Does Locking in Save?

In other words, have businesses saved by signing fixed-price contracts?

This compares the business variable rate from the utility with fixed term rates from marketers for businesses. It's based on gas supply rates for consumers as if they signed up on the dates indicated.

Natural Gas for Business

Please enter your business' Postal Code to see the chart for your area.

Please note: Historical savings are for businesses in Ontario only.

Information is available for the following gas utilities:

• Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.
• Union Gas (North and South Areas)

Electricity for Business

There is a chart you can view for businesses who use 75,000 kWh and 250,000 kWh a year.

Based on prices within the Toronto Hydro Energy System area, business consumers have achieved the following savings:

Analysis

To date, business consumers who locked in have not realized savings. There has been a regulated price structure for consumers of 250,000 kWh or less. Utility electricity prices have typically been below the market price of electricity.

Why You Should Check Back

The regulatory structure has changed over time. Small consumers currently on the Regulated Price Plan (RPP), will pay the market price over the long term. The RPP smooths out the fluctuations. If a consumer can keep their use at the lower tier of the RPP, they receive a subsidized price. This will change after November 2009 once large institutional users are no longer eligible for the RPP.

How Were the Savings Calculated?

• The lowest price available to the public on the first of the month was chosen.
• The selected price is either for a term of one, two, three, or four years.
• The switch to the new supply occurred 60 days after the sign up date.
• Annual use of 125,000 kWh in the Toronto Hydro Energy System area used.
• Changes in use during the year are applied.
• Changes in utility price throughout the term are applied.
• The Regulated Price Plan Rebate is applied.
• The Provincial Benefit is applied.