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Green
Electricity
General Inquiries
Who is Bullfrog Power?
Bullfrog Power, Canada's 100% green electricity provider, offers homes and businesses a clean, renewable electricity choice. Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogoM program instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear.
Thousands of Canadian homes and businesses are doing their part to address climate change and air pollution by choosing green electricity with Bullfrog Power. Through this simple action, they are making a big difference.
Bullfrog currently provides a green electricity choice to everyone in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Is Bullfrog Power licensed by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB)?
Yes, Bullfrog Power is licensed by the OEB as an electricity retailer. Our license number is ER-2010-0063. This license allows Bullfrog Power to operate as an electricity retailer throughout Ontario.
Where does Bullfrog Power come from?
In Ontario, Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogoM program instead of from polluting sources like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear.
For more information on our generation sources, click here.
How does it work?
Bullfrog Power does not inject the green electricity directly into your home. With Bullfrog Power, you continue to draw electricity from the regional grid—just as you always have—and Bullfrog's generators inject renewable electricity onto the grid to match the amount of power your home or business uses. No special equipment or wiring is required. (Note that to inject green electricity into your home would require the building of a parallel transmission and distribution system across the province, which would be neither environmentally nor financially sound.)
By choosing green electricity with Bullfrog Power, individuals help green the electricity grid as the renewable power produced on their behalf displaces the amount of power otherwise produced by fossil fuel-based generating stations. Bullfrog customers also help to stimulate a greater reliance on renewable sources.
View this short video to learn more about how it works.
How can a customer sign up?
Bullfrogpowering your home with green electricity is easy. Customers can sign up online in less than 10 minutes and there is no start-up cost or special equipment required. Any home or business can sign up including apartments, condos and leased premises.
Does the green power go directly to my home?
Bullfrog Power does not inject the green electricity directly into your home. To inject green electricity into your home would require the building of a parallel transmission and distribution system across the province, which would be neither environmentally nor financially sound.
With Bullfrog Power, you continue to draw electricity from the regional grid—just as you always have—and Bullfrog's generators inject renewable electricity onto the grid to match the amount of power your home or business uses. No special equipment or wiring is required.
By choosing green electricity with Bullfrog Power, individuals help green the electricity grid as the renewable power produced on their behalf displaces the amount of power otherwise produced by fossil fuel-based generating stations. Bullfrog customers also help to stimulate a greater reliance on renewable sources.
View this short video to learn more about how it works.
Can apartments, condos or leased premises (and homes that are not separately metered) become bullfrogpowered?
Any facility can be bullfrogpowered, including home and business spaces that are owned, leased or shared. Bullfrog Power does not inject the green electricity directly into the space or facility. With Bullfrog Power, you continue to draw electricity from the regional grid—just as you always have—and Bullfrog's generators inject renewable electricity onto the grid to match the amount of power your home or business uses. No special equipment or wiring is required. (Note that to inject green electricity into your space or facility would require the building of a parallel transmission and distribution system across the province, which would be neither environmentally nor financially sound.)
Even if you are not billed for electricity directly (e.g., renters whose electricity costs are absorbed in their rent), you can still sign up for Bullfrog Power based on your estimated electricity usage.
How much does Bullfrog Power cost?
When you choose to go green with Bullfrog Power, you will continue to pay for the cost of conventional electricity through your current payment method (e.g., utility bill, or absorbed in rent or condo fees). You will then receive a separate bill from Bullfrog Power to green your power (3 cents per kilowatt hour [kWh]).
Many Bullfrog Power customers implement a few extra energy efficiency measures around their home or business after signing up to help offset the cost.
What is the impact on the new Green Energy Act on Bullfrog Power in Ontario?
The green power produced on behalf of Bullfrog Power's customers is independent of, and incremental to, the new renewable power being brought online as a result of the Green Energy Act. In addition, by purchasing from Bullfrog Power, our customers are ensuring that 100% of their electricity needs are met with green power, rather than only a small portion (as is the case with the standard mix available to all Ontarians). For more information on Bullfrog and the Green Energy Act, click here.
What are smart meters and time-of-use (TOU) rates, and how do TOU rates affect my Bullfrog Power bill?
