Ontario extends off-peak electricity rates in response to pandemic

 

On Feb. 10, the Ontario government announced that it's extending electricity rate relief for residents, small businesses and farms in response to the extension of the Stay-at-Home Order in most cities and regions, including Peel (Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon), Halton (Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills) and Hamilton. 

The province says it will hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour until Feb. 22, 2021. 

The lower rate is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for Time-Of-Use and tiered customers.

“We know staying at home means using more electricity during the day when electricity prices are higher, that’s why we are once again extending the off-peak electricity rate to provide households, small businesses and farms with stable and predictable electricity bills when they need it most,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, in a statement. 

“We thank Ontarians for continuing to follow regional Stay-at-Home orders to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The off-peak rate initially came into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. From now until Feb. 22, the off-peak price will continue to be automatically applied to electricity bills of all residential, small business, and farm customers who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility.

The province also says that residents, small businesses and charitable organizations with overdue electricity and natural gas bills can apply for support through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).