Sentinel lighting rates

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Phase out of Sentinel lighting service

In accordance with the Régie de l’énergie decision, we’ve been phasing out the Sentinel lighting service and gradually replacing the luminaires since April 1, 2013. However, customers who wish to cancel their Sentinel lighting rate contract may do so at any time.

Customers who wish to maintain lighting in the same location will be responsible for the purchase and maintenance of a new luminaire after the Sentinel light is removed. Electricity used by the new luminaire will be billed at a flat rate for general use or other rate for which the customer’s contract is eligible.

What is Sentinel lighting service?

Sentinel lighting service comprises Rates for the supply, operation and powering of Sentinel photoelectric-cell luminaires. These luminaires are the property of Hydro‑Québec and are used for outdoor lighting.

Why is Sentinel lighting service being phased out?

• The stock of Sentinel luminaires is depleted.
• For environmental reasons, these mercury vapor lamps are no longer being manufactured.

When will Sentinel lighting service end?

• Each customer’s Sentinel lighting service will end when its luminaire needs to be replaced (e.g., lamp or luminaire fails).
• Customers who wish to do so may cancel their contract at any time.

Environmental concerns

• Hydro‑Québec dismantles mercury-containing Sentinel lights safely to prevent any harm to the environment.
• After picking up the luminaire, Hydro‑Québec disposes of it in accordance with its usual waste recovery and recycling practices, which comply with all regulations in force in Québec.
• Hydro‑Québec continues to be responsible for it until pickup, but the customer must keep it intact until then.

How will the Sentinel lighting service end?

There are a number of possibilities, depending on the customer’s installation and needs. Here are two typical cases.

Situation 1 – Customer doesn’t want lighting in the same location anymore

• The customer submits a written request to cancel their contract by mail or email.
• Hydro‑Québec picks up the luminaire.
• The contract is terminated within seven days of receiving the request.

Situation 2 – Customer wants to keep lighting

• When the Sentinel light stops working, the customer must call or write Hydro‑Québec to report it.
• Hydro‑Québec picks up the luminaire.
• The customer purchases a new luminaire and has it installed by a master electrician.
• Electricity used by the new luminaire will be billed at the rate for which the customer’s contract is eligible, which is either a flat rate for general use (Rate F) or other applicable rate. The new rate applies from the date of the request.
• The master electrician submits a request for a new service loop, if required.
• The hookup is done free of charge, provided the new luminaire is installed in the same location and connected within a year.
• The customer must submit a written request to cancel their contract by mail or email.