Is there a form owners can sign that would disconnect the electric service following the termination of a tenant’s account?
There is a form that an owner can sign but this would mean that the power is shut off in between tenants. This could occur in the winter which could lead to frozen pipes and other issues. Greater Sudbury Utilities (GSU) assumes no responsibility for any loss, damage or injury that may be as a result of the electric service being disconnected. If the power is left off for more than 6 months, an Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) inspection would be required at the expense of the owner prior to reconnection. (Additional fees may apply). There would also be no power when a potential renter wanted to view the unit and it is the landlord’s responsibility to inform the new tenant that the unit has no electric service.
Can owners turn off utilities if a tenant gives notice, doesn't move out and switches the utility out of their name?
The power can be turned off if the account is in the owner’s name, upon their request. The owner must sign a form requesting this action, however, GSU may be forced to reconnect power if asked by any legal authority, i.e., health unit, police and/or fire department.
What is the moratorium with hydro? Please explain.
Licensed electricity utilities are banned from disconnecting residential customers for non-payment during the winter every year, from November 15 to April 30. Also, homes that are already disconnected for non-payment and are occupied must be reconnected by December 1 without charge.
What is the rule to install separate hydro meters on multi-unit buildings?
This situation is covered under GSH Conditions of Service:
Individual Metering 2.3.7.11
Conversion from Bulk Metering to Individual Metering
1. Any building or complex may be individually metered.
2. Any building or complex may be converted from bulk metering to individual metering subject to:
3. The Customer making written application to GSHI.
4. Each unit has its own distinct partition/barrier, and no two meters are allocated to the same unit.
5. The Customer supplying and installing meter sockets and associated wiring, grouped in meter rooms, according to the requirements of GSHI and ESA.
6. The metered voltage is 120/240 volts single phase, or such other voltage as may be approved by GSHI from time to time.
7. The Customer paying GSHI for incremental capital cost of meters and metering facilities for voltage other than 120/240-volt single phase.
8. The Customer being responsible for all costs associated with the conversion from the main entrance switch to the secondary side of GSHI transformer when converting from 3 phase 3-wire (delta) to a 3 phase 4-wire (Grounded Wye).
Also:
Installation of Connection Assets in Excess of the Basic Connection
Basic Connection Requiring More Than 30 Meters of Secondary Conductor
3.1.5 (A) In all cases where a Customer requires Connection assets more than the basic connection a capital contribution shall be required in accordance with Section 2.1.2. Basic Connection Requiring More Than 30 Meters of Secondary Conductor
3.1.5 (B) When a basic connection requires more than 30 meters of secondary conductor the Customer shall pay a variable connection fee in accordance with Section 2.1.2.
Customer Responsibilities Prior to a Service Connection 3.1.8
Prior to a service Connection, the Customer shall take responsibility for the following:
Obtain approval from the Electrical Safety Authority.
(ii) Remit all deposits, fees, rates, securities or other payments as may be required or permitted by any Code, Board approved rate or tariff, or these Conditions of Service. (iii) Complete and sign a “Contract for Service”. Refer to Section 5 Schedule 4 (Contracts and Other Agreements).
One other thing:
If you want to convert from a single meter to a multiple, the landlord must request a Zoning Review from CGS Building Services Department, and there will be charges associated which vary in price, depending upon what needs to be done. Any work will need to be completed by a licensed electrician, and ESA must approve the work.
If a tenant places hydro in their name and they get into arrears, would the landlord be responsible for their payments?
We try to collect from tenant. If we are unsuccessful, it goes to our collection agency.
What is the owner’s responsibility with regards to a tenant’s payment punctuality?
For an electricity matter, the unpaid arrears will go to the collection agency under the tenant’s name.
How many months of unpaid utilities before the power is disconnected?
It can be done as early as the first bill that has gone unpaid. Payment is due 23 days after the billing date. When payment is past due, a written reminder notice is sent. If payment is still not received, a written disconnect notice is sent. These letters contain all information needed to contact the office. As a final attempt to reach the customer, an automated phone call is made. Once these steps in the collection process have been completed, a disconnect order is generated. Recent changes do not allow us to disconnect between Nov 15 to April 30.
Are deposits required?
Deposits are required from customers who do not have a history or have not demonstrated a good payment history as defined in the Distribution System Code (DSC). More information on the Distribution System code can be found here: www.oeb.ca/oeb/_Documents/Regulatory/Distribution_System_Code.pdf
Electricity providers are required to waive the security deposit requirement for eligible low-income customers upon request.
If the lease agreement states the tenant must pay the utilities, can the owner request a shut-off if the account wasn’t changed into the tenant's name?
GSU is not privy to the lease agreement as it is outside of our scope. However, there is a form that an owner can sign to have the power turned off, if need be.
Can utilities be automatically flipped back into owner’s name?
