Category: News Alerts

Media Release

The Corporation of the City of Oshawa

For Immediate Release

Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (Oshawa Power) is one of the first utilities in North America to champion residential solar-plus-storage systems, spearheading innovation in delivery of energy services that can change how we power our customers’ homes and ensure that lights stay on even in the event of grid outages, such as due to extreme weather

OSHAWA, ON – Oshawa Power, in partnership with the City of Oshawa and the Japanese government agency New Energy and Industrial Development Organization (NEDO) is leading the charge for the way utilities will do business and provide economically and environmentally sustainable energy services to their customers in the 21st century. This week, Oshawa Power, along with its partners, will celebrate one of the first several installations of residential solar-plus-storage systems by a utilities company in North America.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on November 20, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the first installation. Tabuchi Electric president and CEO Toshihiro Kaihoshi, Oshawa Power CEO Atul Mahajan and Oshawa Deputy Mayor Nester Pidwerbecki will participate along with other dignitaries in the ceremony at a customer’s home.

The Oshawa Power Solar Storage Pilot Program, which runs at no cost to homeowners, will allow approximately 30 homes in Oshawa to use solar energy at home and store it using a lithium-ion battery for shifting energy demand from on-peak to off-peak and provide backup power supply during power outages. The initiative also supports Ontario’s clean energy generation and energy efficiency policies.

Despite the fact that a wide spread deployment of such a technology could be disruptive to its business model, Oshawa Power is leading the charge, “because, we are in the 21st century and there are technologies now available for us to serve the customer’s needs better” says Oshawa Power CEO, Atul Mahajan. He also added, “We are excited to bring these advanced energy solutions that provide increased reliability with storage back up and efficient and sustainable on-site solar power generation right where our customers need it. Integrating solar and storage with the grid in select homes across Oshawa will allow us to study the technology closely and most importantly develop innovative business models on our path to creating the utility of the future.”

The new solar-plus-storage systems by manufacturer Tabuchi Electric combines an all-in-one solar inverter and lithium ion battery that easily fits inside a home. The system marks a leap forward in reliability, efficiency, and a simple, unobtrusive installation.

“We designed our grid-friendly system to help utilities like Oshawa Power capture the benefits of solar power while also improving customer reliability during power outages. Extreme weather events are becoming more common and solar plus storage system allows continued power supply during these events. We are committed to helping Oshawa and Ontario continue to lead the way in bringing such innovative solutions to its residents, ” said Harumi McClure, Tabuchi Electric Managing Director and General Manager.

About NEDO
NEDO conducts technology projects around the world and promotes the demonstration of new energy, energy conservation and environmental technologies abroad.

About Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation.
Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (OPUC) is an infrastructure assets holding company that provides innovative energy and communication related services through its operating subsidiaries. For more information, please visit www.oshawapower.ca

About Tabuchi
Electric Tabuchi Electric is the leading residential solar inverter manufacturer in Japan and has been a leading power electronics company since 1925.

For more information about the City of Oshawa’s Economic Development Services, visit www.oshawa.ca/business or follow @InvestOshawa on Twitter. For updates on the City, visit www.oshawa.ca or follow “OshawaCity” on: Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contacts:
Paul Ralph
Commissioner, Development Services
905-436-3311 ext. 2403; pralph@oshawa.ca

Cindy Symons-Milroy
Director, Economic Development Services
905-436-3311 ext. 3859; csymons-milroy@oshawa.ca

Nadeige Carter
Oshawa PUC Energy Services
905-743-5207; ncarter@opuc.on.ca

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. encourages customers to be prepared in the event of power outages

OSHAWA, ON – Tuesday October 27, 2015 – The latest weather forecast from Environment Canada for Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. is indicating the possibility of heavy rain and gusty winds for the Oshawa service area starting on Wednesday morning continuing through to Thursday afternoon. Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. will continue to monitor storm models and weather forecasts and is preparing for the forecasted heavy rain and gusty winds, by ensuring line crews and staff are available to respond. Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. will optimize the electrical distribution system prior to the heavy rain and gusty winds as a mitigation strategy.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. is encouraging customers to be prepared for power outages before the power goes out. Emergency Management Ontario and local emergency responders recommend that residents prepare and plan to be self-sufficient for 72 hours in an emergency situation. Please make sure that you have flashlights and batteries available.   Do not use charcoal or a gas barbecue, camping heating equipment or portage generators indoors as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Down hydro lines are considered live, contact our 24/7 telephone number (905) 723-4623 and refer to outage maps on our website at www.oshawapower.ca for updates.

Before you leave home in the event of an outage, please do walkthrough of your home just as you would when going on vacation and make sure all appliances are turned off such as stoves, ovens, coffeemakers, etc.

Stay safe and informed

Just like you, we’re keeping a close eye on the weather. We’re ready to respond if it causes damage and outages in the Oshawa area. Whenever severe weather threatens, it’s important to stay safe and informed.

