The Greener Home Rebate Program: Promoting Sustainable Living and Environmental Conservation

Summary

On April 14, 2022, the Getting Ontario Connected Act was passed into law, and resulted in major changes to the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act which governs how underground facilities are located in Ontario. The legislative changes aim to remove barriers to timely locate delivery, improve and streamline compliance, and enhance Ontario One Call’s powers.

Historically, Enbridge Gas has completed gas facility locates at no direct charge to locate requestors. As a result of these legislative changes, Enbridge Gas has made significant investments in associated operational improvements.

To ensure that our gas distribution service customers are protected from incurring the costs of services rendered to other parties, Enbridge Gas will be implementing a new locate delivery charge. This charge will be applied directly to third-party contractors and other utilities who make these locate request.

What is Changing?

Effective May 1, 2023, Enbridge Gas (including its Ontario based affiliates), will begin to directly charge third-party contractors and other utilities for their utility locates. Enbridge Gas will apply a charge of $200 CAD (plus applicable taxes) per locate request where a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed by Enbridge Gas.

Locates requested by property owners for a property where they or their tenant reside, will not be subject to this charge.

Questions?

Please see the Charging for Locates FAQ for more details.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Enbridge Gas

Frequently Asked Questions

Under what circumstances will requestors be charged for locates?
Enbridge Gas will charge third-party contractors and other utilities for each utility locate request that Enbridge Gas responds to where a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed. Locates requested by property owners, for a property where they or their tenant reside, will not be subject to a direct charge. However third-party contractors and other utilities who request a locate for work at a property on behalf of the property owner or their tenant, will be subject to this charge upon completion of the locate paperwork and ground markings.
Third-party contractors and other utilities using a third-party dedicated locator approved to locate Enbridge Gas assets (including those of its Ontario based affiliates) will be charged by the dedicated locator and not Enbridge Gas.

What happens if I receive a clearance for Enbridge Gas on my locate request?
Enbridge Gas does not charge for locate requests where there are no Enbridge Gas assets in the locate area and a clearance is issued.
Excavators should request locates for as precise an area as possible relative to their work plan to increase the potential that a clearance can be issued.

Will I be charged for remarks and relocates?
Enbridge Gas will charge for remark/relocate requests where a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed.
Excavators should plan their work start date based on the timelines of their locate request to reduce the potential that their locates will expire before they start work.
Excavators should follow all third-party requirements associated with preserving and maintaining locate markings to reduce the potential that the locates will require remarks.

Are homeowners or tenants charged for locates?
Locates requested by a property owner, for a property where they or a tenant reside, will not be subject to a direct charge, however third-party excavation contractors and other utilities will be subject to a charge.

Can a homeowner undertaking work on their property request a locate for their contractor to avoid incurring charges?
No. It is the responsibility of the excavator undertaking the ground disturbance to request the locates.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Enbridge Gas accepts credit card payments (through an individual link generated when the charge is issued) or payments by cheque made payable to Enbridge Gas, Accounts Payable.
Enbridge Gas does not accept cash payments.

Can I add the charge to my gas bill?
We are not offering the ability to add locate delivery charges onto our natural gas bills.

I am a customer of Enbridge Gas, does that mean I still need to pay for a locate?
Enbridge Gas customers that request locates for work on their own property where they or their tenant reside, will not be charged. Enbridge Gas customers who operate as excavators or are requesting locates for work outside of their own residential property will be subject to the locate charge.

Who do I contact for disputes about my locate charge?
For any disputes related to your Enbridge Gas locate charge you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

When are my locate charge payments due?
Invoices for locate charges will be issued on a monthly basis with payment required within 45 calendar days from the invoice date.

Do I still need to pay for the locate if it wasn’t delivered within five (5) business days?
Yes. Upon placing your locate request through Ontario One Call for which Enbridge Gas is required to locate its underground assets, you will be charged whenever a field locate (paperwork and ground markings) is completed.
Enbridge Gas makes every practicable effort to respond to locate requests within five (5) business days. The charge is required to cover the cost of our locate services.
To support timely completion of locate request responses, Enbridge Gas suggests that excavators:
Request locates for as precise of an area as possible relative to their work plan to increase the potential that a clearance can be issued and/or a field completion can be issued as fast as possible.
Only place locate requests for work that they reasonably plan to start in the near future so as to prevent excess / unnecessary requests and reduce the potential that their locates will expire before starting work.

