The Government of Ontario has introduced a fixed, COVID-19 Recovery Rate starting June 1, 2020, for households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates
The Government of Ontario has introduced a fixed electricity price, known as the COVID-19 Recovery Rate, of 12.8 cents per kWh, which will be automatically applied to all time-of-use customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This fixed electricity price will be in place from June 1 – October 31, 2020. As of Monday June 1, 2020, households, farms and small businesses who pay time-of-use electricity rates will be charged 12.8¢ 24 hours a day, seven days a week until October 31, 2020.
With this, Oshawa Time of Use (TOU) consumers will not be subject to TOU rates and will be paying the rate of 12.8¢ per kWh during this period. This announcement eliminates the on-peak pricing of 20.8¢ per kWh for the next 5 months.
Tiered customers will not be affected by the new fixed price. The Ontario Energy Board has extended the winter tier prices and the winter thresholds also remain in place until further notice. By keeping the winter threshold in place, residential customers will have an additional 400kWh/month available at the lower Tier 1 price.
See the Province’s announcement here
Oshawa Power is ready to implement this change on your bill. We are working diligently to ensure this reduction in rate is executed quickly and accurately.
Bill Comparison Examples:
- Compared to regular time-of-use rates, the average consumer (700kWh monthly consumption, 64% off-peak, 18% mid-peak, 18% off-peak) would not see a bill change when charged the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
- Compared to regular time-of-use rates, a consumer who uses 700kWh a month but has an atypical consumption pattern (45% off-peak, 25% mid-peak, 30% on-peak) would see a bill decrease of approximately $9.47 when charged the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
- Compared to regular time-of-use rates, a consumer who uses 700kWh a month with a consumption pattern of 55% off-peak, 20% mid-peak, 25% on-peak would see a bill decrease of approximately $4.99 when charged the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
- Compared to the current off-peak price of 10.1 cents/kWh, the average customer (700kWh monthly consumption) would see a bill increase of approximately $16.13 when they are moved to the COVID-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents/kWh.
What will change on your bill?
On your bill you will see your consumption that was used prior to June 1, 2020 will be charged at the rate of 10.1 cents/kWh and any consumption used after June 1, 2020 will be charged at the flat rate of 12.8¢.
No action is required by electricity consumers: this change will be applied automatically for everyone paying time-of-use rates, for electricity consumed starting at 12:00 a.m. EST on June 1, 2020.
Oshawa Power will continue to support you through this unprecedented time. We are offering our customers payment flexibility and assistance to those who need it. Please contact our office to see what option is best for your situation. You can reach out to our Customer Service team Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm at 905-723-4623 or contacting us here.
If you require, you can fill out an online payment extension request form at your convenience and a Customer Service Representative will contact you to discuss options.
Where to get help
To get additional help on your hydro bill you can reach out to the following organizations:
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
To receive community help
The Regional Municipality of Durham has launched a Community Resources webpage with information on resources available to support vulnerable and unsheltered members in our community, as well as local community agencies that are actively seeking volunteers to help in a safe way.
Back Door Mission for the Relief of Poverty
Community Development Council Durham
Durham Region Care Mongers – 1-888-573-0982
