Rising Energy Bills in Winter 2025:Hydro Rate Increases in Ontario and BC
Over the last two decades, energy prices in Canada have risen faster than both general inflation and household income. You’re not alone in feeling stressed about the winter months coming around again. With energy bills only going up, we’re here to help you ease the financial strain, showing you what government support you may qualify for and practical tips for saving energy this winter.
Understanding the Rising Energy Bills
The rise in energy bills stems from several different causes. As of 2025, Ontario’s energy pricing is based on a time-of-use system, meaning you often get stung during peak hours, which are 4 pm to 9 pm (right in the queue for when most homes are just home from work, cooking dinner, or relaxing with Netflix).
Another culprit in rising energy bills is the Government’s initiatives to promote renewable energy systems, which may raise prices in the short term. Some provinces have banned hydraulic fracturing, limiting access to the domestic energy supply.
With so many factors out of our control, we want to show you what you can do to prepare yourself for the winter months and hopefully give you some relief.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W)
Rebates and Government Support: What You Qualify For
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP): You can receive discounts directly on your energy bill, provided you meet certain eligibility requirements. Your application will be judged based on your household income and size, and the amount you get in credits will vary depending on your situation.
Ontario Net Metering Program: This allows Canadians who already have renewable energy systems to receive credits on their bills for any excess electricity they supply back to the grid. To do so, you must enter a Net Metering Agreement with your provider, and your credit will be applied to your bills. This is also available via the BC Self-Generation Program.
Canada Greener Homes Loan: This is a 10-year interest-free loan of up to $40,000 CAD to upgrade your home to be energy efficient. There is a full list of eligibility requirements, including the fact that you must own your home, it needs to be your primary residence, and work cannot have already started before applying.
BC Hydro Rebates for Solar Panels and Battery Storage: BC Hydro is offering $5,000 on eligible grid-connected solar panels, and another $5,000 on battery storage systems. To qualify, you must have an account with BC Hydro, and your system must be able to connect to the BC Hydro Grid through their self-generation program. Finally, it must be a new system and not something being replaced.
How to Compare Costs with Price-Planning Tools
Most electricity companies nowadays have built-in tools for assessing energy usage. Whether you use their website or an app, your account dashboard should allow you to track your past usage and estimate your next bill. These tools can help you better understand and manage your usage habits.
Many electricity providers also have online calculators you can take advantage of to see what savings you could make by switching. With the Hydro One calculator, you can input your usage details and see if you may financially benefit from a switchover.
Practical Winter Energy-Saving Tips You Can Implement Today
As well as taking advantage of some of the government initiatives, here are some ways you can save on your energy bill today:
Be aware of peak times: Note when energy costs are at their highest (usually in the evening), and try to avoid doing tasks like laundry, using the tumble dryer, or the dishwasher during these times.
Use a battery storage system: Incorporating a battery storage system like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus into your home allows you to store excess energy, which can then be used during peak times to save money on your bill.
Use less hot water: Where possible, reduce your hot water usage. This means hopping out of the shower a few minutes sooner, doing a cold laundry wash, or only using the dishwasher once a day instead of twice. Remember, small changes can make a big difference!
Unplug appliances: When not in use, unplug all of your appliances. Leaving them plugged in while not in use still draws power – this is called “phantom consumption” and will add to your energy bill.
Look into solar-powered energy: Consider making your house more energy efficient by turning to renewable energy with products like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W), which has a 4Wh battery capacity and 4kW AC output. While it’s an investment, it can power your whole home and offers substantial energy savings in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Eating up My Electric Bill?
Bigger appliances like the washing machine, tumble dryer, and AC units use large amounts of energy. These appliances are essentials and often can’t be cut back, so introducing something like solar power can help reduce spending over time.
Does Turning off Lights Really Save Energy?
Yes, turning off lights—especially when they’re not in use—can help save on your energy bill. While it won’t make a huge difference, every little saving helps. Be sure to unplug all other not-in-use appliances in your home to see an even bigger difference.
Government Programs Support Winter Energy Savings
Many households experience financial stress during the winter months. Despite rising energy bills, many incentives and government initiatives can help ease the burden. You can also take steps to reduce your energy consumption habits, like using less hot water, turning off unused plugs and appliances, or introducing a solar generator like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 into your home for long-term savings and energy independence.