Category: News Alerts

Oshawa, Ontario – As of 6:00 p.m. today, Oshawa Power has responded to over 9,000 customers without power, resulting from yesterday’s devastating storm.

Currently, we have approximately 350 customers without power, located mainly in the rural areas of north Oshawa. In addition, our crews and control staff have been working on a rotating 24/7 schedule to restore power with an estimated total return to service for late Sunday night.

The storm’s heavy winds created a significant amount of tree and infrastructure damage to the electric grid and public infrastructure. Oshawa Power crews worked day and night to clear debris and restore power. The crews also cleared tree branches from individual home services to temporarily restore power while homeowners arranged for permanent repairs to their masts and ESA approval to reconnect fully.

“We want to thank our people who worked tirelessly to restore power quickly and safely to our community and allow our customers to get back to normal. Our strong storm response experience enables our team to restore power quickly and ensure that our grid is more resilient to withstand these extreme events occurring more frequently,”

– Ivano Labricciosa, President & CEO

The safety of our people and community is first and foremost our top priority and we are grateful to all affected customers for their patience and support during our restoration effort.

For Safety and Outage Information

  • Call 911 and Oshawa Power to immediately report any downed wires or electrical hazards
  • Visit our safety and outages website and our emergency preparedness page

    • Media Contact

    Oshawa Power Communications

    Oshawa, Ontario – Earlier today, Oshawa Mayor, Dan Carter and Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO of Oshawa Power officially launched the new on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Downtown Core. Access to charging has been a barrier to consumer adoption and now through a collaborative partnership with the City, the Region of Durham, and partially funded by Natural Resources Canada, driving range and charging access is less of a concern. This investment in level 2 chargers will make EV charging more accessible to all visiting the downtown core.

    On-street stations have been installed and activated in the following locations:

  • 100 Simcoe St. S
  • 45 King St. E
  • 40 King St. W
  • 8 Bond St. W

    • “Since 2018, Oshawa Power has invested in electrification. We have been planning and advancing the infrastructure to support the growing demands and evolution in the industry, population growth and the clean energy movement. With grid enhancements, planning for fluctuations, research on battery storage needs and how to feed the grid efficiently, Oshawa Power is confident that the system is ready to handle the impacts and needs.”

    – Ivano Labricciosa, President & CEO

    Promoting use and access to EV charging is critical to electrification and EV adoption in Durham. Currently, Oshawa is the fastest growing community in Canada and is expected to have an increase in EV adoption—recent data indicates there are nearly 1000 registered EVs in Oshawa and growing.

    To stimulate use and promote the launch in the community, Oshawa Power temporarily assumes the charging costs ― ending September 15, 2022. At that point, standard EV rates will apply. And, since the chargers have been quietly active, thirty-five (35) sessions have been registered, with an average charge time of 173 minutes.

    As we look forward, we will continue to work with industry partners and local post-secondary schools on projects that support data collection, energy load prediction, and grid optimization; resulting in an easier transition to EVs for the consumer.

    Quick Facts

  • As of February 2022, there are 75,274 EVs registered in Ontario.
  • Transportation accounts for 25 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.
  • To date, over 130,000 Canadians and Canadian businesses have taken advantage of the federal incentive to purchase a zero-emission vehicle.

    • Resources

    Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
    E-Mission

    Media Contact

    Oshawa Power Communications

    Oshawa, Ontario – Oshawa Power is excited to announce its plan for installing and managing Level 2 chargers for the downtown core, creating a new opportunity for residents and visitors to charge their electric vehicles.

    According to a 2016 census, Durham Region commuters have the highest percentage of long commutes — over an hour each way (22.4%) within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Durham commutes are also comparatively GHG intensive and are therefore an important demographic to target for EV adoption.

    As part of a community assessment regarding EV adoption in Oshawa, the top five barriers to ownership for non EV owners included: High cost of EVs, availability of public chargers, range anxiety, fear of battery failure, charging time, and limited cargo space.

    Oshawa Power, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), Durham Region and the City of Oshawa are hopeful that this installation is just the beginning of removing barriers to ownership. With partial financial support from NRCan, Oshawa Power will install and operationalize eight (8) EV Chargers in four upcoming downtown on-street parking locations. Locations are currently being finalized with the City.

