FAQs Electricity Rates

Frequently Asked Questions

How are prices set?

The Regulated Price Plan is a forecast of the regulated prices for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) nuclear and base load hydro facilities (needed 24/7 all year), existing contract prices for supply from non-utility generators and the Ontario Energy Board’s forecast of electricity prices in the open electricity market over the next 12 months.

The OEB has also expanded the ratio between on and off peak prices from 2:1 to 2.1:1.  This change is intended to encourage customers to shift their use to the off peak time-period.  This means that customers who shift use to evenings and weekends will see greater rewards for doing so.

Why does a Ontario Energy Board adjust electricity prices every 12 months?

The Ontario Energy Board reviews and may readjust prices every 12 months to ensure what you pay for electricity accurately reflects the cost paid to generators. The Regulated Price Plan smoothes these prices for you, so that you pay the true cost of electricity over time, and are not subject to day-to-day market volatility.

I just received my first bill and I am on a fixed income. What can I do if I can’t pay my bill? 

You may qualify for financial assistance under the Ontario Electricity Support Program which provides a monthly on-bill credit to eligible low-income consumers. The amount of the credit depends on how many people live in the home and the combined household income.  If you think you may qualify for this assistance please visit the Ontario Electricity Support website.

An emergency financial assistance program under the Ontario Energy Board’s Low Income Energy Assistance Plan may also be available to you. To find out more, contact the Oak Park Neighbourhood Centre at info@opnc.ca or Michelle Knoll at 905-257-6029.

An Equal Payment Plan (EPP) is also available. A fixed amount is withdrawn from your bank account on a monthly basis. The amount is calculated using your average consumption over the previous 12-month period. You have the option of having the withdrawal take place on either the 2nd or 16th of each month. The EPP amount is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it is in line with your actual bills and may increase or decrease depending on your previous 12 month billing history.

In addition, please feel free to contact our office at 905-825-9400 extension 4463 to discuss and arrange payment terms.

Is there anything I can do to decrease my bill?

Oakville Hydro provides its customers with tools that help them manage their energy usage and costs. We are committed to investing in technology that improves customer experience. Customers can view account details with just one click, see and manage electricity usage and review thier personal time-of-use dashboard through MyOakvilleHydro. The online portal includes the following: mobile access, eBilling (paperless bills), enhanced time-of-use charts, data downloads, a price plan comparison too, alerts for predicted time-of-use charges and a "Pay My Bill" option.

Oakville Hydro is also building a culture of conservation. Conservation is everyone’s business and it’s working. Through our Conservation and Demand Management initiatives, we offer customers opportunities to become active in energy conservation.

Does Oakville Hydro keep all of the money it collects?

No. Oakville Hydro serves as the billing agent and we collect money on behalf of other electricity market participants and the government. Oakville Hydro's portion of a residential customer’s electricity bill is approximately 23%, which forms part of the delivery charge line on electricity bills.

Oakville Hydro - Electricity Costs 2023
What is the role of a local distribution company, such as Oakville Hydro?

Electricity is transmitted over high-voltage transmission lines between generating stations and local distribution areas where the electricity is to be used. Hydro One owns and operates most of the transmission lines in Ontario. Oakville Hydro delivers electricity through its wires directly to the homes and businesses in its service area.