Hydro rates will now be lower during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Speaking Tuesady afternoon, Premier Doug Ford said the Ministry of Energy and Provincial government will temporarily end time-of-use electricity rates and only charge off-peak rates for hydro for the next 45 days, effective March 24, 2020 at 12:00a.m EST.
“We have heard our customers’ concerns about Time-of-Use rates during these unprecedented times and understand the impact this will have. We have been working with other utilities across Ontario, with our Association, and with the Government to implement rate relief measures that will help our customers over the coming weeks.” Says Joe Barile, General Manager, Essex Powerlines.
The off-peak and weekend electricity rate is 10.1 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to mid-peak rates of 14.4 cents per kilowatt-hour and on-peak rates of 20.8 cents per kilowatt-hour.
A rate of 10.1 cents per kilowatt-hour will be implemented around the clock to help lessen the burden of customers while they are working from home.
The implemented off-peak rates apply to all customers who are billed under time of use pricing, including residential customers, farmers and small businesses.
Essex Powerlines has already committed to voluntarily suspend electricity disconnections in light of the Provincial announcement declaring a State of Emergency.
Essex Powerlines has committed to a three-month extension of the disconnection moratorium for its customers, effective March 17, 2020.