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Because the natural gas market has been deregulated since 1985, you can choose your natural gas supplier. Kitchener residents may be contacted by mail, phone, or by door-to-door canvassers promoting the deregulation of natural gas and asking them to switch natural gas suppliers.

If you’re thinking about making a switch, get the facts first to make an informed decision. You do not have to switch natural gas suppliers if you don’t want to. If you choose to do nothing, you will continue to receive natural gas from Kitchener Utilities. Please note, Kitchener Utilities and the City of Kitchener do not sell door to door, and we do not hire gas marketers to do so on our behalf.

Your Kitchener Utilities Bill

If you sign a contract with a private natural gas marketer, Kitchener Utilities will continue to bill you for your natural gas delivery and daily fixed delivery charge. Depending on the contract arrangements between the natural gas marketer and Kitchener Utilities, your gas supply and transportation charges may continue to be included on your utility bill on behalf of your natural gas marketer. The marketer’s name and contact number will be listed on the bill for your reference.

Decision-making Tips

Consider the following suggestions when dealing with a private natural gas marketer to help you compare your options.

• Be sure the person at the door is licensed. All marketers selling natural gas must be licensed by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and must wear an identification badge. Go to the Ontario Energy Board online or call the OEB toll-free at 1-877-632-2727 for a list of licensed retailers and to see the code of conduct for energy marketers.
  
  
• You can cancel your contract if you change your mind after signing. Under the Consumer Protection Act, you have 10 days from the time you sign your contract to notify the marketer and cancel the contract. You must send written notice to the marketer that you want to cancel the contract.
  
  
• Once you have received your contract, you have options. The marketer must contact you between the 10th and 60th day after you have received a copy of your contract to reaffirm the contract. If you do not wish to proceed with the contract, you can choose not to reaffirm it when contacted. You must also send written notice to the marketer if you want to cancel the contract. However, once you have reaffirmed the contract, you may not be able to cancel without paying a penalty.
  
  
• Understand the length of the contract, what components of your natural gas bill are included, and at what cost. The natural gas marketer’s contract will cover your gas supply and transportation rates only. Kitchener Utilities will continue to bill you for your natural gas delivery and daily fixed delivery charge. Understand how the offer compares to the rates of your current provider. Make sure you understand the terms of the contract and your obligations.
  
  
• Ask to see the Kitchener Utilities Disclosure Information Sheet. Kitchener Utilities has developed a form listing its current natural gas rates to help you compare. It also includes valuable questions you should ask the gas marketer before signing any contract.
  
  
• Do not give out your account number or show a copy of your bill. Only give out this important financial information if you have decided to sign a contract.
  
  
• Be wary of “free” gifts. If you don’t want to commit to the contract being offered, don’t accept any free gifts. What looks “free” today may in fact bind you to a long-term contract later or at renewal.
  
  
• Beware of contract renewals. Natural gas marketers are not required to obtain a customer’s permission in writing to renew a contract, if the contract is being extended for one year or less. However, they are required to send their customer a detailed renewal package including the new term and price for the renewed contract.
  

Go to the Ontario Energy Board online, call them at 1-877-632-2727, or download the Deregulation Brochure to learn more about deregulation.

Questions?

At Kitchener Utilities, we’re committed to keeping you informed. If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (519) 741-2626.