Ontario electricity rebate to drop as regulated prices fall
The Ontario Energy Board says the rebate reduction is possible because regulated electricity prices are decreasing year-over-year.
TORONTO — The Ontario Energy Board announced electricity prices under the Regulated Price Plan for households, small business and farms will change as of November 1, 2026.
Also, effective November 1, 2026, the Ontario government's Ontario Electricity Rebate will change to 15.7 percent, the OEB said.
The OER provides a rebate on the electricity bill of residential, small business and farm customers.
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"Electricity prices under the OEB's RPP are decreasing year-over-year, which allows for a reduction in the OER," the board said.
"The overall rate of increase for customer bills will remain consistent with previous years."
For a typical residential customer who uses 700 kWh of electricity per month, the OER will decrease bills by about $23.00 each month.
Winter Time-of-Use hours and the change in threshold for residential customers on Tiered pricing will also take effect on November 1.
The seasonal change in the threshold for residential customers provides for an additional 400 kWh of electricity per month at the lower price in the winter.
Residential, small business and farm customers can choose their price plan, either TOU, Tiered or Ultra Low Overnight prices.
The OEB has an online bill calculator to help customers who are considering a switch in price plans.
There is help available for customers who need assistance with their bill payments.
Under the OEB's winter disconnection ban electricity distributors cannot disconnect residential customers for non-payment from November 15, 2026, to April 30, 2027.
The OEB is the independent regulator of Ontario's electricity and natural gas sectors.
"We protect the interests of consumers and support the delivery of clean, reliable and affordable energy for the people, farms and businesses of Ontario," the board said.
"Our goal is to deliver public value through prudent regulation and independent adjudicative decision-making which contributes to Ontario's economic, social and environmental development."
Yadude Books reported in October that the Bank of Canada governor said prolonged high energy prices complicate interest rate decisions.
With files from Financial Post and The Manila Times