Ontario's largest electricity providers take scammers off the nice list this holiday season
TORONTO, Dec. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - The holidays should be merry and bright, not stressful and costly. Unfortunately, scammers are looking to turn good will into quick cash by posing as utility companies and their employees.
Ontario's largest electricity utilities -- Alectra Utilities, Elexicon Energy, Hydro One, Hydro Ottawa and Toronto Hydro -- are reminding everyone that scammers won't be on the nice list this year.
Protect yourself by remembering the three Ps of fraud prevention: Pause, Prove, Protect.
- Pause – Don't rush. Take a moment before acting on any suspicious request
- Prove – Ask questions and verify the source by calling your utility directly using the official number on your bill
- Protect – Keep your personal and financial information safe. Never share account details or click on unsolicited links
Fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics to create panic and force quick decisions. Common schemes include:
- Threatening phone calls demanding immediate payment
- Fraudulent texts or emails with fake refunds or account updates
- In-person visits pressuring customers for personal information
- Requests for payment via gift cards, prepaid debit cards or cryptocurrency -- something no legitimate utility would ever ask
Tips for residential customers:
- Double-check your bill before paying
- Ignore suspicious links in texts or emails claiming to offer refunds or account updates
- Remember that utilities never demand same-day payment or threaten disconnection
Tips for businesses:
- Train employees to spot common scams
- Never share account details unless you initiated the call
- Keep a verified contact list of utility providers
What to do if you're targeted
If you suspect you've been targeted or fallen victim to a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501, and notify your local utility provider immediately.
For more tips and information, visit:
ABOUT ALECTRA UTILITIES CORPORATION
Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alectra
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews
ABOUT ELEXICON ENERGY
As the fourth largest municipally owned electricity distributor in Ontario, Elexicon Energy proudly provides safe and reliable electricity to nearly 200,000 residential and business customers in Durham Region as well as Belleville, Brock, Gravenhurst and Port Hope. Elexicon is owned by five municipalities: the Town of Ajax, the City of Belleville, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Pickering and the Town of Whitby and. Learn more at elexiconenergy.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
ABOUT HYDRO ONE LIMITED (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with 1.5 million valued customers, $36.7 billion in assets as at December 31, 2024, and annual revenues in 2024 of $8.5 billion.
Our team of 10,100 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2024, Hydro One invested $3.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying $2.9 billion of goods and services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives.
Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov.
ABOUT HYDRO OTTAWA LIMITED
Hydro Ottawa Limited, a subsidiary of Hydro Ottawa Holding Inc. ['Hydro Ottawa Group'], provides electricity to approximately 372,000 homes and businesses across Ottawa and Casselman. For more than a century, the company has been dedicated to delivering clean, safe and reliable power, playing a vital role in shaping a vibrant and sustainable National Capital Region. As a key partner in building a dynamic energy future, Hydro Ottawa Limited is committed to powering the well-being of the communities it serves through the energy transition. This includes delivering reliable service, integrating innovative technologies, pioneering sustainable solutions, and being a trusted source of information and education for customers.
Learn more: hydroottawa.com
Follow us on:
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/hydroottawa.bsky.social
Facebook: facebook.com/HydroOttawa/
Instagram: instagram.com/hydroottawa/
X: x.com/hydroottawa
YouTube: youtube.com/user/hydroottawalimited
ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO
Toronto Hydro powers Canada's largest city through delivering electricity and related energy solutions to more than 3 million people and businesses, safely, reliably and sustainably. With the dedication of our skilled employees and partners, we're electrifying communities today and building a brighter tomorrow by investing in a modern, capable and resilient distribution grid and delivering value to our customers and sole shareholder, the City of Toronto. For more information, visit torontohydro.com, or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
X: x.com/torontohydro
Instagram: instagram.com/torontohydro
TikTok: tiktok.com/@torontohydroofficial
Facebook: facebook.com/torontohydro
YouTube: youtube.com/torontohydro
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/toronto-hydro
SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation
Share this article