Retailer Managed Services:
Other Products and Services:
How are hub and spoke services charged?
EBT Hub services are charged based on a monthly fee per converted meter point. In addition, there is a minimum monthly fee. The spoke is charged based on an up-front license fee and an annual maintenance fee.
Do we need a license to operate within Ontario?
Yes, electricity retailers and distributors are required to be licensed by the Ontario Energy Board. All retailers and distributors must subscribe to an EBT hub service provider to operate within Ontario.
Will our clients' data be protected under PIPEDA?
Yes, all data managed by SPi is protected under PIPEDA and remains within Canada. SPi also has a trained and certified privacy officer.
Why would we choose SPi over a competitor?
Typically, SPi is chosen as a preferred service provider because our systems are capable of handling the volumes of data currently in the market, as well as the potential volumes resulting from the Smart Metering Initiative. In addition, our systems are hosted in a state-of-the-art-facility, our pricing is competitive, our customer satisfaction rate is over 98%, and we employ a continuous improvement philosophy whereas our competitors appear to take the position of enhancing or modifying products only by request or upon a sale.
Does your hub ever go down?
Our EBT Hub does have normal outages for maintenance purposes. However, it maintains over 99.9% reliability throughout the year.
We are currently managing our billing and settlement internally. Why would we consider a managed service?
Our managed billing and settlement services enable our retailer clients to focus on winning clients rather than spending resources on the complex requirements that are inherent in marketing electricity in Ontario.
How are these services charged?
Typically, these services are charged a flat monthly service fee, plus a monthly charge based on the volume of transactions. Actual fees are based on the division of responsibilities between the specific client and SPi.
How long does it take to get up and running with a retailer managed billing and settlement service?
Normally, we can have a new retailer operating within 30 days. Note that this excludes the time required to obtain the appropriate license through the Ontario Energy Board.
Do we still need a customer information system?
Yes, a customer information system or contact management system is required, and is usually managed by the retailer.
Doesn’t SPi just provide hub services?
No, SPi provides a wide range of IT solutions to the energy market and other sectors. Our roots began with providing EBT Hub services within the Ontario electricity market.
What other services does SPi provide?
SPi provides a wide range of IT solutions to energy and other markets. In addition to our connectivity products and retailer managed billing and settlement services, we provide consulting services, technology licensing, software development, and project management resources.