    Mayor Carter agrees with the on-street charging approach, “As Canada’s fastest-growing city and an increasing number of EVs registered in Oshawa and surrounding areas, it is vital to be able to support their adoption. As the landscape changes, on-street charging is modernization and a positive step forward for residents and visitors.”

    These installations support the move for EV transition in Ontario. Currently, Oshawa is the only community supporting on-street public charging within Durham, putting Oshawa in a leadership position with other major metropolitan areas in Canada such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
    The Level 2 chargers offer speed, reliability, an optimal range output, and peace of mind to meet the travel needs of EV drivers. These chargers are designed to provide nearly a full charge in 2 hours or less – approximately the same time it takes to enjoy a meal, watch a show or attend a hockey game.

    Oshawa Power will assume the charging costs for use as part of its commitment to support EV adoption. It will be free for users coming to the downtown core for a summer promotional period, encouraging residents and visitors to visit the core, ending September 15, 2022. At that point, standard EV rates will apply. In addition, the EV charging spots will be discoverable on various networks, such as Plugshare, Waze, and Google Maps.

    “As businesses emerge from the pandemic, adding EV charging is a modern way to attract residents and visitors to the downtown core. This project will open the doors to other initiatives to make Oshawa a safer, more digitally-enabled and economically prosperous community,” said President and CEO Ivano Labricciosa.

    “This is perfect timing for our businesses to be welcoming visitors to the area, knowing that range is no longer a concern for EV drivers. Users of the spots can park, have lunch, shop, have a meeting, and when they return, feel confident that their car will be ready to continue with their journey,” added Jason King, CEO of the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce.

    Media Contact:
    Oshawa Power Communications
    communications@opuc.on.ca

    Oshawa, Ontario – Oshawa Power has been a trusted partner in the community for more than 130 years and truly cares about this community and those who live here. Over the years Oshawa Power has regularly supported registered charity and non-profit organizations within the community with time (volunteering), in kind donations (helping to find solutions), and with donations (food, goods and dollars). The last two years have been particularly hard on many, but also highlighted how many people in our community have stepped up to go above and beyond to help others in need. This year we wanted to recognize some of those special people.

    Oshawa Power put out the call for community members to nominate a “Local Hero” who went above and beyond to help others and make our community a special place. More than thirty nominations were received and reviewed by an impartial panel of judges. This panel of volunteer judges included: Mayor Dan Carter, Jason King, CEO Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, Craig Venn and Mike Luck, Morning Show Hosts 94.9 The Rock. These judges looked through all the nominations and made their picks, once all the judges submitted their choices, the top picks were notified, and a donation was presented to each charity at All or Nothing Brewhouse on December 14, 2021.

    Four Local Heroes and representatives from their charities were able to join us for the presentations. Local Heroes Jill Boville, Dave Briggs, Gene Balson, and Caitlin Pye were presented with a Certificate of Recognition for the work that they do in our community and their charities, Simcoe Hall Settlement House, Salvation Army Family Services, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and Simcoe Hall Foodbank each received a donation of $1000 to support the work they do in the community.

    “As a member of this community, Oshawa Power is committed to giving back to the community where we live and work. This year we thought it would be a good idea to involve Oshawa residents and provide them with the opportunity to recognize some special people in the community, while helping local charitable and nonprofit organizations. The response was terrific, with more than thirty heartwarming stories received. It was a pleasure to meet the Local Heroes that make our community great!”

    – Ivano Labricciosa, President & CEO

    This is the first time Oshawa Power has employed this strategy to their Charitable Giving, and their plan is to make it an annual event.

    Oshawa, Ontario – Local dignitaries and leaders from within the business community are joining today to celebrate the launch of Durham Broadband, a new kind of high speed internet service that focuses on Durham’s economic development and is owned by Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation (a municipal corporation of the City of Oshawa).

    Durham Broadband was established in 2002 under the banner Oshawa PUC Services and quickly became the Region’s largest fibre optic infrastructure supplier. The company’s re-launch and updated strategic vision come in recognition of the increasing need for high speed internet to support evolving business practices, innovation and smarter cities. Durham Broadband is being made available to the broader business sector to spur-on socio-economic outcomes across the Region and put its eight local communities at the forefront of Canada’s economic modernization.
    To effectively support economic development, Durham Broadband has a mandate to target priority areas and offer highly competitive solutions including:

    • Price match guarantees;
    • Superior speeds to any other local supplier;
    • Flexible service levels and packages;
    • No contracts; and,
    • A unique dual-homed network that creates 100% system redundancy.

