ONTARIO HYDRO RATES TO BE CUT TO COMPENSATE FOR COSTS OF WORKING FROM HOME

Mar 24, 2020

By Jane Brown

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We’re learning that hydro rates for families, farmers and small businesses are being temporarily cut amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Premier Doug Ford is reportedly planning to announce on Tuesday the province will charge customers lower rates for the next 45 days to offset higher electricity costs as more people work from home, are self-isolating or have lost their jobs.

A number of Zoomer Radio listeners who called in to Libby Znaimer’s Free For All Friday called for the end of time of day pricing for hydro since people are now at home most of the time.

If everyone is at home why put price restrictions around when you can do laundry or run the dishwasher?

The new rates would go into effect Tuesday, and would be lowered to current off-peak overnight and weekend charges of 10.1 cents per kilowatt hour. Currently, mid-peak rates are 14.4 cents and on-peak rates are 20.8 cents. On-peak hours are 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, while off-peak hours are 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., as well as weekends and holidays.

The government estimates families will save more than $20 per month, while small businesses will save $150 and farms will save more than $300.

Mr. Ford recently said that “relief” is coming to Ontario families who are staying home during the coronavirus pandemic, adding that his government wants to give people flexibility during difficult times.

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