Smart meters and Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are energy management tools provided by utilities across Ontario to encourage homeowners to conserve electricity, and use electricity during off-peak hours when possible. Once installed, smart meters automatically record a home's electricity consumption on an hourly basis. Time-of-use rates refer to the three different rates applied to electricity usage during the day—rates are highest during on-peak periods, and lowest during off-peak hours. Ultimately, by conserving electricity, adopting energy efficiency measures throughout the home and managing when electricity is used, Ontarians can save on electricity bills, and reduce their demand on the electricity grid.
Bullfrog customers continue to pay their conventional electricity bill—and can take advantage of time-of-use rates where available—and are billed separately by Bullfrog for the cost of greening their electricity supply.
Please contact your local utility for smart meter availability in your area and TOU rates.
Why does green electricity cost more?
Green energy is more expensive to produce, but is more valuable as it is clean, renewable and does not pollute our air or water.
In the longer term, with advances in renewable power generation technologies, and with increased demand for renewables, production is likely to become more cost-effective. In addition, conventional sources of electricity, and particularly fossil fuel-based sources of electricity, are likely to become more expensive as the externalities associated with its production (i.e., the environmental and health impacts) are increasingly reflected in the cost. The price difference between green and traditional power should therefore reduce over time. For more information on this issue, read our whitepaper on the true cost of energy.
How do I know that I'm getting what I pay for?
Bullfrog's electricity comes exclusively from wind and hydro facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogoM program. This standard ensures the facilities are emissions-free and have a minimal impact on the ecosystem and local community.
All of Bullfrog Power's suppliers are required by Environment Canada's EcoLogoM standard to guarantee that at least as much electricity is injected into the grid as they sell.
Additionally, an internationally recognized accounting firm conducts an annual audit that verifies that at least as much EcoLogoM-certified power is injected into the grid as our customers consume and that the associated Green Electricity Certificates are retired.
Do wind turbines affect human health?
Research indicates that wind turbines do not produce negative effects on human health. In May 2010, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health released a report concluding that “the scientific evidence available to date does not demonstrate a direct causal link between wind turbine noise and adverse health effects� and “the sound level from wind turbines at common residential setbacks is not sufficient to cause hearing impairment or other direct health effects.� The study was conducted with the assistance of members from Ontario's health care community and involved a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed research studies, review articles, reports, presentations and websites. Access the report here.
Bullfrog Power believes that appropriate setbacks and community consultations prior to project development are nevertheless important to ensure that impacts on local communities are minimized. Further, Bullfrog only sources energy from wind farms that meet Environment Canada's EcoLogoM standard, which requires generators to meet rigorous environmental and social criteria. For example, projects must be accompanied by evidence that prior or conflicting land use, biodiversity losses and scenic, recreational and cultural values have been addressed during project planning, and that the project will not result in irreparable degradation or loss of the site's heritage, cultural, recreational and/or touristic values. In addition, to attain certification, generators must conduct appropriate consultation with communities and stakeholders prior to development, and address issues of concern and the mitigation of negative impacts.
Do environmental groups support what Bullfrog Power is doing?
Bullfrog Power has earned the support of leading environmental groups, local conservation authorities, health groups and non-profit organizations. Many of these groups have bullfrogpowered their facilities in support of clean, renewable electricity. Bullfrog Power partners with these organizations to educate Canadians about the environmental and health benefits of clean, renewable power. Leading environmental groups that support Bullfrog Power include WWF-Canada, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Pembina Institute, the Bruce Trail Conservancy, and many others.
 Click here to learn more about Bullfrog's partner organizations.
Click here for a list of some environmental and non-profit organizations
who are bullfrogpowered.
What are GECs or RECs?
Whenever a megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity is produced by an EcoLogoM-certified low-impact renewable generation facility and injected onto the electricity grid, a corresponding Green Electricity Certificate (GEC) (also known as a Renewable Energy Certificate [REC]) is created to represent the positive environmental benefits associated with producing green power. Those environmental benefits include the fact that these sources produce no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants and take steps required under Environment Canada's EcoLogoM program to minimize any environmental impact. To learn more about EcoLogoM certification, visit www.environmentalchoice.com. To download the criteria document for low-impact renewable electricity generation, click here.
