Bruce Power has tools to help Ontarians get facts about electricity costs in the province

Electricity bills are the subject of a great deal of discussion and debate in Ontario right now, and Bruce Power takes seriously its role as a provider of low-cost electricity.

“We also believe we have a role to play in informing the public on electricity generation in Ontario and to convey the facts about clean, reliable and low-cost nuclear power,” said James Scongack, Bruce Power’s vice-president of corporate affairs and environment. “We have a number of tools designed to further the conversation, and the latest addition is a video explaining the elements that make up your electricity bill.”

The video, which can be viewed here, outlines in plain language the three elements of an electricity bill, including distribution and transmission charges, regulatory charges and electricity, itself.

Also, Mike Rencheck, Bruce Power’s president and chief executive officer, wrote an informative editorial this week to discuss the facts about electricity costs in Ontario. ‘Generating low-cost power for today and tomorrow’ is posted on Bruce Power’s website.

The cost of electricity you actually used, generally represents about half of your bill, while the other charges make up the other half. In 2016, the average cost of electricity on household bills was 11 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Bruce Power provided all of its electricity to the Independent Electricity System Operator at 6.6 cents per kWh compared to solar (48 cents per kWh), gas (17 cents per kWh), wind (14 cents per kWh) and hydro (six cents per kWh).

Residents of Bruce, Grey and Huron counties will be receiving more information about electricity pricing and how to understand bills through a brochure which will be distributed to 50,000 homes across the region in the coming weeks.

For an interactive look at the cost and clean air benefits of the various electricity sources, the public is invited to try the Bruce Power iPad and iPhone Apps, which have calculators that allow users to see how adjusting the electricity supply mix would impact their bill and the environment.

In addition to the Cost and Clean Air Calculator, the Apps also feature a new Climate Change Calculator which focuses on electricity supply mix considerations related to emissions targets to help Ontario meet its reduction goals by 2020 and 2050.

“The App speaks to what’s important to Ontarians – facts on where their electricity comes from and what each electricity source costs, as well as understanding how a clean, modern electricity system is important to meeting our climate change goals,” said Scongack. “Everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion; however, facts are facts and by sharing the facts in an innovative way, we can help further the energy dialogue.”

The free App, which is available through the App Store, is part of Bruce Power’s family of social media tools, which include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

To learn more about the App visit www.brucepowerapp.com or www.brucepower.com.