The provincial government has extended the electricity rate relief initiative that was set to expire today.
Households, small businesses, and farms that are normally billed rates set by the Ontario Energy Board will continue to be billed off-peak rates until Feb, 22, 2021.
"We know staying at home means using more electricity during the day when electricity prices are higher, that's why we are once again extending the off-peak electricity rate to provide households, small businesses and farms with stable and predictable electricity bills when they need it most," said Greg Rickford in a news release issued today.
The current Stay-at Home Order remains in effect until at least Feb. 16 for most of Ontario. The order was extended to Feb. 22 in regions with high COVID case rates, including York and Peel.
Full text of the news release issued by the Province of Ontario follows:
TORONTO - The Ontario government is once again extending electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms to support those spending more time at home while the province maintains the Stay-at-Home Order in the majority of public health regions. The government will continue to hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour until Feb. 22, 2021. This lower rate is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for Time-Of-Use and tiered customers.
"We know staying at home means using more electricity during the day when electricity prices are higher, that's why we are once again extending the off-peak electricity rate to provide households, small businesses and farms with stable and predictable electricity bills when they need it most," said Greg Rickford, minister of energy, northern development and mines, minister of Indigenous affairs. "We thank Ontarians for continuing to follow regional Stay-at-Home orders to help stop the spread of COVID-19."
The off-peak rate came into effect Jan. 1, 2021, providing families, farms and small businesses with immediate electricity rate relief. The off-peak rate will now be extended until the end of day Feb. 22, 2021, for a total of 53 days of emergency rate relief. During this period, the off-peak price will continue to be automatically applied to electricity bills of all residential, small business, and farm customers who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility.
"We extend our thanks to the Ontario Energy Board and local distribution companies across the province for implementing this extended emergency rate relief and supporting Ontarians as they continue to work and learn from home," said Bill Walker, associate minister of energy.
Quick facts
• Families, small businesses and charitable organizations with overdue electricity and natural gas bills can apply for support through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). A residential customer can receive up to $750 to help cover their overdue electricity bill and natural gas bill, while small businesses and charities can receive up to $1500 for each bill. Customers can contact their utility to apply.
• Businesses can apply for Energy and Property Tax Rebates through the COVID-19 Business Support Grants, if required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial health measures.
• Applications are open for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which helps small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective Dec. 26, 2020.