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Information about Door to Door Electricity Retailers

September 10, 2007 - PowerStream, the local utility which provides electricity distribution services to homes and businesses in Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, is reminding customers that agents who sell contracts on behalf of electricity retailers do not represent PowerStream.

“Since many of the five-year contracts that were signed by customers in 2002 when the electricity market was deregulated are now expiring, there has been a related increase in door-to-door marketing by electricity retailers in our service territory,” explained Ed Benvenuto, Director, Customer Service for PowerStream.  “Although the retail sector can provide our customers with options they may wish to consider, we are very concerned about the approach some of their agents may be taking in selling these contracts.  Some may be giving the false impression that they are representatives of our company.”

He added that PowerStream does not sell electricity or have retail sales agents going door to door.  The company delivers electricity to all customers in the service territory, regardless of whether retail contracts are in place or not.

Mr. Benvenuto offered the following tips for consumers when being solicited by an agent of an electricity retailer:

• Ask for a business card.  Door-to-door salespeople are required to give you a card which identifies both the retailer and the agent.
• Shut the door on anyone who refuses to clearly identify themselves.
• Your PowerStream bill contains valuable information. Do not share a bill or utility account number unless you are prepared to accept an offer.
• Understand the price and the term of the contract. Compare the offer to the current legislated price of 5.3 cents/kWh for the first 600 kWh used per month and 6.2 cents/kWh for the remaining kWh used per month. These prices are subject to change in May and November of each year.
• Carefully consider any gifts, cheques or other promotions being offered.  Make sure you understand the overall cost of the contract.

If you would like more information about your electricity purchase options or have any concerns about the conduct of an electricity retailer or one of its agents, please contact the Ontario Energy Board at 1-877-632-2727.

 

About PowerStream

PowerStream Inc. is one of the largest local electricity distribution companies in Ontario, providing service to more than 233,000 residential and business customers in the municipalities of Aurora, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan.  It is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.

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