Ontario Electricity Rates in 2026: What Residents Need to Know

Understanding electricity rates in Ontario helps submetered residents make sense of their bills and find opportunities to manage their costs. Here is what you need to know.

Electricity rates in Ontario are set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), not by your submetering provider or your building. The OEB reviews and sets rates on a regular schedule, and these rates apply to all eligible customers across the province.

If you are on Time of Use (TOU) pricing, your electricity cost depends on when you use it. Off-peak rates (the lowest) typically apply during overnight hours, weekends, and holidays. Mid-peak rates apply during moderate demand periods. On-peak rates (the highest) apply during periods of highest demand, usually weekday afternoons.

If you are on tiered pricing, you pay one rate up to a monthly threshold and a higher rate for consumption above that threshold. The threshold and rates are set by the OEB and vary by season.

In addition to the electricity commodity charge, your bill includes delivery charges from your local distribution company, transmission charges, and regulatory charges. These are all pass-through costs set by the OEB and not marked up by your submetering provider.

Your submetering provider charges a separate service fee for metering, billing, and customer support. This fee is not part of the OEB-regulated electricity and delivery charges. It is clearly disclosed on your bill.

The OEB publishes current rate information on its website. If you want to understand the specific rates that appear on your bill, the OEB website is the authoritative source. Your submetering provider can also explain the charges on your bill if you have questions.