    The brand is also pursuing an aggressive 5 year, multi-million dollar expansion plan that will see underserved areas connected. It is projected that this initiative will bring government investment in broadband via shared grant applications at the federal and provincial levels. Securing such grants would mean that Durham Broadband and its collaborative partner, the Regional Municipality of Durham, would be able to stretch high speed internet farther, sooner and for less cost.

    “Oshawa has a need for high-speed reliable internet solutions, and with our extensive network of dark fibre this was the logical next step,” stated Matt Strecker, VP of Engineering & Operations, and the Divisional Lead for Durham Broadband. “Local business told us they need better network coverage, reliability, redundancy and capacity, married with excellent customer service. By focusing our attention locally, and building the networks our Region demands, we can provide service that is unmatched,” continued Strecker.

    For a limited time only, businesses wishing to sign-on will receive deep discounts and special signing bonuses. Businesses should visit www.durhambroadband.ca for more information today.

    Oshawa Power & EnerFORGE join Electricity Human Resources Canada Leadership Accord, commit to building diverse and inclusive workplace

    Oshawa, Ontario – Oshawa Power and their affiliated low-carbon energy services provider, EnerFORGE, are proud to announce their signing of the Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) Leadership Accord on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (“the Accord”). In signing the Accord, Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE are joining together with a growing number of industry leading companies in making a commitment to help build a strong culture of diversity and inclusion throughout the Canadian electrical industry.

    “We’re proud to solidify our commitment together as a team by signing the Leadership Accord. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the foundation to innovation, community leadership, and living our corporate values. We acknowledge the importance of continuous improvement as we work to build a culture of respect and inclusion at Oshawa Power & EnerFORGE.”

    – Ivano Labricciosa, President & CEO

    Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE have pledged to implement a set of clearly benchmarked initiatives developed by the EHRC and intended to foster an inclusive workplace culture. The commitment includes a two-year review to examine the organizations’ progress and develop a refreshed strategic pathway to meeting the aforementioned benchmarks.

    “Our operations extend into growing and diverse communities. We recognize the tremendous opportunity this means for our organization with respect to leveraging a broad base of talent that is both representative of our customers and key to future success.”

    – Nancy Brandon, Director, People & Business Services

    Operating in the heart of the Durham Region and throughout the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area, Oshawa Power and EnerFORGE are headquartered in one of Canada’s most culturally diverse areas. Building a culture of diversity and inclusion is an important step in the organizations’ approach to better understanding the needs of each customer group in order to deliver exceptional services across their territory.

    Media Contact
    Josh McCulloch
    jmcculloch@opuc.on.ca
    905-242-3186

    Late last night, May 26, 2021, Oshawa Power customers experienced a widespread power outage that affected more than 12,000 customers, or approximately 20% of our customer base. The outage was a result of a power supply interruption to Hydro One’s Thornton Transformer Station which supplies Oshawa Power. Scheduled Hydro One maintenance, in combination with an equipment failure outside of Oshawa Power’s service territory, knocked out the primary power supply to our substations in the affected areas. Impacts of the event spread from areas east in Northumberland County, through the Durham Region, and west into the City of Pickering.

    On call crews were activated and ready to begin the restoration process within 20 minutes of the event. Our team worked diligently to reroute power supply to the affected areas within our territory through our designated secondary supply at two other local Hydro One Transformer Stations. Ultimately, all Oshawa Power customers had their power restored within 54 minutes.

    “Hydro One scheduled maintenance combined with an unforeseen equipment failure outside of Oshawa Power territory knocked out the supply to our substations. Crews were dispatched and did a great job “switching” or rerouting power through other stations and transformers to restore as many customers as possible until Hydro One was able to fix equipment and restore power supply to the affected areas within the Oshawa Power grid,” said Ivano Labricciosa, President and CEO of Oshawa Power. “Our Emergency Preparedness team acted quickly to get the word out to customers and crews quickly responded with a contingency plan to quickly restore power. We thank our customers for their understanding and patience as we worked to safely restore power to everyone,” continued Labricciosa.