A Continuing Service Agreement (CSA) will ensure that the electric service remains active when a tenant notifies GSU to end their account. The service is transferred into the owner’s name as of the date the tenant advises GSU to end the account. GSU will not charge an account set up fee when the account transfers to the owner’s name.
Is there notification to the Landlord when a tenant is in arrears, or when the hydro is in danger of being switched to the Landlord's name?
No. Unfortunately, GSU does not have a mechanism in place that would notify an owner if a tenant moves out. The owner can call at any time to verify the account status. We would confirm if the account is still active in a tenant’s name, or if a move has been scheduled.
Does Hydro ask Tenant for the Landlord's name and address when signing up the tenant for service to their unit.
This is not in our typical process.
Is there an appeal process?
As an energy consumer, if you have a complaint, you can contact the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
Can GSU notify the landlord when a tenant removes account from their name and it goes back to landlord?
No. Unfortunately, GSU does not have a mechanism in place that would notify an owner if a tenant moves out. The owner can call at any time to verify the account status. We would confirm if the account is still active in a tenant’s name, or if a move has been scheduled. Arrears are not communicated to the landlord for privacy reasons.
Can GSU notify the landlord when a tenant removes account from their name and it goes back to landlord?
We do request a deposit, but if they are deemed “low income” we cannot require a deposit. If they qualify for OESP or LEAP, then they are deemed “Low Income”. We are not allowed to deny service unless there is an outstanding bill, and if it happens to be in the moratorium period, even then, electricity must be reconnected.
What qualifiers does Hydro follow through with on the tenant to ensure they are able to pay for service on their unit.
We do request a deposit, but if they are deemed “low income” we cannot require a deposit. If they qualify for OESP or LEAP, then they are deemed “Low Income”. We are not allowed to deny service unless there is an outstanding bill, and if it happens to be in the moratorium period, even then, electricity must be reconnected.
What should the expectations be for the Landlord when a tenant agrees to pay for the utilities on their unit? What is the process for this tenant and Landlord so as to ensure the Landlord is not affected by a tenant's lack of payment?
The Landlord never ends up owing the hydro bill balance incurred by the tenant, only the water/wastewater portion of arrears, which is subject to a CGS by-law. If you are concerned, you might wish to consider including a “Bad Debt Allowance” in your business accounting.
What is the collection process for electricity payment if a tenant goes into arrears?
Payment is due 23 days after the billing date. When payment is past due, a written reminder notice is sent. If payment is still not received, a written disconnect notice is sent. These letters contain all information needed to contact the office. As a final attempt to reach the customer, an automated phone call is made. Once these steps in the collection process have been completed, a disconnect order is generated. Recent changes do not allow us to disconnect between Nov 15 to April 30.
Water/Wastewater Services
What is the cost to have a water meter installed?
GSU is not responsible for water meter installations - this question would have to be directed to the City’s water meter shop.
https://www.greatersudbury.ca/live/water-and-wastewater-services/
Why are all the water meters being replaced?
Please refer to the City’s website, but here is a snippet.
https://www.greatersudbury.ca/live/water-and-wastewater-services/
The City of Greater Sudbury is in the midst of a multi-year project to replace and upgrade the water meters in every home and business. A water meter measures the amount of water entering a property. Older technology requires a manual reading of each meter in the city. New technology will connect meters to outdoor transmitters that will send readings wirelessly.
Can you separate a meter for water?
Please contact 311 to speak with the CGS Meter department to find out what applies in your case. The meters are owned by the City.
For areas where GSU bills both hydro and water services, owners can request to have the different services billed on separate accounts. This will give owners the option to have the tenant transfer the electric service in their name while keeping the water service in the owner’s name.
What is the owner’s responsibility with regards to a tenant’s payment history?
There is a city by-law that states that in the case of water, it's ultimately the owner’s responsibility. This means that unpaid water arrears will be transferred onto the owner’s property tax roll.
If a water bill is in the tenant’s name and is unpaid, does GSU still pursue the tenant for payment or is it just added to the owner’s property tax?
GSU follows our collection policy for water arrears. After we have exhausted our collection efforts, we notify the owner to provide them with an opportunity to pay us before sending the arrears to the City. This is done so that the owner can avoid the City tax department’s administrative charge when arrears are added to the tax roll.
How many months of unpaid utilities before the water is disconnected?
It can be done as early as the first bill that has gone unpaid. Payment is due 23 days after the billing date. When payment is past due, a written reminder notice is sent out. If payment is still not received, a written disconnect notice is sent. These letters contain all information needed to contact the office. As a final attempt to reach the customer, an automated phone call is made. Once these steps in the collection process have been completed, a disconnect order is generated.
Can GSU notify the landlord when a tenant removes the account from their name and it goes back to landlord?
Unfortunately, GSU does not have a mechanism in place that would notify an owner of a tenant move out. The owner can call at any time to verify the account status. We would confirm if the account is still active in a tenant’s name, or if a move has been scheduled.
