Lakefront Utilities Inc.’s 2022-2026 Cost of Service Rate Application

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Lakefront Utilities Inc. (LUI) is currently writing its application to the Ontario Energy Board which establishes rates and capital projects for 2022-2027 and needs customers’ input.

Customers in Cobourg and Colborne can participate in shaping LUI’s 5-year plan by making sure their opinion is heard as it relates to local electricity services. As LUI’s plan develops, so will this site with new ways to participate based on feedback received from customers. Customers can also track the progression of the application and see how their needs and priorities have helped shape the 5-year plan.

Customer engagement as it relates to the

Lakefront Utilities Inc. (LUI) is currently writing its application to the Ontario Energy Board which establishes rates and capital projects for 2022-2027 and needs customers’ input.

Customers in Cobourg and Colborne can participate in shaping LUI’s 5-year plan by making sure their opinion is heard as it relates to local electricity services. As LUI’s plan develops, so will this site with new ways to participate based on feedback received from customers. Customers can also track the progression of the application and see how their needs and priorities have helped shape the 5-year plan.

Customer engagement as it relates to the Cost of Service application is not limited to this site. Further opportunities for customers to share their thoughts will be available through virtual community events, in-person discussions, focus groups and more. Details of opportunities will be posted to this site as well as shared through LUI’s communication channels.

Goal

The primary goal of this engagement project is to gather community feedback and insight on local electrical services, which will be considered in Lakefront Utilities Inc.’s 2022-2026 Cost of Service rate application.

The public engagement objective is to:

  • Help inform Lakefront Utilities Inc. on what matters most to you regarding your local electrical services.

We're looking for your feedback:

To share your thoughts on the 2022-2026 Cost of Service Rate Application, please contribute to the following public engagement opportunity below:

  1. Complete the Survey
  2. Take the Quick Poll
  3. Ask a Question

Ask us a question.

Do you want to learn more about Lakefront Utilities’ planning process? Do you have questions about how Lakefront Utilities Inc. sets rates?

Ask your question here. Lakefront will publish appropriate questions and their answers within two business days.

loader image
Didn't receive confirmation?
Seems like you are already registered, please provide the password. Forgot your password? Create a new one now.
  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    What is the proposed timeframe for Lakefront Utilities to decommission the hydro sub-station located on Orr Street in Cobourg ?

    Ron Smith asked almost 3 years ago

    In 2023, Lakefront Utilities will be installing a new 28kV substation, the location is yet to be determined. Once installed, Lakefront will be able to transfer the Orr Station load onto the new 28kV system. The Orr Station is a 4.16kV station. Lakefront aims to decommission the Orr Station in 2024 or 2025, dependent on environmental assessment requirements.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    why are you increasing your rates Is the higher ups not making enough of a profit already? This is a money grab if ever there was one and in the middle of a pandemic discusting

    lilly1707 asked over 3 years ago

    A: The Cost of Service Application is an Ontario Energy Board mandated process that utilities must fulfill every 5 years. Lakefront’s last application was filed in 2017. The proposed rates in discussion now, during the pandemic, will not be effective until January 1, 2022. The Cost of Service Application process determines the actual cost of operating and investing in the local electricity distribution system, it is designed to keep the system whole, not to raise salaries. This process is transparent and encourages public participation to ensure fair rates and investments that align with what our customers want. 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    How do you opt out of TOU and go with flat rate?

    Roxann asked over 3 years ago

    Customers can make the switch from Time-Of-Use to Tiered Pricing by filling out the Regulated Price Plan Election Form located at https://www.lakefrontutilities.com/rates/ Customers are encouraged to visit the Ontario Energy Board’s website and use the online calculator available at https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/bill-calculatorlearn to compare electricity price plans and estimate their monthly bill.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    My question is how do I know I am using what you say I am using when I can look at the time of use, and see that when there is a power failure I have a use of hydro. That can’t be possible is the power is out. So how can I trust anything in tou or amount used. Hard to figure which is better.

    Ang Switzer asked over 3 years ago

    Lakefront charges customers for the power used based on monthly readings by their electric smart meter. Smart meters are digital electricity meters that measure how much electricity is used and when it is used, and then sends this data over a wireless network to allow for pricing plans like Time-of-Use. All smart meters must meet strict requirements related to accuracy. Measurement Canada is responsible for the approval, verification, inspection, and sealing of the measurement components of all electricity meters. If you are concerned about the accuracy of your meter, Lakefront can remove the meter from service for the purpose of having the accuracy tested by Measurement Canada.

    During the July and August power outages, several attempts to restore power were made which is likely why you are seeing a small amount of usage during the power outage. When an attempt to restore power is made, it causes all of your appliances, lights, etc. to power up at once, resulting in some electricity usage. Our recommendation is to unplug as many of your devices as possible during an outage to reduce any small charges, but more importantly to protect your electronics from possible power surges. 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    How do you go about settling what rate or percentage required to which we pay our bills each much???

    truegrit@sympatico.ca asked over 3 years ago

    Every 5 years Lakefront Utilities files a Cost of Service application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) which determines customers’ base delivery/distribution rates for the upcoming 5 year period. 

    Lakefront Utilities then applies to the OEB every year to approve the distribution/delivery rates (including pass-through transmission rates) for the following year. The approval is usually received in December for January 1st rates.

    The OEB also approves the province-wide Time-of-Use and Tiered Electricity rates which are typically set in May and November each year. 

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    How much impact does customer feedback actually have on this application? Are we guaranteed that rates will stay the same if this survey shows customers say NO to a rate increase?

    MoreCoffeePlease asked over 3 years ago

    Lakefront cannot move forward with major projects and cost increases without consulting their customers and incorporating their feedback into the 5 year Cost of Service Application. The Ontario Energy Board will be reviewing how Lakefront acquired customer feedback, the responses received and how Lakefront used that input to determine priorities and projects during the Rate Hearing in 2021. Any individual or group believing that the application is not representative of customers’ needs may intervene on the application during the Rate Hearing to ask questions or challenge Lakefront’s plans and assumptions.  

    Customer feedback gained from activities like the survey inform Lakefront’s rate design for 2022. If customers indicate they prefer their distribution rate remain the same, Lakefront would adjust their spending for 2022-2026 and select projects accordingly with a focus on maintaining the current distribution system. The distribution rate would stay the same with annual inflation adjustments applied through 2026.

  • Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Do we have a distribution rate presently on our bills? Is so, where is it? Are the rates that have been posted by the Ont government, what we will pay in our bills?

    Scooter asked over 3 years ago

    Yes, a distribution rate is presently on a customer’s bill. The distribution rate is included in the “Delivery” line of a residential customer’s bill. Lakefront’s 2020 distribution rate is $23.30 per month and is the source for operating and capital requirements. 

    The Ontario Energy Board recently announced new electricity prices for residential and small commercial businesses, effective November 1, 2020. Below is a link to the OEB website for more information on the new rates. The new rates are what customers will be paying on their bills for consumption beginning November 1, 2020. 

    https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/electricity-rates

Page published: 13 Oct 2020, 09:54 AM