Important information regarding all day off-peak rates all day from January 18 – February 7, 2022

With the recent developments regarding COVID-19 restrictions, it was announced that the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) will set electricity rates at the off-peak price of 8.2¢/kWh, 24 hours per day from January 18-February 7, 2022. Households, farms and small businesses will pay the off-peak rate whether they normally pay time-of-use or tiered rates 

Q1. When does the round-the-clock off-peak rate come into effect?

The off-peak rate of 8.2 cents will start at 12:01 am on January 18, 2022 and be in place for 21 days, until end of day February 7.  

Q2. I just switched from Time-Of-Use rates to tiered pricing. How does that affect me?

All residential, small business and farm customers, known as Regulated Price Plan (RPP) customers, will receive the off-peak rate. This includes everyone on either time-of-use or tiered rates.

Q3. I’m having a hard time paying my bills, even with the off-peak rates. What can I do?

Your electricity will not be disconnected. There is a province-wide disconnection ban in place between November 15 and April 30 every year.

In addition to the off-peak price, you also receive the Ontario Electricity Rebate, which holds your total bill lower and ensures that the average bill increases by no more than 2 per cent per year.

For households that are struggling to pay their bills, there are several support programs. Details on these programs can be found at Ontario.ca/yourelectricitybill. 

Q4. What happens at the end of 21 days?

The off-peak price of 8.2 cents/kWh is set to be in place for 21 days, starting January 18. When this program expires, you will automatically switch back to whichever type of billing you had before – either Time-Of-Use (TOU) or tiered. TOU customers will still have the option of applying to their LDC to switch to tiered rates.

Q5: How much will customers save with this change? 

It is expected that customers will save approximately 13% on their bill. This amount is dependent on how much electricity is consumed, when it is consumed and what service territory the customer is located in.