Time-Of-Use (TOU)
Time-of-Use (TOU) rates are an important step to making Ontario’s electricity system greener and more efficient. ERTH Power began using TOU pricing on September 1, 2011.
What do Time-of-Use rates look like?
(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.
(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 7 p.m.), when demand ramps up as residential electricity use increases.
(All year)
All hours of the day are off-peak.
Winter Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing
- Off-Peak (Weekdays 7pm – 7am, all day weekends and holidays) – 7.4¢/kWh
- Mid-Peak (Weekdays 11am – 5pm) – 10.2¢/kWh
- On-Peak (Weekends 7am – 11am and 5pm – 7pm) – 15.1¢/kWh
The prices outlined above do not include other lines on your bill, like delivery. If you have a contract with an electricity retailer, you pay the price agreed upon in the contract, not the price set by the OEB.
TOU rates 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.
Your smart 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, ERTH Power uses 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.
For detailed information on current TOU pricing visit the opens in a new windowOntario Energy Board.
To learn more about Smart meters and TOU rates, visit opens in a new windowSmart Meters Ontario,