Questions and Answers About Your Electricity Options

We promised that we would let you know more about the government's plans for the generation and sale of electricity. Deregulation has now been delayed until the spring of 2001.

Q. What is deregulation?
A. Currently, Ontario Hydro has the exclusive right to supply electricity on Ontario. After the spring of 2001, utilities and other independent energy providers will be able to buy electricity from any energy supplier and sell it to electrical users.

Q. How will these changes affect utility customers?
A. Electric users will be able to buy their electricity from a utility or another energy provider in the spring of 2001. Similar to gas and long distance calling which have already been deregulated, you will soon have many energy providers asking you to purchase electricity from their company. All of these energy providers will be independent business entities competing for customers. They will not be representatives of St.Thomas Energy Inc.

Q. What will these energy providers offer?
A. Currently, these energy providers will only be able to offer the potential for discounted electricity rates because electricity will not be deregulated in Ontario until the year 2001. These potential savings are not guaranteed.

Q. Why will they be asking me to sign a contract before deregulation?
A. Energy providers want to establish a base of customers as there will be many energy providers all competing for the same customers. If you sign a contract now, you MUST BUY from that energy provider when electricity is deregulated.

Q. Will I save money by signing with an energy provider now?
A. Future savings are not guaranteed. Energy providers are only speculating that there may be savings. By signing a contract now, you may commit yourself before you have evaluated all your options. CHECK THE FINE PRINT! You should also be aware that future savings on electricity will only be calculated on actual ELECTRICAL USAGE. The highlighted area on the example shown below indicates where any potential savings might occur.

• Elec. Local Distribution charges will still be payable to the utility for the maintenance and repair of poles, lines etc. In addition, water and related charges are not part of your contract with an energy provider.

Q. Do I have to make a decision now?
A. NO! You do not have to sign with any energy provider. St.Thomas Energy Incorporated will continue to provide you with electricity just as we have in the past.

We can help! If you are confused about deregulation, energy providers or have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office at: (519) 631-5550, ext. 230 or 231 or e-mail us.