worth it to make the switch!
Still not sure if an EV is right for you?
Together with Scout Environmental, we’ve developed a unique digital experience designed to help you understand more about electric vehicles and find out if there is a model that works for your lifestlye!
Are you thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) or making big home renovations that will require an electrical service upgrade?
Whether you are looking for an electrical service upgrade, to connect a new electrical service, or need a temporary service for your construction project, we’ve made the process simple.
While impacts of renovations or added electrical devices on a home or business’ power supply are an oft overlooked issue, it is something you would be well served to understand before completing a project or purchase.
Any new services, upgrades, or temporary supplies must first be approved by our engineering team to ensure everything will be safe, reliable, and to control for potential impacts on connected infrastructure. Before we get into the simple process for submitting your request, let’s look at what these requests are and when you would need to consider a new, upgraded, or temporary electrical service.
New Electrical Service
Applying for a new electrical service is necessary when a new electrical service is required for a property or location not currently connected to our grid. The most common examples include:
New Construction
When a new residential, commercial, or industrial build is complete, a new electrical connection must be established to provide power to the new building or complex.
Subdivisions and Developments
Builders or property developers constructing a new subdivision, multi-residential building, or complex, will need to apply for a new electrical service to ensure that all buildings and/or units are connected.
Agricultural Operations
Farms and other agricultural operations will often need additional electric connections when a new farm, greenhouse, storage facility or other building is added on their property.
Remote or Off-Grid Locations
In areas where our grid currently does not offer service, any customer requiring an electrical connection will be required to contact our team about extending service to the location and setting up a new electrical connection.
Electrical Service Upgrade
Electrical service upgrades are an increasingly common request among our customers. As homes in our city continue to age, many homeowners are recognizing that their electrical service can no longer support their electrical needs.
While there are various reasons a customer may require an upgrade to a higher capacity electrical service, some of the most common reasons include:
Home Renovations and Additions
When homeowners plan to add additional rooms, split an existing home into multiple units, add new appliances, or otherwise plan to increase the electrical load in their home, an upgrade to their electrical service may be required to accommodate the additional demand.
Pool and/or Hot Tub Installations
The addition of a pool and/or hot tub to your backyard may require an upgrade to your electrical service. These systems often draw large amounts of electricity during operation that can create issues with your electrical service if it is not equipped to handle the load.
Heat Pump or Air Conditioner Installation
If you are looking at installing an air conditioning system in your home or are looking to switch away from gas heating to an electric heat pump, it is important to consider the capacity of your current service. These systems can drastically increase demand during peak use and may require an electrical service upgrade.
Electric Vehicle Charger Installation
Making the switch to an EV can be a great way to lower your carbon footprint and save on your personal transportation costs. However, if you plan on installing a Level-2 charger to charge your new EV at home, you will likely need to upgrade your electrical service.
Solar, Battery, or Generator Installation
Whether your goal is to save on electricity costs, lower your carbon footprint, or ensure you have a backup power supply, the installation of these devices can often cause issues with lower capacity services. Before moving forward with installation, it is best to determine if you will need an electrical service upgrade ahead of time.
Temporary Service
A temporary service request is necessary when a customer needs electrical service for a short-term or temporary purpose. Some common situations in which a temporary service request would be required include:
Construction Sites
Contractors and builders will often require a temporary electrical service during the construction or renovation process in order to power their tools, equipment, and any necessary temporary structures.
Special Events
Event organizers hosting outdoor festivals, concerts, or fairs may require a temporary electrical service in order to power for event-related needs such as rides, vendors, stages, etc.
Building Additions
In certain situations, additions to an existing home or building may not be able to connect to the existing service and the owner or contractor responsible for the project may request a temporary service until a permanent connection can be established.
Emergency Situations
When disaster strikes temporary power supplies can be required to help power emergency services and other critical infrastructure in the aftermath.
Temporary Retail
Seasonal or pop-up retail outlets may need temporary electrical service to operate necessary cash registers, lighting, and heating and cooling systems.
Our Simple Process
As always, any electrical work around your home must be completed by a licensed electrical contractor. Some people think DIY electrical work can help save money on a project, but the risk of harm and/or fire are never worth the reward and, in Ontario, hiring a licensed electrical contractor is the law.
The process for an electrical service upgrade, new connection, or temporary power supply can be broken down into these steps:
Application Submission
The first step in the process is to submit an online application to our team. It is important to note that our application requires both your information and the information of your chosen electrical contractor that will help you complete the work. Without your electrical contractor’s information, our team cannot process your application.
Assessment
Once you have submitted your application, our engineering team will reference the information provided and determine the specific requirements for your service request, including the required fees to complete the request.
Installation
Once your application has been approved and any required fees are approved, our team or your licensed electrical contractor can proceed with the necessary work required to complete your request.
Inspection
After completion, your project will undergo inspection to ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are met. Once the inspection is complete, it can be energized and ready to power your completed project!
No matter the type of request, it is important that you work closely with our team and complete all necessary applications before incurring any costs associated with your project. Oshawa Power is committed to keeping our grid as safe and reliable as possible and through following proper processes, we can help make sure your project is completed safely and adheres to all local electrical safety standards.
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