With warmer weather arriving, it’s time to prepare for seasonal electricity rate changes in Ontario. For those wondering about the cheaper times to use electricity in Ontario, May 1 marks the beginning of the summer pricing period—and that means a shift in when it’s best to run appliances, charge devices, and manage your home’s energy use.
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Whether you’re on Time-of-Use (TOU), Tiered, or Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) pricing plans, here’s what you need to know about the upcoming changes that could help lower your hydro bill.
Understanding Electricity Pricing Options in Ontario
Ontario electricity customers can choose from three different pricing plans, each with its own structure:
- Time-of-Use (TOU): Prices vary depending on the time of day electricity is used.
- Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO): Offers the cheapest rates overnight to encourage nighttime use.
- Tiered Pricing: Charges customers based on total monthly electricity consumption up to a set threshold.
The majority of Ontarians are currently on the Time-of-Use plan.
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Why Do Electricity Prices Change in the Summer?
Electricity usage patterns shift with the seasons. According to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB):
- Winter (Nov. 1 – Apr. 30) sees two peak periods: morning and evening, due to lighting and heating needs.
- Summer (May 1 – Oct. 31) sees one mid-day peak period, driven by air conditioner usage during the hottest part of the day.
To reflect these shifts, Ontario adjusts both the hours and thresholds used in calculating your electricity bill.
Cheaper Times to Use Electricity in Ontario: Time-of-Use Schedule (May 1 – Oct. 31, 2025)
Starting May 1, 2025, the Time-of-Use hours will adjust for the summer period:
| Time Period | Time | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Off-peak | 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. | 7.6 ¢/kWh |
| Mid-peak | 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. & 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | 12.2 ¢/kWh |
| On-peak | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 15.8 ¢/kWh |
🔹 Cheapest time to use electricity: 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, and all day on weekends and holidays.
To save money, try running your dishwasher, laundry, or EV charging during off-peak hours.
Tiered Pricing Plan Changes (Effective May 1, 2025)
Tiered pricing lets you use a specific amount of electricity at a lower rate before switching to a higher one. These thresholds change seasonally to reflect increased heating use in the winter and more cooling in the summer.
| Tier | Summer Threshold (May 1 – Oct. 31) | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | First 600 kWh | 9.3 ¢/kWh |
| Tier 2 | Above 600 kWh | 11 ¢/kWh |
➡️ In the winter, the Tier 1 threshold is 1,000 kWh to accommodate increased heating use.
Ultra-Low Overnight Plan: No Change for Summer 2025
For customers who have opted into the Ultra-Low Overnight plan—ideal for EV owners or those running appliances overnight—there are no changes in rates or time periods on May 1. The plan remains fixed year-round and includes a super-discounted overnight rate.
Should You Switch Electricity Plans?
Here’s a quick tip:
- If you’re home during the day, tiered pricing may be better.
- If you can shift your usage to nights and weekends, TOU or ULO can help cut costs.
The OEB also notes that less than 10% of customers in Ontario buy electricity directly from retailers. Unless you’ve signed a separate energy contract, you’re most likely on a regulated plan.
How to Lower Your Hydro Bill in Ontario This Summer
To maximize savings during the new summer schedule:
- Run appliances (laundry, dishwasher, etc.) after 7 p.m.
- Pre-cool your home before 11 a.m.
- Avoid major energy use between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Use smart thermostats to control air conditioning more efficiently
- Consider switching to the ULO plan if your lifestyle supports overnight use
Final Thoughts
The cheaper times to use electricity in Ontario are shifting with the season starting May 1, 2025. Whether you’re on TOU, tiered, or ultra-low overnight pricing, understanding how these rate changes affect your bill is essential to saving money this summer.
To review your billing option or make a switch, visit your utility provider’s website or log into your Ontario Energy Board account.