Ontario Electricity Rate Comparison Calculator
Compare Ontario electricity rate plans side by side: Time-of-Use (TOU), Tiered, and Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO). Enter your monthly kWh and usage pattern to see which OEB pricing plan costs the least for your household and how much you could save by switching.
Regional Rule Context
Canada Rates and Rules
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Check your Hydro bill for your average monthly kWh
Percentage of usage during off-peak or overnight hours
Percentage of usage during mid-peak hours
Percentage of usage during on-peak hours
Result
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Ontario electricity rate comparison calculator using OEB rates effective May 2025. Three plans available: Time-of-Use (TOU) with off-peak 7.4c, mid-peak 12.2c, on-peak 15.8c per kWh. Tiered pricing at 10.3c for first 1,000 kWh (1,300 in winter) and 12.5c above. Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) at 2.8c overnight (11 PM to 7 AM), 12.2c mid-peak, 24.0c on-peak. Delivery charges, regulatory fees, and 13% HST are additional.
Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of May 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Apr 1, 2026.
Formula
Each plan prices electricity differently. TOU varies by time of day. Tiered charges a low rate for the first 1,000 kWh and a higher rate above that. ULO offers a very low overnight rate (2.8 cents) but charges more during daytime peak hours (24.0 cents).
Ontario Electricity Rate Plans Comparison (OEB 2025)
Side-by-side comparison of all three OEB-regulated electricity pricing plans.
| Rate Plan | Off-Peak / Overnight | Mid-Peak | On-Peak | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time-of-Use (TOU) | 7.4 c/kWh | 12.2 c/kWh | 15.8 c/kWh | Flexible schedules |
| Tiered | 10.3 c/kWh (first 1,000 kWh), 12.5 c/kWh above | Low usage households | ||
| Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) | 2.8 c/kWh | 12.2 c/kWh | 24.0 c/kWh | EV owners, heat pumps |
Note: Rates effective May 1, 2025. Delivery charges, regulatory fees, and HST are additional. Tiered threshold increases to 1,300 kWh in winter (November to April).
Canada FAQs
What are the current Ontario TOU electricity rates?
The OEB Time-of-Use rates effective May 2025 are: off-peak 7.4 cents/kWh (evenings from 7 PM to 7 AM, all day weekends and holidays), mid-peak 12.2 cents/kWh (weekday shoulder hours), and on-peak 15.8 cents/kWh (weekday peak hours, which shift between summer and winter schedules).
What is Ultra-Low Overnight pricing in Ontario?
ULO is a newer rate plan that charges just 2.8 cents/kWh from 11 PM to 7 AM, 12.2 cents/kWh for mid-peak hours, and 24.0 cents/kWh during on-peak hours. It is ideal for households that can shift most electricity use to overnight, such as those with EV chargers, heat pumps, or electric water heaters on timers.
How do I know which Ontario electricity plan is best for me?
It depends on when you use electricity. If your usage is under 1,000 kWh/month and you cannot shift usage to specific times, Tiered is simplest. If you already avoid peak hours, TOU may save you money. If you can shift 60% or more of usage overnight (EV charging, laundry, dishwasher), ULO offers the biggest savings.
When are Ontario electricity peak hours?
For TOU: In summer (May to October), on-peak is 11 AM to 5 PM weekdays. In winter (November to April), on-peak is 7 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM weekdays. For ULO: on-peak is 4 PM to 9 PM year-round. Off-peak is always evenings, nights, weekends, and statutory holidays.
How do I switch electricity rate plans in Ontario?
Contact your local distribution company (Toronto Hydro, Hydro One, Alectra, London Hydro, etc.) by phone or online. Switching is free and takes effect on your next billing cycle. You are allowed to switch plans once every 12 months. There is no penalty for switching.
What is the Tiered electricity threshold in Ontario?
Under Tiered pricing, you pay 10.3 cents/kWh for the first 1,000 kWh in summer (May to October) or the first 1,300 kWh in winter (November to April). Everything above the threshold is charged at 12.5 cents/kWh. The higher winter threshold accounts for increased heating demand.
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