What alternatives do I have to paying Enbridge Gas for locating its assets?
It is a legal requirement in Ontario that prior to any ground disturbance, the excavator must obtain a valid locate response from all affected infrastructure owners impacted by the ground disturbance activities.
As an alternative, a project owner can apply with Ontario One Call to use a dedicated locator authorized to locate the assets of the infrastructure owner in accordance with regulations. The cost of a dedicated locator will be borne by the project owner in accordance with the Ontario One Call legislation.

Why is Enbridge Gas making the decision to charge for locates?
The cost to deliver locates has increased significantly, and we are proactively working to recover costs for providing locate services directly from third-party contractors and other utilities who make these locate requests.

What are you going to do with the money that you receive for locates?
We are collecting money for line locates to offset our own costs. Enbridge Gas does not earn a profit on the money received for locates.

What is the cost of the locates?
$200.00 CAD (plus applicable taxes) per completed field locate (ground markings and paperwork) will be charged.

How did you arrive at a $200 fee – how can I be assured this is reasonable?
Enbridge Gas completed a detailed analysis of the costs associated with completing a standard locate, including field locate delivery, locate delivery administration and field locate safety controls.

Now that you are charging for locates, will you commit to a five-day turnaround?
Enbridge Gas makes every practicable effort to respond to locate requests within five (5) business days.
To support timely completion of locate request responses, Enbridge Gas suggests that excavators:
Request locates for as precise of an area as possible relative to their work plan to increase the potential that a clearance can be issued and/or a field completion can be issued as fast as possible.
Excavators should plan their work start date based on the timelines of their locate request to reduce the potential that their locates will expire before they start work.

Why are you charging professional excavators and not residential property owners – is this fair?
With the changes in the legislation, Enbridge Gas is now looking to allocate the costs of delivering locates directly to third-party excavation contractors and other utilities who make these locate request.

Have you assessed the risk that this additional cost will dissuade contractors from obtaining locates?
Yes. Regardless of whether or not there is a charge for obtaining locates, it is a legal requirement under the Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act that all parties obtain a valid locate prior to conducting any ground disturbance activities in Ontario.

Any excavator that commences ground disturbance activities without a valid locate may be subject to a $10,000 penalty. Any excavator that continues ground disturbance activities past the expiry date of a valid locate may be subject to a $8,000 penalty.

How can I learn more about the Getting Connected Ontario Act?
Information on the Getting Connected Ontario Act is available online:
Ontario Underground Infrastructure Notification System Act, 2012, S.O. 2012, c. 4
Dedicated Locator – Ontario One Calle

Natural gas is a fascinating and versatile fossil fuel that has been formed deep within the earth's crust over millions of years. It is composed primarily of methane, a colorless and odorless gas, but can also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons such as propane and ethane.

One of the most intriguing aspects of natural gas is the way in which it is formed. It is created through a complex process of decomposition and compression, in which the remains of ancient plants and animals are transformed into the energy-rich fuel we know today. This process occurs deep within the earth, where high pressure and heat cause the organic matter to break down and reform into hydrocarbons.

The location of natural gas deposits can vary greatly, with reserves found in both onshore and offshore locations. It can be trapped in a variety of rock types, including sandstone, limestone, and shale. To extract the gas, drilling wells are used to access the reservoirs deep beneath the earth's surface. Steel casings are inserted to prevent the well from collapsing and the casing is perforated to allow the natural gas to flow into the well, and then brought to the surface through a series of pipes.

One of the most significant recent developments in natural gas extraction is the use of hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking." This technique involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals into the rock formation to create fractures that allow the gas to flow more freely. This has greatly increased the amount of natural gas that can be extracted from shale rock formations, making it a key player in the global energy market.

