Ontario’s electricity prices officially increased Sunday, a rate hike expected to increase the average household bill by 3.4 per cent or $4.43 per month.
The increase means Ontario energy prices have surged 77 per cent since Smart Meters were widely introduced five years ago.
Starting Sunday, off-peak rates increase 0.3 cents to 8.3 cents/KWh.
Mid-peak power goes up 0.6 cents to 12.8 cents/kWh.
On-peak prices jump 1.4 cents to 17.5 cents/kWh.
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Peak hours vary according to season. For the upcoming winter months, between November and April, they are:
Off-peak: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Mid-peak: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On-peak: 7 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
The new year won’t bring any better news for Ontarians as rates are expected to jump on Jan. 1. While the long-standing Debt Retirement Charge will disappear, the simultaneous end of the 10 per cent Clean Energy discount will still create an overall increase to monthly bills.
Ontario opposition parties blasted the rate hike as consequence of failed Liberal energy policies, including the controversial upcoming sale of Hydro One.
READ MORE: Financial Accountability Officer warns partial sale of Hydro One will hurt Ontario
“These bad news announcements put more Ontarians into energy poverty—something the Liberals seem indifferent to, as they refuse to change direction on their reckless hydro policies,” said PC Energy Critic John Yakabuski.
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