Pubdate: Fri, 10 Jan 2003
Source: Oshawa This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003 Oshawa This Week
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/community/oshawa/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1767
Author: Jeremy Le Page

WHITBY HYDRO SAYS NEW SYSTEM WILL PUT AN END TO ELECTRICITY THEFTS

WHITBY - Prevention of hydro theft from marijuana grow homes may be 
revolutionizing energy technology in Whitby.

With about $500,000 of theft associated with marijuana grow houses over the 
past year in town, Whitby Hydro Electric Corporation, in partnership with 
Stratacon Inc. of Vaughan, has developed a new metering system eliminating 
meters on the sides of residential homes. A new digital system, measuring 
use at the transformer, will put an end to hydro theft according to Whitby 
Hydro representatives. Other benefits will include energy conservation and 
the ability to purchase energy by an hourly rate.

"Metering at the transformer eliminates the ability for thieves to bypass 
electric meters or manipulate the conventional glass meters," says Paul 
Elliott, vice president of customer services at Whitby Hydro.

He says the metering system, developed exclusively for Whitby, is possibly 
the first of its kind in North America.

"We're quite encouraged. We feel we're decades ahead of everyone else," 
adds Mr. Elliott.

Peter Mills, vice president at Stratacon, says he, too, is pleased with the 
system.

"The (new) meters can read consumption as low as one-minute intervals," he 
explains. "(And) the meters give customers the ability to view their 
consumption directly on the Internet."

Durham Regional Police Sergeant Paul Malik says in 2002, over $1 million 
was recovered to replace stolen hydro from operators of grow homes in the 
Region. Although the police are not involved with Whitby Hydro's meter 
project, he says the police "are open to any suggestions they have."

Plans to install the new meters as a pilot project will begin as early as 
next week in the new Baycliffe subdivision. The installation will affect 60 
homes.

"Elimination of meters and meter bases make for a more visually pleasing 
home," comments Nick Falvo, president of Baycliffe Homes. "Baycliffe is 
proud to be associated with this pilot project."

The meters cost about $4,000 and each measure a total of 12 homes. And 
although no plans have been made to replace technology in older 
neighbourhoods, the potential is there.

"The ability to retrofit older homes (is there)," says Mr. Elliott, "But 
we're not really looking at that option."

He says the meters may also prove cost-effective if the Province decides to 
drop its 4.3-cent per kilowatt-hour hydro freeze in 2006. The freeze began 
Dec. 1 in Ontario, due to concerns over energy deregulation throughout the 
province.

"The ability for customers to shift their consumption to off peak periods 
may allow them to lower their overall cost of electricity," Mr. Elliott says.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Alex