In addition to ensuring that as much low-impact renewable electricity is injected onto the electricity grid as you use, Bullfrog Power retires the associated Green Electricity Certificates on your behalf. This entitles you to claim that you are using green electricity and that your environmental footprint has been reduced accordingly. An internationally recognized accounting firm conducts an annual audit to confirm, among other things, that as many Green Electricity Certificates have been retired on behalf of Bullfrog Power's customers as Bullfrog Power has sold. The audit also ensures that these Green Electricity Certificates cannot be resold or double counted (i.e., the emissions reductions cannot be claimed by more than one party).
Want to find out more about GECs? The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed a white paper, which provides a brief overview of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs): what they are, how they work, and why they are an important option for individual and organizational buyers in renewable electricity and green power markets (www.epa.gov/greenpower/gpmarket/rec.htm).
How are the emission reductions treated?
Whenever a megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity is produced by an EcoLogoM-certified low-impact renewable generation facility and injected onto the electricity grid, it reduces the need for a MWh of conventional electricity and results in environmental benefits. Those environmental benefits include the fact that these sources produce no greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants and take steps required under Environment Canada's EcoLogoM program to minimize any environmental impact. Green Electricity Certificates represent the positive environmental benefits associated with producing green power. When you choose Bullfrog Power, we retire all of the Green Electricity Certificates associated with the clean, renewable electricity on your behalf. As a result, you are entitled to claim the associated environmental benefits, and that you have eliminated your home's electricity-related emissions footprint.
How are my emissions reductions calculated?
Many of Bullfrog Power's customers are curious to understand how their purchase affects their environmental footprint. Bullfrog Power maintains a calculator to estimate the emission/waste reductions associated with the green electricity injected onto the regional grid on behalf of Bullfrog Power customers. When you become a Bullfrog customer, you will have access to updates on your emissions footprint reductions (by service period and cumulatively over the lifespan of your account with us).
To understand the methodology we used to develop this calculator, click here.
To view the calculator itself (an Excel spreadsheet), click here
Could Bullfrog Power handle a sudden, large increase in demand? Could Bullfrog Power run out of power?
Bullfrog Power has secure and flexible arrangements with a number of suppliers to ensure we can meet the current and future requirements of our customers. Additionally, Bullfrog Power is investing in bringing more renewable power online to meet the requirements of our growing customer base. Since Bullfrog launched in 2005, bullfrogpowered homes and businesses have provided the demand for several new wind projects in Canada.
In the unlikely event that we should ever face a situation in which demand exceeds the supply we have available, we would temporarily refrain from signing on any new customers until we had addressed the supply deficit by commissioning new renewable power generation projects.
Is Bullfrog Power publicly traded?
Bullfrog Power is a privately held company, and is not currently listed on any stock exchange.
Residential Sign-up and Support
Do I need any special equipment or wiring?
No, it's very easy to become bullfrogpowered. You do not need any special equipment or wiring to sign up for Bullfrog Power nor are service calls to your home necessary to get you started. You will continue to draw power from the electricity grid as you always have, and Bullfrog's generators will inject renewable electricity onto the regional grid to match the amount of power your home uses.
Who maintains the wires that deliver electricity to my home?
Your local utility will continue to maintain the infrastructure that delivers electricity to your home, and you will continue to draw power from the electricity grid as you always have. The reliability of your service will therefore be unaffected by the switch to Bullfrog Power.
Will becoming bullfrogpowered affect my current supplier agreement?
No. The greening of your electricity service is billed separately from your base electricity costs. As a result, becoming bullfrogpowered will not affect your current power supplier agreement.
Is there any charge from my local utility for greening my power through Bullfrog Power?
There is no charge from your local utility for becoming bullfrogpowered.
How much does Bullfrog Power cost?
The cost to bullfrogpower your home is 3 cents per kWh—a small price to pay to make a meaningful difference. This green electricity premium is billed separately from regular electricity costs.
What is the rate for "regular" electricity from my local utility?
The rates your local utility charge you are adjusted every 6 months by the Ontario Energy Board. The current rates are available here:
www.oeb.gov.on.ca/OEB/Consumers/Electricity/Electricity+Prices#prices
How will I be billed?
Bullfrog will bill you monthly for your monthly usage (based on your estimated electricity usage) times the rate to green your electricity supply (3 cents per kWh), plus applicable taxes.
For example, if your usage is 800 kWh per month, you will be charged 800 x $0.03 = $24.00, plus applicable taxes.
