Cracking Down On Energy Retailers

Ontario is proposing new rules that would provide additional protection for energy consumers and allow for greater energy conservation through suite metering.

The province introduced new legislation today that would, if passed, lead to:

• Protecting consumers from hidden contract costs, excessive cancellation fees, "negative-option" contract renewals, and other unfair industry practices.
• Providing greater fairness and transparency for consumers through rate comparisons, plain language contract disclosure, enhanced rights to cancel contracts and a new licensing and training regime, including mandatory oral disclosure and ID badges.
• Enabling individual suite metering in apartment buildings, which gives tenants more control over energy costs. 
• Granting the Ontario Energy Board more authority to set policies on security deposits and shutting off an individual's electricity.

The proposed Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2009, would ensure Ontarians have the information they need about electricity contracts and bills, as well as the comfort of knowing they can rely on fair business practices. If passed, the proposed legislation would help families make wise and informed energy choices. Many of the provisions resulting from the proposed legislation, should it pass, would involve consultation and be set at a later date by regulation.