What is an Arrears Payment Agreement (APA)?
The Arrears Payment Agreement (APA) is a payment plan provided by Renfrew Hydro, developed to assist customers who are having trouble paying their electricity bill. The payment plan helps you catch up on what you owe over a specified period of time.
Who can get one?
- Residential customers (including low-income customers)
- Small business customers (using less than 50 kW of electricity)
As per Section 2.7 of the Distribution System Code, each group has slightly different rules, but in both cases, the agreement must offer reasonable terms.
How it works for Residential Customers
- Application of Security Deposit If you have a security deposit on file, we will apply the deposit to reduce your balance before setting up your payment plan.
- Down Payment
- Most customers: will need to pay at least 15% of the amount owing, inclusive of any late charges.
- Eligible low-income customers: only need to pay at least 10% of the amount owing, making it easier to get started.
- Calculation and Payment
The new amount you owe will then be calculated and payments will be spread over time based on how much you owe.
For customers owing:- Less than 2x your average monthly bill → 5 months to pay
- 2x or more your average monthly bill → 10 months to pay
For eligible low-income customers owing:- Less than 2x your average monthly bill → 8 months to pay
- 2x to less than 5x your average monthly bill → 12 months to pay
- More than 5x your average monthly bill → 16 months to pay
What happens if you miss payments?
Once you begin making monthly payments, you must still pay your regular electricity bills.
- If you miss more than one payment on either the arrears payment agreement or your bills, your agreement might be cancelled.
- For low-income customers, cancellation only happens after more than two payments are missed.
- Don’t worry, we must provide 10 days’ notice before cancelling your payment arrangement.
If you catch up before the cancellation date, your agreement will remain active.
Can you get another Agreement later?
Yes! If you completed your last agreement successfully and it has been at least 2 years. If you are a low-income customer, you are eligible to enroll again even sooner – although the terms of your agreement may vary if it has not been at least 1 year.
What if you decline the Agreement?
If you’re offered an Arrears Payment Plan and say NO, it is important to know that we do not have to offer it to you again and may proceed with disconnection.
Other Important Information
- You can’t be disconnected unless you’ve defaulted on the plan and it’s been officially cancelled.
- If your plan has been officially cancelled, you may be at risk of disconnection.
- If you enter into the agreement after your power has been disconnected, your electricity will be reconnected within 2 business days.
- Â Late fees before the agreement are allowed, but no new late fees are added once you enter the plan.