* Oshawa PUC Networks does not solicit door to door

If you are approached to sign or renew a gas or electricity contract for your home or small business, it’s important to know who you’re dealing with. Energy company salespeople must wear an ID badge and give you a business card.

Four things to remember if you are approached to sign an energy contract:

  • Always make sure you get a business card and look at the salesperson’s ID badge first
  • Don’t share personal information (i.e. your gas or electricity bill) unless you are sure you want to sign a contract
  • Carefully read the contract, disclosure statement and price comparison provided by the salesperson
  • OPUC Networks Inc does not go door to door

Watch the video below from the Ontario Energy Board

[gdlr_video url=”https://youtu.be/Q5srRp8doRM” ]

Power Savings Blitz is an energy conservation program offered by Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. (OPUCN), in partnership with the Ontario Power Authority. This program provides small businesses with up to $1,000 in free1energy-efficient lighting and equipment upgrades – all with the aim of helping businesses like yours save money on your utility bill.
When you conserve energy, you’re doing more than just helping your business’ bottom line – you are also contributing to a cleaner environment for your customers and the community.
The program is being offered to small businesses that have an annual electricity demand of approximately 50kW or less, in the non-food and office sub-sectors.

What Power Savings Blitz Offers:

• Funding up to $1,000 for retrofits (average total value of upgrades is $840).
• Helps reduce electricity consumption and provides electricity savings of up to$400 per year.
• Free assessment.
• Turn-key lighting retrofits and water heating enhancements for small businesses; covers materials and labour.
• Upgrades include:
Fluorescent lighting systems (T8 and CFLs)
LED “EXIT” signs
Water heater jacket
Pipe insulation
Faucet aerator

1 Subject to the terms and conditions of the program. No obligation to carry out a retrofit valued greater than $1,000. Business must meet program eligibility requirements.

Eligibility requirements:

• Program is entirely voluntary; business must be located in OPUCN’s service territory.
• Small businesses in the office or retail sub-sectors including beauty salons, professional offices and other small retailers (but excludes food-related businesses who have unique requirements that may be addressed by future programs).
• Annual electricity demand of approximately 50kW or less and individually metered.
Most small businesses meet these two criteria. If you’re unsure, please contact Customer Service at 1-888-568-3081

How Power Savings Blitz works…
Step 1: We assess your business

An advisor will conduct an assessment of your business and provide a list of recommended energy upgrades to help your business become more energy efficient.

Step 2: We identify your options

After the assessment is completed, you can then decide if you want to have a retrofit completed. Funding of up to $1,000 is provided for the retrofit (including cost of material and labour), with an opportunity for the customer to pay costs over the $1,000 limited. The minimum amount for a free retrofit is $300,

Step 3: We install and upgrade

A licensed electricity contractor will install your free upgrades with your approval at your convenience.

Click here to see the PDF

What is farm Stray Voltage?

“Farm stray voltage” refers to voltage or current occurring at a location on the farm where livestock make contact with it and which may have a negative effect on livestock. This stray voltage is also known as ‘tingle voltage’. , Animals coming into contact with grounded devices may show a behavioural response if Stray voltage reaches sufficient levels.Reported livestock symptoms for stray voltage include:
· Lowered Milk Production
· Reduced Water of Feed Intake
· Problematic Behaviour

What causes farm Stray Voltage?

Stray voltage can originate from a number of sources both on and off the farm. The electricity distribution system is
the primary off-farm source, but frequently voltage potentials at a given animal contact location are the combined result of two or more contributing factors.

Off-farm sources:

In a properly functioning electrical distribution system,some voltage will always exist between the neutral system
(ground conductors) and the earth. The level of this neutral-to-earth voltage (NEV) can change on a daily or
seasonal basis, depending on changes in electrical loading,environmental conditions and other factors. For safety
reasons, OPUCN’s neutral system is connected to a farm’s grounding system. While this bond protects people and
animals from shocks caused by faulty electrical equipment and lightning strikes, it also results in a stray voltage
equal to a fraction of the NEV appearing on grounded farm equipment, such as feeders, waterers, metal stabling, metal grates and milk pipelines.

On-the farm sources:

Regarding the framer’s own assets, or those of a neighbouring farmer, the main source of stray voltage is
voltage potential rise on the farm electricity distribution neutral conductor(s) and grounding system. This can be the result of a variety of causes, including:
· Unbalanced electrical loads;
· Improperly grounded farm equipment e.g. water or manure pumps);
· Improperly installed electric fences, cow trainers and electrical panels; and
· Electrical equipment faults
In addition, assets owned by third parties – telephone lines; cable TV lines; and metal pipelines – on or near the
farm can be sources contributing to stray voltage appearing on a farm.

What should you do if you suspect Stray voltage problems on your farm?

