Average Electricity Bill in Ontario: Costs & Savings Tips
Energy costs keep climbing across Ontario, and many households are feeling it. For a lot of families, electricity bills take up a big part of monthly spending. Changes in how much power you use, the season, and shifting rates can all affect what you pay.
In this post, we’ll look at the average electricity bill in Ontario and what drives those costs. You’ll also find simple tips to lower your usage and learn about government programs that can help cut expenses. Let’s see how you can take charge of your energy bill.
What is the Average Electricity Bill in Ontario?
The average electricity bill in Ontario sits around $130 per month for a typical household, based on the data from sources like the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). This figure covers an average usage of about 750 kWh monthly, including delivery fees, taxes, and the cost of power itself. But keep in mind, your actual bill can vary widely.
Household Type | Monthly Usage | Average Bill |
1–2 people (apartment) | 600 kWh | $70–$90 |
Family home | 750–1,000 kWh | $130 |
Large home (Toronto) | 1,200 kWh | $146 |
Why the range? Ontario's grid relies on nuclear (over 50%), hydro, wind, and solar, keeping base costs stable. What changes the total is the delivery part—companies like Hydro One charge different rates depending on where you live.
So, the average bill in Ontario is a mix of steady power costs and your own energy habits. You can check where you stand using the OEB’s online bill calculator. It’s an easy way to see if your usage is higher or lower than average.
Key Factors That Affect Your Electricity Bill in Ontario
In Ontario, several key factors shape your electricity bill, like time-of-use rates, seasonal changes, and home energy habits. Let’s explore what influences your monthly energy costs the most.
Time-of-Use Rates and Rate Plans
The rate plan you choose can change how much you pay each month. With Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing, electricity costs more during busy hours and less when demand is low. Off-peak rates can be as low as 7.6¢/kWh, while on-peak rates can reach 15.8¢/kWh.
Doing laundry, charging an EV, or running big appliances overnight or on weekends can save you quite a bit. Other plans, like Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) or Tiered pricing, might work better if your power use stays steady or happens mostly at night.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
Weather is a major driver of your average electricity bill Ontario. Cold winters drive heating demand, pushing consumption from around 600 kWh in summer to over 1,000 kWh. Likewise, heatwaves over 30 °C can spike air conditioning use. Seasonal fluctuations can cause bills to rise 40–50% between mild and extreme months.
Home Size and Efficiency
Larger or older homes typically have higher energy needs. Poor insulation, drafty windows, and outdated appliances can add 20–30% to your overall electricity costs. Upgrading to Energy Star-rated devices and improving insulation can lead to substantial savings over time.
Daily Habits and Usage Patterns
Your everyday habits play a big role in determining how much is the average electricity bill in Ontario. Running appliances during on-peak hours, taking long hot showers, or leaving lights on all evening adds up quickly. Shifting heavy-load activities to off-peak periods and using LED lighting are simple ways to bring bills down.
Location, Utility Choice, and Regulatory Factors
Where you live matters. Rural customers served by Hydro One often face higher delivery charges due to longer distribution distances, while urban residents share costs across denser networks.
The Ontario Energy Board regularly updates electricity rates, and factors like inflation or market conditions can adjust bills by 5–10%. Choosing between your local utility and an energy retailer also affects your final rate structure.
How to Save Your Electricity Bill in Ontario?
Lowering your electricity bill in Ontario is simple. Small everyday changes in how and when you use power can help you spend less and use energy more wisely.
1. Use Power at the Right Time
Run things like laundry or EV charging after 7 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends. Power is cheaper then, and you could save 20–30%. Smart plugs make this easy and stop devices from wasting power when not in use, which can quietly add $10–$20 to your bill each month.
A home backup system can help too. The EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X stores cheap off-peak energy and lets you use it later when rates go up.
With a 12 kW output and expandable 180 kWh capacity, it can handle everything from daily savings to full-home backup during outages. It’s quiet, easy to use, and can also serve as supplies tip for emergency preparedness.
EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra X
2. Upgrade Old Appliances
Older bulbs and machines waste a lot of energy. Swap them for LEDs—they use 75% less power and last longer.
Keep your thermostat around 19°C in winter and 26°C in summer. Smart thermostats can save about 10% by adjusting automatically.
Unplug chargers and small electronics when not in use.
If you can, upgrade to energy-efficient options like cold-water washers or heat pumps—Ontario offers rebates to help cover the cost.
3. Improve Home Efficiency and Water Heating
Seal cracks around doors and windows to stop warm air from escaping. Close blinds during hot afternoons to ease the load on your AC.
Water heating takes up around 20% of your power use, so lowering your tank to 60°C or wrapping your pipes can help.
These small steps make your home more efficient and your bills lighter.
Government Programs and Incentives for Lowering Your Electricity Bill
Ontario offers strong government support to help homeowners manage rising energy costs through targeted rebates and efficiency programs.
Canada Greener Homes Grant
The Canada Greener Homes Grant provides up to $5,000 to homeowners investing in energy-efficient upgrades that reduce electricity use. Eligible improvements include better insulation, high-performance windows, and even solar energy systems. These upgrades not only lower monthly electricity bills but also increase overall home comfort and long-term energy savings.
Heat Pump Rebate Ontario
The Heat Pump Rebate Ontario is one way the government helps homeowners save on energy costs. You can get up to $2,000 for homes with natural gas heating and up to $7,500 for electric-heated homes. Switching to a heat pump can greatly lower electricity use and monthly bills while keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
Ontario Electricity Support Program
The Ontario Electricity Support Program helps lower-income households reduce their electricity costs through monthly on-bill credits. Eligible residents can receive between $35 and $75 per month, depending on income, household size, and heating type.
Homes using electric heating or medical devices may qualify for higher support. Once approved, the credit is applied directly to your electricity bill, helping to make essential energy use more affordable year-round.
Conclusion
Electricity bills in Ontario can change a lot from month to month, but small steps can really help. Simple habits, smart upgrades, and rebate programs can lower costs and make your home more efficient.
Paying attention to when and how you use power keeps bills steady all year. For even more control and peace of mind, an EcoFlow portable power station gives you backup energy and helps you save at home.
FAQs
Which utility bill is the most expensive?
In Ontario, electricity is often the biggest expense, averaging about $130 a month. Natural gas comes next at around $51, mostly used for heating in winter. Water and sewage add $60–$80, while internet and cable together are about $100.
Electricity costs more because it powers almost everything—lights, appliances, and climate control all year. You can cut back by using energy-efficient bulbs, turning off unused devices, and running big appliances during off-peak hours.
Why is my electric bill so high in Ontario?
Electric bills often rise with the seasons. Winter heating can push usage past 1,000 kWh, while summer air conditioning can add another 200–300 kWh. Older appliances, poor insulation, or drafty windows make things worse by wasting energy.
Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing also plays a part—using power during peak hours costs more. Rural areas may see higher delivery fees too.
Simple fixes help: seal gaps, unplug unused devices, and move big tasks like laundry or EV charging to off-peak times. Even small changes can bring your bill down.
Is it cheaper to do laundry after 7pm in Ontario?
Yes, it really is. After 7 p.m., electricity costs less because it’s off-peak time. Power drops to about 7.6¢/kWh, while daytime rates can hit 15.8¢/kWh. That means doing laundry at night can cost half as much. Weekends are even better since they’re off-peak all day. Set a timer or run loads before bed—it’s an easy way to save a few dollars each month.