Time of use pricing

Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are an important step to making Ontario’s electricity system greener and more efficient.

TOU rates will tie electricity prices to the level of demand on the system. When demand and the cost of producing electricity is highest, an “on-peak” rate will apply. At times when demand and production costs are lower, rates will also be lower.

The smart meter that will soon replace your traditional electricity meter, tracks the amount of electricity you use, as well as the time of day and the day of the week that you use it. Under TOU rates, Erie Thames Powerlines will use the information received from your smart meter to calculate your bill based on when you use electricity.

By managing when your household uses electricity, you will become an active participant in shaping the future of Ontario’s energy system.

What will Time-of-Use rates look like?

Summer Rates (May 1 to October 31) In the summer, on-peak prices apply during the middle of the weekday (from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), reflecting the increase in the air conditioning use.	Winter Rates (November 1 to April 30) In the winter, on-peak prices apply in the morning (7 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and evening (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.), when demand ramps up as residential electricity use increases.	Weekends and Holidays (All year) All hours of the day are off-peak.

For detailed information on current TOU pricing visit the Ontario Energy Board.

To learn more about Smart meters and TOU rates, visit Smart Meters Ontario, and 10 Smart Meter Lane.