Natural gas is not just an energy source, but also an important feedstock for the chemical industry. It is also a cleaner-burning fuel that is widely used in power generation, heating, and as a fuel for vehicles. It produces fewer emissions than gasoline or diesel, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

In conclusion, natural gas is a unique and valuable fossil fuel that is formed deep within the earth over millions of years. It is extracted from underground rock formations through drilling and can be found in a variety of locations. With the development of fracking, natural gas has become a major player in the global energy market, providing a cleaner burning alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Gas fireplaces are an attractive and convenient way to heat your home, but they do require proper care and maintenance to ensure safety. Whether you're looking to install a new gas fireplace or you already have one in your home, it's important to be aware of the potential hazards and to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind when using a gas fireplace:

1. Have your gas fireplace inspected and serviced by a professional on an annual basis. This will ensure that the unit is in proper working condition and that any potential safety hazards are identified and addressed. A professional will also be able to check for any gas leaks, which can be dangerous if not detected and repaired.
2. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines. This includes not blocking the vents, keeping combustible materials away from the unit, and never using it as a primary heat source. It is also important to keep the area around the fireplace clear of clutter and debris, as this can easily catch fire.
3. Never leave a gas fireplace unattended while it is in use. This is especially important if you have children or pets in the home, as they may accidentally touch the unit or play with the controls. Additionally, you should always make sure that the fireplace is turned off before going to bed or leaving the house.
4. Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the room where your gas fireplace is located. These devices can alert you to any potential problems with the unit, such as a gas leak or a fire, and help keep you and your family safe.
5. Have a fire extinguisher close by to the fireplace in case of emergency.

By following these tips and having your unit inspected and serviced on a regular basis, you can enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a gas fireplace without putting yourself or your loved ones at risk. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to gas fireplaces, so take the time to educate yourself and take the necessary precautions to ensure that your gas fireplace is being used safely.

(October 7, 2022) – As Ontario homeowners and restaurant operators prepare to extend patio season this autumn, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and safety-minded partners mark Fire Prevention Week (October 9 to15, 2022) by delivering patio heater maintenance guidelines to help keep outdoor gatherers safe from fires and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Knowing how to properly use patio heaters and open-flame appliances – including fire pits, fireplaces and tabletop units – helps everyone safely enjoy outdoor dining and socializing. With the hope that multiple voices will bring greater impact to this message, TSSA, the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association (OMFPOA), Canadian Propane Association (CPA), and Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) offer the following patio heater and open-flame appliance safety tips.

 Tips for the Safe Use of Patio Heaters

• Ensure equipment is safety certified – Make sure outdoor heating devices are certified by the CSA, ULC, or another recognized certification body. A list of approved certification marks can be found on the TSSA website.

• Avoid the dangers of fire and CO poisoning – Never use outdoor heating devices indoors or in an enclosed area. If patio heaters are used in a shelter, be conscious of fire hazards and risks of CO build up.

• Recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning – Teach staff and family members to recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning (nausea, dizziness, headache).

• Avoid fire hazards – Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for required clearances from combustible materials such as umbrellas, awnings, walls, tablecloths, paper products, decorations, etc. Don’t forget to locate and identify easily accessible fire extinguishers in the patio area.

• Position with care – Always place patio heaters on a stable surface. Make sure patio heaters do not obstruct doors, fire exits or firefighting equipment and are properly distanced from building air intakes.

• Operate safely – Ensure anyone operating a patio heater understands how to disconnect and install propane cylinders, including how to check for leaks. See the Patio Heater Safety Guidelines for instructions.

• Keep an eye out – Never leave patio heaters unattended and pay particular attention when children or intoxicated adults are in the vicinity.

• Store propane cylinders safely – Never store propane cylinders indoors, in a garage, close to operational heaters, or near smoking areas. Propane cylinders must be stored upright, outdoors, in an area protected against tampering, unauthorized movement, dropping, or impacts that could result in a leak or a fire.

Additional resources on the safe use of outdoor heating devices and propane cylinders, including Patio Heater Safety Guidelines and a Patio Heater Safety Checklist for Restaurant Owners and Operators, are available for download at  www.tssa.org.