A solution to a given case where stray voltage is affecting farm operations may involve both the distribution utility
and the farmer. If you think you have a stray voltage problem; call Oshawa PUC Networks Inc.(OPUCN) Ph. No. 905 723 4626, to provide your contact information and farm location. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Where a livestock farm customer provides information that reasonably indicates that farm stray voltage may be adversely affecting the operation of the livestock farm customer’s farm OPUCN will perform an investigation in accordance with Section 4.7 of the Distribution System Code..

OPUCN’s Farm Stray Voltage Customer Response Procedure:

OPUCN will call you within five business days to set-up an appointment for a visit from OPUCN representative(s) who will perform appropriate tests to help determine if stray voltage is present on your farm.

Phase 1: OPUCN representative (s) will meet the farm owner at the stray voltage problem location to perform pre-test inspections, conduct a site layout and carry out an animal contact test. The Animal Contact Test will identify the
locations, if any, at which farm stray voltage may be present. Information collected in this test shall be used
to determine the locations used for the Farm Stray Voltage Test.

A Farm Stray Voltage test device will be installed within five to ten business days from the first visit. The purpose
of this test is to determine the highest level of farm stray voltage at the location(s) identified in the Animal Contact Test.

Results of the above tests will be recorded and discussed with the customer within five business days after the
completion of the Farm Stray Voltage Test. As per Section 4.7 of the Distribution System Code, if the appropriate
thresholds are not met, the investigation shall be concluded; otherwise Phase 2 and Phase 3 Procedures will be
conducted.

Phase 2 and Phase 3: Phase 2 and Phase 3 Procedures will be conducted as per Section 4.7 of the Distribution System Code.

Final Site Visit: If any corrective measures were undertaken by OPUCN, a OPUCN representative will come to
the location to conduct final testing to determine whether any additional corrective measures are required.

Additional Information:

For additional information on stray voltage problems in livestock, please visit Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs website.

Click here to see the PDF

ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD NOTICE TO CUSTOMERS OF OSHAWA PUC NETWORKS INC.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. has applied to raise its electricity
distribution rates.

Learn more. Have your say.

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. has applied to the Ontario Energy Board with a plan to set the amount it
charges for electricity distribution in each year beginning January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2019.
If approved, the amount Oshawa PUC Networks charges each month for the typical residential customer
using 800 kWh per month would increase by the following amounts:

2015-$1.30, 2016-$1.38, 2017-$1.54, 2018-$1.76, 2019 -$1.71

Other customers, including businesses, may be affected as well.

THE ONTARIO ENERGY BOARD IS HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING

The OEB will hold a public hearing to consider Oshawa PUC’s request.We will question the company on
its case for a rate increase.We will also hear arguments from individuals and from groups that represent
Oshawa PUC’s customers. At the end of this hearing, the OEB will decide whether the electricity distribution
rates Oshawa PUC has applied for are reasonable.

If Oshawa PUC’s application is approved, the OEB’s review in the years 2016 through 2019 will be limited to
ensuring certain annual adjustments are made in accordance with the approved rate plan.

The OEB is an independent and impartial public agency.We make decisions that serve the public interest.
Our goal is to promote a financially viable and efficient energy sector that provides you with reliable energy
services at a reasonable cost.

BE INFORMED AND HAVEYOUR SAY

You have the right to information regarding this application and to be involved in the process.You can:
• review Oshawa PUC’s application on the OEB’s website now.
• file a letter with your comments, which will be considered during the hearing.
• become an active participant (called an intervenor). Apply by March 9, 2015 or the hearing will go
ahead without you and you will not receive any further notice of the proceeding.
• at the end of the process, review the OEB’s decision and its reasons on our website.

LEARN MORE

These proposed charges relate to Oshawa PUC’s distribution services. They make up part of the Delivery
line — one of the five line items on your bill. Our file number for this case is EB-2014-0101. To learn more
about this hearing, find instructions on how to file letters or become an intervenor, or to access any
document related to this case please select the file number EB-2014-0101 from the list on the OEB website:
www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/notice.You can also phone our Consumer Relations Centre at 1-877-632-2727
with any questions.

ORAL VS.WRITTEN HEARINGS

There are two types of OEB hearings – oral and written. The OEB will determine at a later date whether to
proceed by way of a written or oral hearing. If you think an oral hearing is needed, you can write to the OEB
to explain why by March 9, 2015.

PRIVACY

If you write a letter of comment or sign up to observe the hearing, your name and the content of your letter or the
documents you file with the OEB will be put on the public record and the OEB website. However, your personal
telephone number,home address and email address will be removed.If you are a business,all your information will
remain public. If you apply to become an intervenor, all information will be public.
This rate hearing will be held under section 78 of the Ontario Energy Board Act,1998,S.O.1998 c.15 (Schedule B).

Click here to see the PDF