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Who We Are The Power System Demand & Price Conservation Electricity Pricing in Ontario

Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator

System Control Room

The IESO manages Ontario's electricity system and operates the wholesale electricity market. It forecasts the demand for electricity and ensures that there are available supplies to meet that demand.

More than half of all electricity consumed by this province is paid for at wholesale rates. Most lower use consumers, such as homeowners and small businesses, pay the regulated rate that is revised every six months based on market and contract prices paid to generators.

Thermostat

Electricity Prices in Ontario

There are four different price structures for homeowners and small businesses:

Tiered Rates
 

Pay the Regulated Price Plan (RPP) tiered rate set by the Ontario Energy Board.

Consumption of up to and including 600 kWh/month*: 6.5 ¢/kWh

more than 600 kWh/month: 7.5¢/kWh

* Threshold for businesses is 750 kWh/month

Time-of-Use Rates
 

Pay time-of-use prices that change depending on when you use electricity. By spring 2011, the majority of Ontarians will be moved from the tiered rate to the time-of-use rate.

Weekdays
7 am to 11 am 8.0 ¢/kWh
11 am to 5 pm 9.9 ¢/kWh
5 pm to 9 pm 8.0 ¢/kWh
9 pm to 7 am 5.3 ¢/kWh
Weekends 5.3 ¢/kWh

Wholesale Prices
 

Pay the hourly wholesale price of electricity plus the Provincial Benefit. (Available to a limited number of consumers with interval meters)

Current hourly price: 3.97¢/kWh
at 11:00 a.m. EDT

See also Monthly Average Prices, Day-Ahead Price Forecast

Retail Contracts
 

Pay a negotiated retail contract price plus the Provincial Benefit.

The Provincial Benefit for the month of
September is 1.36 ¢/kWh

See also Provincial Benefit FAQ

Not sure which price you are paying? Click here to find out more.

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR ELECTRICITY USE

Energy Saving Tips
Here are some simple ways to cut your electricity use.

Public Appeals
Extreme weather or an unexpected loss of supply, can lead the IESO to call Public Appeals to reduce energy use.

FAQs
Your questions about Ontario's electricity system answered.

Smart Meters and Time-Of-Use Rates
Most customers served by Milton Hydro and Newmarket-Tay Hydro have started paying Time-of-Use rates. Toronto Hydro, Powerstream and Horizon Utilities will soon follow, and a majority of Ontario consumers will be paying time-of-use rates by 2011.

Retailers
Consumers also have the option of fixing their electricity price through a retail contract.

Other Electricity Charges
The commodity cost represents roughly half of your overall electricity charge, here are explanations of the others.

Speakers' Bureau
Learn more about issues concerning Ontario's electricity system and how to better manage your energy costs. Arrange for an IESO speaker or trade booth by e-mailing Corporate Communications.

TODAY'S PROJECTED PEAK AT

5:00 pm

Generator Availability at Peak

28,246 MW

Make a positive change by taking The Power Pledge. With a few simple changes, you can lower your electricity use and increase your savings, while helping to protect the environment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Questions about your bill or energy efficiency? Contact your local utility for assistance.

For information about changes in the electricity sector, contact the Ministry of Energy.

To learn more about rates, licensing and retailers, contact the Ontario Energy Board.

The IESO also provides information about the market.
Toll Free: 1-888-448-7777
Tel: 905-403-6900
E-mail: customer.relations@ieso.ca