The multi-utility structure of Utilities Kingston contributed to a strong performance review of Kingston Hydro on an Ontario Energy Board (OEB) scorecard.  The OEB, which licenses Kingston Hydro to distribute electricity in Central Kingston, introduced the scorecard and its assessment framework this year. (Utilities Kingston manages Kingston Hydro’s assets.)

We welcome this opportunity to share performance outcomes with our electricity consumers. Through these indicators, customers can be assured that the company operates responsibly and reliably and that we deliver a high level of service quality…both today and looking toward the future.

Evaluating Kingston Hydro’s 2013 activities, the OEB’s regulatory scorecard is available in its full form from this website and assesses the utility’s effectiveness in achieving customer focus, operational effectiveness, public policy responsiveness, and financial performance. 

Highlights from the OEB 2013 Scorecard for Kingston Hydro

Customer Focus:

• Kingston Hydro shows particular strength in providing service quality. Measures exceed industry targets.
• The utility operator, Utilities Kingston, delivers service excellence to its customers, with a particular strength in connecting new electricity services and meeting scheduled appointments on time.
• Utilities Kingston customer service representatives provide one point of contact for multiple utilities, including water, wastewater, gas, electricity and fibre optics, which is unique amongst Ontario’s electricity distributors.

Operational Effectiveness:

• On a cost per customer basis, Kingston Hydro remains one of the lowest cost electricity distribution companies in Ontario.
• Efficiencies are attributed to the unique multi-utility model in Kingston, which delivers cost savings through economies of scope.
• The cost per kilometre of line has increased as Utilities Kingston replaces ageing infrastructure for Kingston Hydro. This activity ensures the continued safety and reliability of electricity services.

Public Policy Responsiveness:

• Kingston Hydro has exceeded its Conservation and Demand Management targets.
• Kingston Hydro connects micro-embedded generation facilities (such as solar panels on homes or businesses) at a rate that exceeds industry targets.

Financial performance: Third party financing ratios are well within limits.

If you have questions about the OEB regulatory scorecard, review the document Frequently Asked Questions - 2013 Scorecard for Ontario’s Electricity Distributors or contact customer service at 613-546-0000.

(Photo: courtesy Elliot Ferguson, The Whig-Standard)