Electricity Rates Across Canada 2025
Canada has some of the most varied electricity rates in the world — depending on your province, you might pay 7 cents/kWh or 30 cents/kWh for the same usage:
| Province | Average Rate (cents/kWh) | Utility |
|---|
| Quebec | ~7–9¢ | Hydro-Québec |
| Manitoba | ~10¢ | Manitoba Hydro |
| British Columbia | ~12–14¢ | BC Hydro |
| Ontario (off-peak) | ~8.7¢ | Ontario LDCs |
| Ontario (on-peak) | ~17.5¢ | Ontario LDCs |
| Alberta | ~15–25¢ (variable) | ENMAX, ATCO, etc. |
| Nova Scotia | ~18–22¢ | Nova Scotia Power |
| Prince Edward Island | ~20–24¢ | Maritime Electric |
| New Brunswick | ~13–16¢ | NB Power |
If you're in a high-rate province (NS, PEI, AB, ON on-peak), your potential savings from efficiency measures are proportionally higher.
Ontario Time-of-Use Pricing: How to Save
Ontario residential customers with smart meters are on Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing with three tiers:
- Off-Peak (8¢–9¢/kWh): Weekdays 7pm–7am, all weekends and holidays
- Mid-Peak (~12¢/kWh): Weekdays 7am–11am and 5pm–7pm
- On-Peak (~17–18¢/kWh): Weekdays 11am–5pm (summer), weekdays 7am–11am and 5pm–8pm (winter)
Ontario TOU Savings Strategies
- Run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers after 7pm on weekdays
- Pre-cool or pre-heat your home before peak hours using a smart thermostat schedule
- Charge EVs and devices overnight at off-peak rates
- Run pool pumps and hot tub heaters at night
- If you have an electric vehicle, charging overnight at 8¢/kWh vs. daytime 17¢/kWh saves ~$30–$50/month for a typical EV driver
BC Hydro: Conservation Rebates and Tips
BC Hydro operates a tiered rate system: the first 1,350 kWh per 2-month billing period costs ~8.6¢/kWh. Usage above that is billed at ~12.9¢/kWh — 50% higher. Staying in Tier 1 is the primary savings lever.
BC Hydro Conservation Programs
- Fridge and Freezer Pickup: BC Hydro will pick up old, inefficient fridges and freezers for free — and pay you $30. Old fridges can use 2–3x more electricity than modern units.
- Product Incentives: Rebates on LED lighting, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and Energy Star appliances through BC Hydro's online marketplace.
- Team Power Smart: Join to get personalized energy-saving tips and potential bill rewards for reducing consumption 10% vs. previous year.
Major Electricity Consumers in a Canadian Home
| Appliance | Monthly kWh (typical) | Monthly Cost (at 15¢/kWh) |
|---|
| Electric heating / baseboard heaters | 500–1,500 | $75–$225 |
| Air conditioner (central) | 200–500 (summer) | $30–$75 |
| Electric water heater | 150–300 | $22–$45 |
| Refrigerator | 30–80 | $4.50–$12 |
| Washer + dryer (4 loads/week) | 40–60 | $6–$9 |
| Dishwasher (daily) | 30–45 | $4.50–$6.75 |
| Lighting (LED throughout) | 20–50 | $3–$7.50 |
Electric heating and air conditioning dominate the bill in homes that use electricity for climate control. A single portable electric heater running 8 hours/day adds $35–$50/month to your bill. Heat management is the highest-impact area.
Low-Income Electricity Programs by Province
- Ontario OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program): Monthly credits of $35–$113 on electricity bills for eligible low-income households. Apply through the OESP website or your local hydro utility.
- Ontario Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP): Emergency assistance for Ontarians facing disconnection.
- BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund: One-time grants up to $600 for BC customers in financial crisis.
- Hydro-Québec — Low-income customer rate: Quebec offers a reduced rate for low-income households through the government's social tariff.
- Nova Scotia Power Home Assistance Program: Monthly credits for low-income Nova Scotians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does a smart thermostat actually save money in Canada?
Yes, significantly. The Ecobee and Nest both offer documented 10–15% heating/cooling savings. At typical Canadian utility rates, that's $100–$300/year for the average home. The devices cost $150–$300 and pay back within 1–2 years. Many utilities offer rebates that reduce the payback further.
Should I switch to a flat-rate or tiered plan in Ontario?
Ontario offers an option to switch between Time-of-Use pricing and the Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) rate. ULO offers very cheap overnight rates (2.8¢/kWh) and is ideal for EV owners who charge overnight. If most of your electrical use is daytime, TOU may be better. Contact your local distribution company to compare your bill under each option.