Effective immediately, the Government of Ontario is suspending time-of-use electricity rates to provide some breathing space for families, small businesses and farms. The 45-day period will see the provincial government maintaining electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour.
The reduced price will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to all time-of-use customers — the majority of electricity consumers in the province. By switching to a fixed off-peak rate, time-of-use customers will see rate reductions of over 50 per cent compared to on-peak rates. Time-of-use prices as of November, 2019 ― Off-Peak: 10.1₵/kWh, Mid-Peak: 14.4₵/kWh, On-Peak: 20.8₵/kWh.
To deliver savings as quickly and conveniently as possible, this discount will be applied automatically to electricity bills without the need for customers to fill out an application form. Depending on billing cycles, some customers will see these changes on their next electricity bill.
“During this unprecedented time, we are providing much-needed relief to Ontarians, specifically helping those who are doing the right thing by staying home and small businesses that have closed or are seeing fewer customers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By adopting a fixed, 24/7 off-peak rate, we are making things a little easier during these difficult times and putting more money in people’s pockets for other important priorities and necessities.”
The Government of Ontario issued an Emergency Order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to apply the off-peak TOU electricity rate for residential, small businesses, and farm customers who currently pay TOU rates.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.