Demand Changes Throughout the Day

Electricity consumption goes up and down throughout the day. On weekdays, it starts to rise in the morning as people get up and continues to its peak in the late afternoon or evening as people come home. On weekends and holidays, demand is lower overall.

Time of Use Rates

Under the time-of-use price plan for smart meters established by the Ontario Energy Board, the price for electricity will vary based on the period during the day when electricity is actually used (see chart below). The periods are:

• Off-peak - when demand for electricity is lowest
• Mid-peak - when demand is moderate
• On-peak - when demand for electricity is highest

These periods will be different in the summer than they are in winter.

With time-of-use pricing and a smart meter recording when power is actually used, utility companies will charge consumers lower rates for electricity consumed during off-peak hours, and higher rates during on-peak hours when the cost of power is higher. Consumers with a smart meter (and who do not have a contract with an electricity retailer) will have the opportunity to directly impact their electricity bills by taking steps to minimize their electricity usage during peak hours and shifting electricity usage to times when electricity costs are cheaper.

*Consumers who purchase power from an electricity retailer will continue to pay the rate(s) stipulated in the contract.