Sioux Lookout Hydro supports 21 day provincial electricity-rate relief period
Tim Brody - Editor
Some relief for hydro customers.
In a Jan. 7 news release, the Government of Ontario announced that it is, “providing electricity-rate relief to support small businesses, as well as workers and families spending more time at home while the province is in Modified Step Two. For 21 days starting at 12:01 am on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, electricity prices will be set 24 hours a day at the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half the cost of the current on-peak rate. The off-peak rate will apply automatically to residential, small businesses and farms who pay regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility and will benefit customers on both Time-of-Use and Tiered rate plans.”
“We know that spending more time at home means using more electricity during the day when prices are higher, that’s why we are moving to off-peak electricity rates 24 hours per day, seven days a week,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “The off-peak rate will provide immediate savings for families, small businesses and farms as all Ontarians work together to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.”
Deanne Kulchyski, President/CEO of Sioux Lookout Hydro Inc. shared, “By charging the off-peak price of 8.2 cents per kwh 24 hours a day our customers could save approximately 13 per cent on their hydro bills depending on how much power they use. I think the government did the right thing during a time when many businesses and households are trying to make their way through another lockdown.”
The province also shared, “Further, online applications for the previously-announced Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program will open on January 18. This program will provide eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity with rebate payments for up to 100 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to public health measures in response to the Omicron variant.
“Eligible businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs. Those required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs.”
To apply, people can visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs and follow the link to complete the online application form.
