As we head into lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Ontario are getting a break on their hydro bills.
The government will hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for all time-of-use and tiered customers on a temporary basis starting January 1, 2021.
The new rate will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for a 28-day period. The off-peak price will automatically be applied to bills of all residential, small business, and farm customers who pay regulated rates.
“As we enter a Province-wide Shutdown, our government is ensuring that all households have stable and predictable electricity bills when they need it most,” says Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. “Staying home means using more electricity, especially during the day when electricity prices are usually higher. We will continue to support hardworking families and small businesses doing their part by staying home.”
The province is also making it easier for families and businesses to get the support they need to help pay their energy bills through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Any residential, small business, or registered charity customer with an overdue electricity or natural gas bill will now be eligible to apply.
A residential customer can receive up to $750 to help cover their electricity bill and an additional $750 for their natural gas bill. Small businesses can receive up to $1500 for each. Newly eligible customers can apply for these enhanced benefits through their local utility, starting in January 2021.
The government also says it will also provide $200 to families with high school students aged 13 through to Grade 12, to help offset education expenses as schools move lessons online for the first week back from the Christmas break.
