Time-of-Use Pricing

Regulations and Authorities - Ontario Rebates and Incentives pillar

Also known as: TOU, Time-of-Use, time of use

Ontario electricity pricing structure with on-peak, mid-peak, and off-peak rates that vary by time of day and season. The default plan for most households.

Time-of-Use (TOU) is Ontario's default residential electricity pricing structure, set by the OEB. Rates change three times per weekday (off-peak, mid-peak, on-peak) and stay off-peak on weekends and holidays. Typical 2026 rates (mid-year): off-peak ~10.3 cents/kWh, mid-peak ~14.2, on-peak ~17.0 (per kWh, before delivery and taxes). Households can opt into Tiered pricing instead, which charges a flat rate up to a monthly threshold then a higher rate above. TOU rewards load-shifting (running dishwashers, EV charging, HPWH heat-up at night).

See the full Ontario HVAC and home energy glossary or browse the Ontario Rebates and Incentives pillar.