Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. How is Green Power generated?

"Green Power" refers to low environmental impact electricity generated from renewable energy sources and technologies: low-impact hydro, wind power, biomass (burning of organic material), landfill gas recovery and solar facilities. For this Program, Oakville Hydro Energy Services Inc. (OHESI) only deals with generation facilities that are EcoLogo certified or equivalent. This helps ensure that environmentally friendly Green Power meets or exceeds the strictest industry and government performance standards.

 

2. Why is it more expensive to generate Green Power ?

Some renewable sources are intermittent, such as solar and wind. Much of the renewable energy is based on new technology and the facilities are more expensive to build. Increased demand and changes in technology will help make Green Power less expensive to generate in the future.

 

3. What is the "Green Light Pact" Program?

This program gives everyone in Ontario an opportunity to contribute to a cleaner environment by committing to have "green" electricity generated by EcoLogo certified facilities and helping to displace the need to generate the same amount of electricity from conventional means. By forming a Pact with Oakville Hydro Energy Services Inc., customers are giving the "green light" to Green Power generation and its injection into Ontario's electricity grid. They are also supporting the development of future Green Power generation facilities, and thus helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, please click on How The "Green Light Pact" Program Works.

 

4. Why should I buy a "Green Light Pact" ?

It is completely your choice and your commitment! Many of our customers have indicated that they would like to see more electricity produced from renewable sources. Every one of us in Ontario uses electricity every day of our lives - at home, at work, at school, and even during our leisure time. Now you have the opportunity to contribute to a cleaner environment for the future.

 

5. How much does a "Green Light Pact" cost?

Each "Green Light Pact" costs $60.00 plus GST per year. Through a one time payment, your commitment is made for the year. This commitment is equivalent to 1000 kWh (kilowatt hours) of Green Power being generated and injected into the Ontario electricity grid, and helping displace the need for the same 1000 kWh of electricity to be generated by conventional means, such as the burning of fossil fuels.

 

6. Can I buy more or less than one "Green Light Pact" and how do I pay?

"Green Light Pacts" are available in different yearly sizes. You can purchase a $30.00 Half Pact (equal to 500 kWh over the year), or a $60.00 Full Pact (equal to 1000 kWh over the year). You may buy as many of each kind as you wish.

 

7. Who can buy "Green Light Pacts" ?

ANYONE IN ONTARIO can buy a "Green Light Pact" . This program is totally separate from your current electricity arrangements, supplier and payments, and will not result in any changes to your electricity bill. In fact, you don't even have to be receiving a hydro bill to purchase a "Green Light Pact" . The commitment is an annual payment directly to Oakville Hydro Energy Services Inc.

 

8. How can I be sure the Green Power will be generated and injected into the electricity grid?

We will keep the results and the electricity supply mix posted on our website. We only deal with EcoLogo certified or equivalent electricity generators. These generators must generate the requested "Green Light Pact" kWh from renewable energy sources and inject them into the Ontario electricity grid. At the end of each calendar year the generator will supply OHESI with the total number of kWh injected into the system on our behalf. We will post this information on our site as it becomes available.

 

9. Do I have to sign a contract?

No, your payment is your commitment. We will acknowledge the number of Pacts you are purchasing, reconfirm the Pact through a signed letter, and post the information as outlined above on our website. Approximately a year after you purchase your "Green Light Pact" , we will contact you again to see if you would like to make another purchase. It is your choice. We will not come to your door, and you will have all the time you need to ask questions and consider your decision.

 

10. Do my current electricity arrangements and charges change?

No. This program has nothing to do with your current electricity arrangements. You will deal directly with Oakville Hydro Energy Services Inc. We are not selling the green electricity directly to you. What we are doing is making the arrangements to have a quantity of Green Power produced from renewable sources and injected into the Ontario electricity grid on your behalf. If you choose to purchase a "Green Light Pact" , it is a once a year payment.

 

11. Does Green Power come to my house?

Ontario's electricity system cannot direct any one particular electron to a given location. All electricity produced goes into the Ontario electricity grid. By purchasing a "Green Light Pact" , Green Power is produced and injected into the grid helping to displace conventionally generated electricity. The electricity you use does come from this grid.

 

12. Will Oakville Hydro Energy Services Inc. be committing to any further green generating stations?

Oakville Hydro Energy Services Inc. is initiating a project to build a landfill gas recovery power plant at the Bronte Landfill Site. It is hoped this facility will be in operation by the summer of 2004. This power plant has approximately a 30-year life span. We will continue to explore new opportunities for renewable energy sources, and services that will help our customers contribute to a cleaner environment, offer energy management solutions, fixed electricity prices, and much more.