How Picton Resident Linda Martin Stabilized Her Retirement By Crushing ‘Low Density’ Delivery Fees With Solar
“I now rip open my Hydro One bill and go Whoo-hoo!”
For many Ontario residents living in rural or “Low Density” zones, opening a Hydro One bill is a monthly source of stress. It’s not just the electricity you use—it’s the delivery fees that often double the cost.
This was the reality for Linda Martin of Picton, Ontario, until she made the switch to solar with Otter Energy.
“Drastic drop in hydro bills,” Linda says, describing the biggest change she’s seen. “I am low density, so delivery is as much as the usage, thus my high hydro bills. Solar fixed both use and delivery.”
The Proof is in the Bill
Looking at Linda’s recent Hydro One statement (Oct 9 – Nov 11), the results are undeniable. Despite powering her home with 1,426 kWh of electricity—a substantial amount for a single month—her “Amount You Owe” was only $71.52.
How is this possible? Net Metering.
Linda’s bill shows the power of the “banked” credits she accumulated during the sunny summer months.
- Total Eligible Charges: Her usage and delivery would have cost $281.32.
- Solar Credits Used: She applied $202.20 of solar credits she had previously generated.
- Remaining Banked Credit: Even after wiping out the majority of her bill, she still has $193.98 in accrued credits sitting in her “account” for future winter months.
“I now rip open my Hydro One bill and go Whoo-hoo!” Linda laughs. “I am very happy.”
Busting the Battery Myth
For years, Linda was interested in green energy but hesitated for one specific reason: Batteries.
“It was the batteries to store solar energy that put me off,” she explains. “Now, you do not have to buy batteries. The solar energy credits your Hydro One account. In the summer you produce more than you use. The credits stay on your account which you use in the winter.”
This system allows the grid to act as her virtual battery, eliminating the need for expensive hardware maintenance while ensuring she has power 24/7.
Why Otter Energy?
When it came time to choose an installer, Linda wanted a partner she could trust with her investment. She chose Otter Energy, a staple in the Picton community.
“Otter is a highly respected large solar company. The Company’s head office is in Picton, and the President grew up and lives here,” Linda notes.
She highlights several key reasons for her choice:
- Longevity: “The company has been in business for 16 years… they will be in the solar business going forward if you should need them.”
- Expertise: “The employees are nice, honest people… They do a great job helping you know about available funding, tax credits, and all your options.”
- Insurance Ready: Otter’s panels are rated for Canadian weather, meaning Linda saw minimal impact on her home insurance premiums.
Financial Freedom in Retirement
For Linda, solar wasn’t just about being green; it was a strategic financial move.
“I am so glad I did this. It has stabilized my retirement expenses. It will free up money for me,” she says. By locking in her energy costs now, she is protected against future rate hikes and the uncertainty of utility planning. “If you received the Hydro One residential survey recently it tells you their options. All are expensive and we all know who will pay. Now I don’t have to worry about increases!”
Linda’s Advice? Don’t Wait.
When asked what she would tell others considering the switch, Linda is direct: “Do it as soon as possible to maximize your return.”
Solar increases the value of the home, fixes energy costs, and turns bill-paying day from a chore into a celebration.
