Ont Hydro

[Macster2]

Well the supreme court in Canada has decided that a Grower caught by the police monitoring his electrical usage (amongst other things) didn't have an expectation of privacy as he had the option of phoning his utility and informing them that he wanted this information private.This was done without a warrant.
How does this development affect growers in Ontario? As far as I know Ont.Hydro One has a privacy policy,and therefore will not allow this information out without a warrant does anyone know about this and if so fill us in?

 

[Macster2]

40 views and not a single idea?

 

[DIGITALHIPPY]

sounds like they might have a mole or ur friend was unlucky.

 

[growshopfrank]

40 views and not a single idea?

Its believed that Ont Hydro much like cell providers bends over backwards to assist law enforcement any way they can think otherwise at your peril. Recently they had a card in with my hydro bill "how to spot a grow house" I think that tells you where they stand on this.

 

[Macster2]

that might very well be, however it all depends on their privacy policy(which I'll try to read on line)They might have a iron clad privacy policy as to encourage growers to pay their bills as opposed to out right steal electricity

 

[growshopfrank]

Ont hydro's privacy policy would work if the LEO called the main switchboard like you or I would do but LEO's usually have contacts that are very cooperative and willing to give out info regardless. This info then can be used to help create an imaginary informant with some info on the size of your grow

 

[Macster2]

This info would be inadmissable as it was obtained fraudulently.As If I understand this ruling, I expect this info won't be given out (because of their privacy policy)then I have an expectation of privacy.Therefore Leo can't use this info against me unless they obtain a warrant.

 

[growshopfrank]

Here in ont leo's are notorious for making up "a reliable informant that has been correct in the past and is anonymous for their protection" and no doubt they (the leo) requisition some funds for payment of the non existent rat all based what the leo guesses if he(or she) strikes out they blame the rat its not like you can successfully sue the police if you don't believe me ask any seasoned criminal defense attorney

 

[Macster2]

Oh I agree they can obtain the info through nefarious means. But they have to be on you through another means.They can't ask hydro for all they're heavy users and work backward.If this were true all growers would be caught easily

 

[phrike]

My grower buddy in Ottawa was busted after Ontario Hydro contacted the police and informed them there was likely a grow op at his address.


For many years he paid his high hydro bills and OHydro didnt seem to care. Then he had cashflow issues and couldn't pay his bill and got cut off. At this point OH seemed to care since their stats likely showed they would probably never get paid.

So he was cut off electricity for 6 months and OH figured he must be stealing electric because to them, NOBODY can live without electric, especially someone who previously used a LOT.

He had an extension cord to the neighbour for essentials and was no longer growing indoor, but was just making clones for an outdoor op.

So OH came to investigate possible theft, and found none, but OH person walked around and saw evidence of grow op, and OH called the cops...


So IMO no, you can't trust Ontario Hydro. MAYBE, just maybe, they won't turn you in if you always pay your bill on time. But they would still co-operate with the cops if asked.

And if you call to request privacy, you will certainly raise a red flag IMO. Who does that except less than bright growers ?


And, yeah, smart meters are a new tool...

Basically, unless you stay under a certain size or have a commercial building that offers good cover for high electric, you'll likely want to generate your own power rather than buy from Ontario Hydro.


Basically, pretty much all big business and organizations will bend over when the cops come looking for info. NO corporation wants to be on the bad side of the cops. Cops or biker/organized criminal gangs, what's the difference ?

 

[growshopfrank]

Basically, unless you stay under a certain size or have a commercial building that offers good cover for high electric, you'll likely want to generate your own power rather than buy from Ontario Hydro.


Basically, pretty much all big business and organizations will bend over when the cops come looking for info. NO corporation wants to be on the bad side of the cops. Cops or biker/organized criminal gangs, what's the difference ?[/QUOTE]

All very true before smart meters you would know you had a problem if the utility showed up and swapped out your meter, that usually meant that your high consumption had got their attention and they thought maybe their meter was fucked up and reading high not that they would tell you that and refund any fees. But a shinny new meter was a sign to shut down or you were due for a visit that you didn't want

 

[chalwa]

Even real estate agents have access to all electric history and current usage.

 

[Macster2]

Even real estate agents have access to all electric history and current usage.

Not true at all

 

[Macster2]

He had an extension cord to the neighbour for essentials and was no longer growing indoor, but was just making clones for an outdoor op.





Maybe they caught this,If so the excuse to phone the cops is ready made.
Theft or suspicion of is a call to the cops guaranteed.