Phantom Power? Beware of Phantom messaging
The Conservation First theme of Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli‘s Long-term Energy Plan (LTEP), “Achieving Balance,” is in full swing these days as evident by the brochures that arrive in the mail, and with our (inflated) electricity bills. The various local distribution companies (LDCs) are out promoting the message where ever and whenever they can. The brochure from Toronto Hydro told me to “BBQ my meals,” have an “energy-free night” once a week, and start an “energy waster jar” and fine my kids for leaving lights on!
They also tell me to unplug electronics to avoid paying for “phantom power.”
Hydro One has a lot to say about “phantom power” and this one is particularly amusing, as they first tell you to purchase “energy efficient” appliances but later on warn you:
“ Too many clocks in the kitchen? Appliances with clocks use electricity when not in use. When purchasing new appliances, look for ones without a clock feature. As well, if you have pay-tv services, you may want to keep your cable television converter powered up at all times, otherwise you risk rebooting problems.”
These are “words of wisdom”?
So the LDC providing you with progressively more expensive electricity tells you to stop wasting that “phantom power” but have no hesitation billing you for power you don’t consume. The difference is they refer to “phantom power” as “line losses.” In the case of Toronto Hydro, you are billed for 3.76% for power you didn’t consume—for Hydro One it can be as much as 9.2%.
That “phantom power” they don’t deliver is now hidden in the “delivery” line of your bill.
Conservation? Or, hypocrisy?
© Parker Gallant
April 7, 2015
3 Comments
Palladini
Yes device do use phantom power. But why do they want us to conserve, when they give away billions of dollars of hydro produced in this Province for dick all in return. When these Morons start charging for that hydro they give away and start showing some damn common sense, maybe I will listen to them, until then all those how to save hydro pamphlets get thrown in the garbage. Me conserve, not a damn chance. If my hydro stops, I sue, plain and simple!
David Libby
“energy waster jar” and fine my kids for leaving lights on!
I wonder what the people of Ontario think of a sociopath dirt-bag politician telling them how to parent their children.
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2015/02/12/differences-between-a-psychopath-vs-sociopath/
The DSM-5 defines antisocial personality as someone have 3 or more of the following traits:
Regularly breaks or flaunts the law
Constantly lies and deceives others
Is impulsive and doesn’t plan ahead
Can be prone to fighting and aggressiveness
Has little regard for the safety of others
Irresponsible, can’t meet financial obligations
Doesn’t feel remorse or guilt
John B
Smart Meters were supposed to encourage people to not use electricity during peak hours, which they did whenever it was possible. In fact, electricity use dropped (in part due to the higher rates and manufacturing moving out of Ontario as a result) and building all those wind turbines was unnecessary and a huge waste of taxpayers’ money. The amount of electricity consumed in a home by these “phantom” devices is miniscule. If everyone unplugged their phone chargers they could build one less windmill, but, of course they wouldn’t. Ontario could save a lot more money by getting rid of the Liberals.