Utilities Kingston is preparing to submit Kingston Hydro’s multi-year electricity distribution plan to the Ontario Energy Board. Our electricity customers are invited to provide input to help inform this plan, which will help determine the company’s priorities and rates beginning on January 1, 2021.

During a public meeting at 6 p.m. on May 29, 2019, senior company leaders will offer details on proposed plans to upgrade equipment and ensure the continued reliability of electricity services. The meeting will be held at the Seniors Centre at 56 Francis Street. Utilities Kingston will consult with customers on:

• factors relating to the reliability of the Kingston Hydro electricity distribution system
• spending decisions over the next five years
• how to meet our customers’ changing electricity service and conservation needs while considering rapidly changing information, communication and grid technologies

Come provide feedback at the public meeting in person – or offer it via an online survey. Customers can also join the conversation on Twitter @utilitieskngstn, by following the hashtag #HaveYourSay.

All input collected will be considered in developing Kingston Hydro’s distribution system and company plans and will be included with Kingston Hydro’s application to its regulator, the Ontario Energy Board, as part of the rate-setting process.

At the public meeting, Randy Murphy, chief financial officer, Jim Miller, director of engineering, and Audrey Jones, manager of customer relations will lead a discussion on electricity rates, bill impacts and capital projects, and invite input from customers.

What you should know:

• Kingston Hydro’s distribution rates must be approved by the Ontario Energy Board based on applications by the utility. The rate-setting process is open and transparent, and offers opportunities for public participation.
• Kingston Hydro must submit evidence to demonstrate the amount of funding it needs to safely and reliably distribute electricity to its customers.
• The Kingston Hydro electricity distribution area is operated by the employees of Utilities Kingston, which also operates municipal water, wastewater and gas utilities, and provides broadband networking services. Utilities Kingston’s roots in the community run deep; its employees have been providing utility services in Kingston since 1847.
• A video provides more information on the proposed plans.

“The unique multi-utility model in Kingston delivers value to customers for the rates they are paying. Our electricity plans are based on the customer service and cost saving benefits of having five utility services under one roof,” says Jim Keech, president and CEO of Utilities Kingston. “With customer input, we are developing plans for a modern energy company that meets the changing needs of consumers, while distributing electricity in a safe and reliable manner, keeping rates affordable and providing long-term value to the community.”

Learn more at www.UtilitiesKingston.com/HaveYourSay