Ontario extends off-peak electricity rates to Feb. 9

With all the extensions of orders going around this week, the provincial government has also opted to lengthen its electricity relief measures. 

Yesterday, the Ontario government announced it is extending electricity rate relief instituted earlier in the pandemic so hydro customers can continue to pay the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour until at least Feb. 9, 2021. 

The lower rate applies 24 hours per day, seven days a week for both time-of-use and tiered rate customers.

Ontario’s minister of energy, northern development and mines, and minister of Indigenous affairs, Greg Rickford said the off-peak rate is designed to help Ontarians follow the stay-at home order. 

"We know staying at home means using more electricity during the day when electricity prices are higher, that's why we are extending the off-peak electricity rate to provide households, small businesses and farms with stable and predictable electricity bills when they need it most," he said in a press release from the province. 

The government last announced the off-peak rates on Jan. 1, 2021 for a 28-day period which expired today, necessitating the extension announced last night. 

For more on utility bill relief, you can read the full text of the province’s press release issued on Jan. 27 here:

The Ontario government is extending electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms to support those spending more time at home in response to the provincial Stay-at-Home Order. The government will continue to hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour until February 9, 2021. This 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 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. "We thank Ontarians for following the provincial Stay-at-Home Order to help stop the spread of COVID-19."

The off-peak rate came into effect January 1, 2021 for a 28-day period, providing families, farms and small businesses with immediate electricity rate relief. The government is now extending this rate relief for an additional 12 days, for a total of 40 days. The off-peak price will continue to be automatically applied to 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.

"We thank the Ontario Energy Board and local distribution companies across the province for implementing this extended emergency rate relief and supporting Ontarians as they work and learn from home," said Bill Walker, Associate Minister of Energy.

Quick facts:

• Families, small businesses and charitable organizations with overdue electricity and natural gas bills can apply for support through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). A residential customer can receive up to $750 to help cover their overdue electricity bill and natural gas bills, while small businesses and charities can receive up to $1500 for each bill. Customers can contact their utility to apply.
• Businesses can apply for Energy and Property Tax Rebates through the COVID-19 Business Support Grants, if required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial health measures.
• Applications are open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which helps small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Province-wide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.