Why a Smart Meter?

Brant County Power Inc. (BCPI) has installed smart meters for the majority of the customers in our service area in the County of Brant. Smart meter technology will help consumers better manage their electricity use, encourage energy conservation, and assist in reducing climate change. Smart meters are one way to help meet the energy needs for Ontario.  For more information about Smart Meters click here.

Your smart meter is a key part of Ontario's new smart metering system and building a culture of conservation across the province. By the end of this year, each home in BCPI’s service territory (and Ontario) will have a smart meter.

It is estimated that over the next twenty years, Ontario will need to refurbish, rebuild, replace, or conserve 25,000 megawatts (MW) worth of generating capacity — more than 80% of Ontario's current electricity generating capacity — at an estimated cost of $70 billion. Producing more electricity is only part of the answer. Conservation and demand management will help us make the best use of our existing electricity resources and slow our growth in demand. Smart meters together with time-of-use rates will help encourage us all to think about how and when we use electricity.

Smart meters allow for Time of Use (TOU) rates which vary based on time of day, day of the week and season.

Brant County Power has moved to TOU pricing in September 2011.

There are three different TOU periods:
- On Peak (when demand for electricity is highest);
- Mid Peak (when demand for electricity is modest); and
- Off Peak (when demand for electricity is lowest).

By knowing when you use your electricity, you will be able to make educated choices about how and when you use electricity.

Smart Meters together with TOU rates will help manage peak energy demands. When everyone is using a lot of energy at the same time, this creates a period of peak demand. The price for energy is higher when the demand is higher. Also, energy used at times of peak demand often requires the use of more expensive types of generation which may also have a higher impact on the environment

For more information about Time of Use Rates click here.