Own a business? Concerned about rising energy costs? PAY ATTENTION:

Not to ruin your day, but electricity rates in Ontario are increasing. You can read the news in the Toronto Star, the Toronto Sun or simply search “Ontario energy hike” or similar in Google.

If you’re on the TOU (Time Of Use) meter (also known as the “smart” meter,) then you don’t have a choice in your energy costs- you pay whatever that monthly bill says.

The Ontario Energy Board announced this April that it will increase electricity rates starting May 1st, 2013. What does that mean?

If your business is on the smart meter in Ontario, it means you’ll be paying a few bucks more.

“The price change for consumers is an increase of approximately $3.63 on the ‘electricity’ line, or about 2.9% on the total monthly bill, for a household with a typical consumption pattern that uses 800 kWh per month,” an OEB statement says.

BUT You Can Zap It! Get A Charge Out Of This…

Yep. I agree. Paying more for anything, especially a utility we need and use daily… sucks.

Especially since it might be warmer this summer, which means: crank that air conditioner. That’s extra energy usage on the grid, so we shouldn’t be surprised if utility companies charge us more. They have bills to pay too, y’know.

And hey, don’t be surprised when it’s hot out. Al Gore’s been warning us for years…

…But behold! Here’s an energizing solution. If you live in Ontario, you have OPTIONS to have a:

– fixed rate (the cost of energy stays the same, this is what I chose)
– a variable rate (you ride the fluctuation of the energy market)
– a combination of both
– green options (cleaner, but may cost a little more)

Holy Smokestacks! Why Is This Possible?

Great news!

In 2002, the Ontario government announced energy deregulation. Which means, the energy market would be open to competition. You may remember Ontario Hydro?

Well, it was split up into smaller companies, and over the years, other energy suppliers entered the market, providing a variety of choices to consumers. This competition finally gives consumers more control.

YES! Just like deregulation of telecommunications.

Remember in the 80′s when Bell was our only choice for phone service? Deregulation of telecom allowed other companies to enter the market- companies like Shaw, Cogeco, Telus, Rogers, and numerous others. Energy deregulation works in a very similar way.

You DO Have Power! How To Get Options On Your Next Energy Bill

And because of deregulation of energy, almost anyone can start their own energy business. So… after some studying and passing my test, I positioned myself to help fellow business owners. I show dance studios, dojos, arts businesses and local residents options you actually DO have on natural gas and electricity costs.

Why?

Because I know energy rates have increased in the past, and could possibly increase again in the future. I decided to take advantage of my options last year, so these new increases WON’T AFFECT ME- at my dance studio or at home. Even if rates increase over the next 4 years, my rates remain the same.

You can do the same thing, and I can show you how!

Contact me today or email Shawn@ShawnByfield.com to learn how to take advantage of YOUR options. I’m here to help.

- Shawn Byfield

Tags: electricity options, energy deregulation, gas options, how to save on electricity, how to save on energy, Ontario electricity options, Ontario energy, Ontario gas options, Shawn Byfield