1.0 Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Personal Information
1.1 Personal Information Collection
As a customer or potential customer, our company collects personal information that specifically pertains to the individual, such as their name and address. This information is collected upon the initiation of a customer relationship or upon the renewal of a service or product and is limited to the purposes that have been clearly communicated to the individual.
1.2 Purpose of Collection
We collect personal information for the following purposes:
- To provide natural gas and related energy services.
- To bill and collect payment for products and services.
- To comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to the services or products provided.
- To provide information on safe and efficient energy usage.
- To understand the energy needs and preferences of the individual and inform them of energy services or products that may be of interest.
In the event that a new purpose for the collected personal information is identified, we will obtain the individual’s consent prior to using the information for the new purpose.
1.3 Consent
We collect, use, or disclose personal information only with the express consent of the individual. Consent may be provided in writing, verbally, electronically, or through an authorised representative. By utilising our products and services, the individual implies their consent for us to collect, use, and disclose their personal information for the purposes identified above. The individual has the right to withdraw their consent at any time, subject to legal and regulatory restrictions and reasonable notice.
We do not provide or sell customer lists to any outside company for marketing or any other such purposes, and we will not use or disclose personal information without the individual’s consent except in the following circumstances:
- When required by law or for law enforcement purposes.
- In emergency situations that threaten the life, health, or security of the individual.
- To bill for or collect a debt that the individual owes to our company or a third party on whose behalf we provide billing and collection services, or to evaluate the individual’s creditworthiness.
- To a third party that we have contracted with to provide services on our behalf or to assist us in understanding the individual’s energy needs and preferences.
2.0 Protecting Personal Information
2.1 Security Safeguards and Employee Awareness
Our company priorities the confidentiality and security of personal information. To ensure the protection of personal information and the individual’s right to privacy, we have implemented security procedures to safeguard and protect against loss, theft, unauthorised disclosure, copying, and unauthorised use or modification. Our employees are trained to maintain the security and confidentiality of personal information.
2.2 Agents and Third-Party Service Providers
We contract with third-party service providers to assist in providing services to our customers. These service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are only permitted to use personal information for the purpose of providing services to our company. We take reasonable precautions to ensure that these service providers protect the confidentiality and security of personal information.
2.3 Data Retention
We will retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by applicable laws or regulations. After this period, personal information will be securely disposed of or anonymised.
2.4 Access to Personal Information
The individual has the right to access and verify the personal information we have collected about them. The individual also has the right to request that we correct any inaccuracies in the personal information. To make a request for access or correction, please contact us at the contact information provided in this privacy policy.
2.5 Changes to this Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify the individual of any material changes to this policy by posting the updated policy on our website or by contacting them directly. We encourage the individual to review this policy periodically to stay informed of our privacy practices.
3.0 Contact Information
If the individual has any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our handling of their personal information, please contact us at customercare@ontariosmartenergy.com or mail us at 4 Robert Speck Pwky, Suite 1532, Mississauga L4Z 1S1 ON. We will make every effort to address any concerns and respond to any requests in a timely and efficient manner.
4.0 Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This privacy policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which our company operates. Any disputes arising out of or related to this privacy policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that jurisdiction.
5.0 Severability
If any provision of this privacy policy is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such provision shall be struck and the remaining provisions shall be enforced to the fullest extent under law.
6.0 Waiver
Our failure to enforce any provision of this privacy policy shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision of this privacy policy.
7.0 Entire Agreement
This privacy policy constitutes the entire agreement between the individual and our company regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information, and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, regarding the same subject matter.