Residences that currently receive an electricity bill will continue to receive that bill for the cost of conventional electricity. You will also receive a separate bill from Bullfrog for the additional cost of greening of your electricity.
If you do not receive an electricity bill (e.g., renters whose electricity costs are absorbed in their rent), you will begin receiving a bill from Bullfrog for the greening of your electricity.
Why will I receive two bills?
Your base electricity costs and the greening of your electricity service are billed separately; the first by your electric utility and the second by Bullfrog Power.
How do I determine my electricity usage?
You can choose one of three options to determine your average monthly electricity usage: 1) authorize Bullfrog to request your usage information from your utility (if this option is available in your service area); 2) submit your electricity usage information based on past electricity bills; and 3) estimate your electricity usage information.
If you choose option 1 and authorize Bullfrog to request your usage information, you will need to provide us with your electricity utility details and account number. We can either bill you a flat monthly amount based on your historical usage (average usage per month, as provided by your utility)—or—we can bill you based on your actual electricity usage (as provided by your utility). Note that in the latter option, the amount may vary per bill. When signing up, please indicate which billing method you would prefer Bullfrog Power use.
Under option 2, if you receive an electricity bill, you can review your usage on past bills and estimate your average monthly usage based on this information (your utility may also provide online access to your historical usage).
If you choose option 3, you can select the average monthly usage for your residence type as provided (through a table) in our online sign up form. This data is based on average consumption figures from Natural Resources Canada. If you do not believe these values reflect your actual usage, feel free to insert your own estimate in our online sign up form.
What if my home doesn't strictly fall into the residence type options Bullfrog provides?
When selecting your residence type, please consider the type of home as well as its square footage, and pick the option that you believe is most accurate.
What if my usage changes over the year?
Upon signing up with Bullfrog Power, your electricity usage is based on your actual electricity usage, past electricity usage, or the average usage for your residence type or size. If you wish to change the method of determining your electricity usage, or if your estimated usage amount changes, we encourage you to update this information at any time so that the amount of green power you pay for matches your usage as closely as possible.
To update your usage information, contact us with the new information and we will make the appropriate billing adjustments.
When will I receive my first Bullfrog Power bill?
If you authorize Bullfrog to collect your usage information from your utility, your service will commence as soon as your utility sends us your usage information.
If you choose to submit your electricity usage information based on past bills or estimate your electricity usage in our online signup form, the greening of your power will become effective immediately following your completion of the sign up process.
After enrollment, you will receive an email informing you that your first statement is ready to be viewed online in your personal mybullfrog account. We will withdraw the amount owed to Bullfrog Power on a monthly basis from your MasterCard, Visa or American Express, or directly from your bank account—depending on which option you select.
If you currently receive a bill from your electricity supplier, you will continue to receive that bill after you become bullfrogpowered.
How do I make my payments?
As a residential customer in Ontario, you have the option of paying your bill via pre-authorized credit card or the convenience of pre-authorized payment through your bank. You will receive an electronic bill showing the amount to be withdrawn at least ten days prior to the withdrawal date.
Can I cancel my agreement?
Yes, you can cancel your Bullfrog Power agreement at any time simply by notifying us. There are no cancellation fees or penalties; however, you are responsible for any charges for Bullfrog Power incurred up to the date of termination.
What happens if I move?
You can easily update your Bullfrog Power account information with your new account number, usage information or residence type. Call us at 1.877.360.3464 or email us at info@bullfrogpower.com as soon as you have your move date and new address. Also, don't forget to contact your local utility to inform it of your move.
Just bought a new home?
You will still require electricity service, which can be set up through your local utility or landlord. Then, you can choose to green your electricity service with Bullfrog Power through our online sign up wizard.
What happens if there is a power outage?
Your local utility will continue to maintain the infrastructure that delivers power to your home, and you will continue to draw power from the grid as you always have. The reliability of your service will therefore be unaffected by becoming bullfrogpowered. In the event of a power outage, contact your local utility directly.
What is mybullfrog?
mybullfrog is your personalized and secure online customer support area that provides access to your Bullfrog Power account information including billing statements, emissions reduction information, and tools to analyze your historical usage patterns. You can register for mybullfrog through the online sign up form.
Green Electricity–General Inquiries
Are there different types of EcoLogoM power?
