Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER)

Frequently Asked Questions

• How are electricity bills changing?

  Effective November 1, 2019, electricity bills for residential consumers, farmers and many small businesses in Ontario will show the true cost of power and the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) will be introduced as a new on-bill line item.

  The new OER will add a transparent on-bill line item and replace both the 8% provincial rebate as well as the rate reduction previously provided through Global Adjustment (GA) Refinancing under the previous government’s Fair Hydro Plan.

  As a result of the replacement, consumers will see the electricity line on their bill rise. The new OER will compensate for that rise, and the average residential bill will rise in line with the rate of inflation.

  For those who receive support from additional provincial programs such as the Ontario Electricity Support Program, Rural or Remote Rate Protection, Distribution Rate Protection, or First Nations Delivery Credit, they will also see a separate message summarizing the total provincial support on their bill.

• Will bills be higher because of these changes?

  Consumers will see the electricity line on their bill rise. However, the new Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) will compensate for that rise and the average residential bill will increase in line with the rate of inflation.

  The impact of the change will vary by consumer depending on consumption, consumer type and local distribution company.  

• When will people see these changes on electricity bills?

  Depending on billing cycles, some residents may see changes to their bill as soon as early November 2019.

• Who will see changes to their bills?

  Eligible consumers include most households, many small businesses, farms and long-term care homes.

  For most consumers, the electricity line on bills will increase to show the true cost of electricity. The new OER will compensate for that rise, and average residential bills will rise in line with the rate of inflation.

  Consumers who receive provincial support through more than one program will also see a separate message on their electricity bill summarizing the total provincial support on their bill.  

• Will everyone who was eligible for the previous 8% Ontario Rebate for Electricity Consumers remain eligible for the new Ontario Electricity Rebate?

  Most ratepayers who were eligible for the 8% rebate will be eligible for the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER).

  Certain types of large-volume multi-unit complexes will be ineligible for the OER, including hospitals, universities, colleges and any multi-unit complexes that have fewer than 50% residential units (as provided for under regulation), such as a large commercial building.

  Any consumers that were previously receiving the 8% rebate but are not eligible for the OER under the new rules will be provided with up to a one-year grace period.  

• Do people need to apply for the Ontario Electricity Rebate?

  Most eligible consumers will receive the Ontario Electricity Rebate automatically, including low-volume consumers such as homes and small businesses. However, there are certain notice requirements in place for larger multi-unit complexes and consumers who were previously receiving the 8% provincial rebate, but are not eligible for the new Ontario Electricity Rebate.