Ontario electricity rates now on summer hours—what it means for you
Expect to pay a little more to run your air conditioner during the day
The arrival of May brings warmer temperatures, more intense sunshine, and Ontario's seasonal change in peak energy hours.
Beginning May 1 and lasting through Oct. 31, consumers are now subject to summertime electricity rate periods implemented by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB).
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Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing raises and lowers electricity rates during set hours of the day. Off-peak, mid-peak, and on-peak hours vary between wintertime and summertime, responding to historical demand for electricity usage.
(Graphic: Ontario Energy Board)
Summer TOU price periods begin on May 1 and run through Oct. 31. More expensive on-peak hours during the summer period are between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., covering typical daytime activities like running air conditioners, computer usage, and cooking.
Mid-peak hours, which usually have moderate demand, run from 7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Off-peak hours stretch from 7:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m., as well as 24 hours a day on weekends and statutory holidays.
Hydro One says that the majority of its customers pay their electric bills according to Time-of-Use prices.
Effective through Oct. 31, 2025, the Ontario Energy Board’s TOU prices are:
Off-Peak: 7.6 cents per kilowatt hour
Mid-Peak: 12.2 cents per kilowatt hour
On-Peak: 15.8 cents per kilowatt hour
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is equivalent to the energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance (such as a microwave) running for one hour. An average home uses about 750 kWh of electricity per month, according to the OEB.
Looking to conserve energy and keep a little extra cash in your wallet?
Air conditioning accounts for a significant chunk of your monthly electric bill in the warmer months. Ensure your windows and doors are tightly sealed to keep cool air inside. Consider adjusting your thermostat to a higher temperature during the heat of the day, especially when you’re away from home.
Replacing your old light bulbs with LED equivalents can save some serious bucks in the long run. Unplug electronic devices when they’re not in use. Many common home electronics still consume a small amount of electricity even when they’re switched off. Washing your clothes in cold water can save the energy it takes to run a hot water heater—and, in most cases, clothes get just as clean in cold water.