There are three different types of EcoLogoM power, known as Type I, Type II and Type III. The distinction between types is based on age of the generation facilities producing the electricity. Renewable generation facilities built prior to 1990 are eligible to be certified as Type I. Facilities commissioned between 1991 and 2001 are eligible to be certified as Type II, and facilities commissioned after 2001 are eligible to be certified as Type III. The criteria for EcoLogoM certification are available here.
Bullfrog Power provides the highest quality green power available to homes and businesses, which means that we look for new local or regional renewable power.
What is low-impact hydro? What is the difference between low-impact hydro and regular hydro?
Low-impact hydro refers to hydroelectric generation that minimizes disruption of local habitats. Many large hydro generation facilities cause ecological damage to the local habitat and wildlife. Bullfrog Power only sources energy from hydro power generation facilities that have been certified as low impact by Environment Canada under its EcoLogoM program. This standard requires that the facilities meet a range of environmental criteria including the protection of indigenous species and habitat, and take steps to minimize fish mortality and preserve fish migration patterns.
Does green energy reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
EcoLogoM-certified electricity generation facilities, such as wind and low-impact hydro power generators, are clean and do not produce any emissions that contribute to climate change or air pollution. In order to become EcoLogoM-certified, these generation facilities must also meet Environment Canada's criteria for minimizing the impact of the facility on the local environment.
The negative environmental attributes of traditional electricity generation are well known: carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, nitric oxide and sulphur dioxide are major causes of smog, and radioactive waste is a highly toxic, long-lasting material that must be protected for thousands of years.
How does wind power work?
Wind turbines produce electricity by capturing kinetic energy from surface winds, and converting that energy to electricity. Wind power does not produce any emissions that contribute to climate change.
Does Canada have good wind power resources?
With its long coastlines, generous land, and ample high winds, Canada offers an ideal environment for wind power production.
Visit Canadian Geographic's Wind Energy in Canada page.
How much power can a wind turbine produce?
A single large-scale wind turbine produces enough energy to power 500 homes. Clustered together in a wind farm, turbines can produce enough energy to power thousands of homes.
Are wind turbines dangerous to birds?
Bullfrog Power only sources energy from wind farms that meet Environment Canada's EcoLogoM standard, which requires that wind-powered electricity must be developed in such a way that the facilities are not detrimental to avian species and are not located in areas that are protected for endangered or threatened species.
Further, a 2001 study of wind farms in the United States and the UK found minimal ecological impacts on bird populations (Kerlinger; Avian Issues and Potential Impacts Associated with Wind Power). Relatively speaking, wind turbines kill very few birds compared with other sources. The Erickson study (Erikson et al.; A Summary and Comparison of Bird Mortality from Anthropogenic Causes with an Emphasis on Collisions) also found that of every 10,000 bird fatalities in the United States, less than 1 is caused by wind turbines compared to 5,820 by buildings/windows, 1,370 by high-tension lines, 1,060 by household cats and 850 by vehicles.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association closely monitors important issues around wind power development and has published several fact sheets that address this and other important issues.
What if the wind isn't blowing? Will my power source be reliable?
When you sign up for Bullfrog Power, you continue to draw your electricity from the grid, and as a result your power supply is just as reliable as it always was. The difference is that Bullfrog's generators inject renewable electricity onto the regional grid to match the amount of power your home uses, and Bullfrog ensures all of the Green Electricity Certificates associated with this renewable electricity are retired on your behalf.
How do I set up my own turbine or small hydro generation?
As an electricity provider, we are not currently involved in the installation of power generation systems, but if you are interested in learning more about generating power from your own site, you may wish to visit the Canadian Wind Energy Association site at www.canwea.ca or the Ontario Water Power Association at www.owa.ca.
How can I conserve? Worried about the extra costs of going green?
Bullfrog Power advocates conservation in order to reduce your environmental footprint and your electricity costs. We offer several conservation tips at: www.bullfrogpower.com/clean/conservation.cfm. Conserving can help reduce not only your electricity charges but also the regulatory, debt retirement and a portion of the delivery charges on your conventional electricity bill. Please keep in mind that every utility differs in how it calculates the administrative charges. If you are interested in the breakdown of these fees, please visit your local utility's website or call their customer service line.
The Kerr Family reduced its electricity consumption by about 60% more than offsetting the premium paid for green power. You can view their story here. By cutting your consumption of electricity, not only are you helping the environment, but you are also reducing the overall cost of your electricity bill.
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