    Oshawa Power has detailed plans and procedures in place to respond swiftly to all emergency events, including last night’s situation. Our goal in these situations is to safely restore service to all affected customers as soon as we possibly can.

    We appreciate your patience as we worked to restore power to our customers and are dedicated to understanding, and learning from, all outages, small and large, so that we can continue to provide the highest quality service at the lowest possible rates.

    Oshawa Power would like to extend our gratitude to our crews who worked to have service restored swiftly and safely, the Durham Regional Police Services who activated to ensure local motorists could remain safe on our local roadways, and the local media, including Colin Williamson, for helping keep our customers informed and up-to-date as the situation unfolded late into the evening.

    Today, the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) announced new electricity prices for households and small businesses, effective November 1, under the Regulated Price Plan (RPP).

    The winter Time-of-Use (TOU) hours and the winter Tier threshold for residential customers, which were maintained for the summer 2020 period, will remain in effect until November 1.

    The total bill for a typical residential customer who uses 700 kWh per month will increase by about $2.24 or 1.97%, after accounting for the bill relief provided by the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER), a total (pre-tax) bill credit that appears at the bottom of electricity bills. The Ontario government has increased that rebate from 31.8% to 33.2% effective November 1, 2020.

    The Ontario Energy Board is also introducing new Pricing Plan Choices for customers. Effective November 1, 2020 customers can now choose between paying Time of Use rates or Tiered Pricing rates.

    Learn more about the new choices and how to change between plans here.

    Read the Ontario Energy Board announcement here

    About Time-of-Use (TOU) rates

    Under Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing, customers are charged according to the day of the week and time of day that they use electricity. This gives customers the option to shift higher electricity-use activities — such as laundry or running the dishwasher — to off-peak periods, which are charged at a lower rate.

    There are three different TOU price periods: on-peak, mid-peak and off-peak.

    TOU rates and price periods typically change twice a year (May 1 and November 1). Both the rates and price periods are set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).

    November 1, 2020 Time of Use Rates:

    On Peak – 21.7 ¢/kWh
    Mid Peak – 15.0 ¢/kWh
    Off – Peak – 10.5 ¢/kWh

    Note: Currently, all TOU customers are paying the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8¢/kWh for all price periods. Please note that winter TOU rates will come into effect on November 1, 2020, and will be updated below once rates are announced by the OEB.

    Winter pricing periods


    To learn more about TOU rates, visit our Time of Use page.

    About Tiered rates

    Tiered pricing separates electricity consumption into two price tiers. Customers are charged one rate for electricity usage up to a certain amount of consumption (or threshold) per month, and a higher rate for electricity used above that amount.

    The price threshold (the amount of electricity consumption that is charged at the lower price) is set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and will typically change twice a year for residential customers.

    Note: Updated Tiered rates as of November 1, 2020.

    Tiered rates pricing – per 30 days (residential customers)
    Price tier Description Price
    Tier 1 Up to 1,000 kWh/month 12.6¢ per kWh
    Tier 2 More than 1,000 kWh/month 14.6¢ per kWh

    Tiered rates pricing – per 30 days (non-residential customers)
    Price tier Description Price
    Tier 1 Up to 750 kWh/month 12.6¢ per kWh
    Tier 2 More than 750 kWh/month 14.6¢ per kWh

    September 22, 2020 – We have received reports from small commercial customers that there are callers impersonating Hydro One calling Oshawa businesses and demanding payment by midnight and threatening disconnection.

    Let us confirm that Hydro One does not operate in Oshawa and would not be calling our customers to demand payment. The phone number they are calling from is 1-800-581-4814.

    Please do not engage with these callers and call Durham Regional Police to report at 905-579-1520.

    If you have questions about your account please call our office at 905-723-4623 or email contactus@opuc.on.ca.

    Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. has applied to the Ontario Energy Board to increase our electricity distribution rates. Please review the Ontario Energy Board’s Notice of Hearing to learn more and to find out how you can participate in the Ontario Energy Board’s hearing.

    Notice of Hearing

    To view a full version of the 2021-2025 Rate Application please visit the link below:

    Oshawa Power 2021-2025 Application