FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions Ontario homeowners ask most, with links to the detail.
Last reviewed November 2, 2026
How we review content
Rates & bills
What are Ontario's electricity rates from 1 November 2026?
Under the OEB's Regulated Price Plan, Time-of-Use prices are 9.1¢/kWh off-peak, 14.6¢ mid-peak and 18.9¢ on-peak. Ultra-Low Overnight is 3.7¢ from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., with a 37.7¢ on-peak period on weekdays from 4 to 9 p.m. Tiered prices are 11.2¢ and 13.2¢. These apply until 31 October 2027; see our electricity rates page for the full schedule.
Why is my electricity bill going up this winter if rates look similar?
The Ontario Electricity Rebate dropped from 23.5% to 15.7% on 1 November 2026, so the credit on most bills is smaller. Winter also brings higher use for lighting and heating, and the on-peak periods move to weekday mornings and early evenings. Read what the November 2026 changes mean.
Which electricity price plan is best for me?
Time-of-Use suits most households. Ultra-Low Overnight can save money if you can move large loads, such as EV charging, past 11 p.m. and avoid weekday 4–9 p.m. use. Tiered pricing suits households that use a lot of power during peak hours and cannot shift it. Try our price plan calculator with your own usage data.
How do I switch electricity price plans?
Contact your local distribution company (LDC), such as Hydro One, Toronto Hydro or Alectra, usually through its website or customer service line. Ask how often you can switch and when the change takes effect. Not every LDC offers Ultra-Low Overnight, though most do.
What is the delivery charge on my hydro bill?
The delivery charge pays for the poles, wires, transformers and meters that bring electricity to your home. It is set by your LDC with OEB approval and varies by utility and by how rural your area is. It includes both a fixed monthly amount and a part that depends on usage. See understanding your hydro bill.
Is there help if I cannot afford my energy bills?
Yes. The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) gives lower-income households a monthly on-bill credit, and the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) offers emergency bill help. Income-eligible households may also get free upgrades through the Energy Affordability Program or Enbridge's Home Winterproofing Program. See our income-qualified programs guide.
Did removing the carbon charge lower my gas bill?
Yes. The federal consumer carbon charge on natural gas was removed on 1 April 2025, which lowered gas bills for Enbridge customers. It also narrowed the operating-cost advantage of heat pumps compared with gas furnaces. Read one year without the carbon charge.
What is the average hydro bill in Ontario?
The OEB uses 700 kWh a month as its typical residential customer. For a home like that in an urban utility area on Time-of-Use, a rough all-in estimate is $120–$160 a month after HST and the 15.7% Ontario Electricity Rebate. Rural Hydro One customers often pay more because delivery costs are higher. Homes with electric heat use far more in winter. See average hydro bill in Ontario or estimate yours with the hydro bill estimator.
What is the average gas bill in Ontario?
A detached home with gas heating and water heating typically uses about 2,000–2,600 m³ a year. At a rough all-in variable cost of 45¢/m³, that is about $900–$1,200 a year in usage-based charges, plus Enbridge's fixed monthly customer charge and 13% HST. Most of it is billed between December and March. Read more in average gas bill in Ontario and understanding your gas bill.
What time is off-peak hydro in Ontario?
On Time-of-Use, off-peak (9.1¢/kWh) is 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and statutory holidays, all year. In winter (1 November–30 April), on-peak is 7–11 a.m. and 5–7 p.m. on weekdays; in summer it is 11 a.m.–5 p.m. On Ultra-Low Overnight, the cheapest period is 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day at 3.7¢. Full schedules are on our electricity rates page.
Is the Ultra-Low Overnight plan worth it?
It can be if you can move a lot of use to 11 p.m.–7 a.m. (3.7¢/kWh), for example EV charging, and keep weekday 4–9 p.m. use low, because that period costs 37.7¢. Households that cook, do laundry and heat with electricity in the early evening often pay more than on Time-of-Use. Check your hourly data in the price plan calculator and see is Ultra-Low Overnight worth it.
What is the Ontario Electricity Rebate?
The Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) is a provincial credit that appears automatically on eligible residential and small business electricity bills. It is a percentage of the bill amount before HST: 15.7% from 1 November 2026, down from 23.5%. You do not need to apply. Read the OER explained.
Do I pay the Global Adjustment on my hydro bill?
If you are on the Regulated Price Plan (Time-of-Use, Ultra-Low Overnight or Tiered), the Global Adjustment is already built into the prices set by the OEB, so it does not appear as a separate line. Customers on retail contracts usually see it as a separate charge. See Global Adjustment explained.
How much electricity does an average house use in Ontario?
A typical Ontario home without electric heat uses roughly 650–800 kWh a month, or about 7,000–9,000 kWh a year. All-electric homes with a heat pump or baseboards commonly use 12,000–20,000 kWh or more a year, mostly in winter. Read how much electricity a house uses in Ontario.
Should I sign a fixed-price contract with an energy retailer?
Usually not without careful comparison. Retail contracts lock in a price for several years and often cost more than the Regulated Price Plan for electricity or Enbridge's regulated gas supply. Compare the price per kWh or m³, the term and any exit fees, and read the OEB's guidance at oeb.ca. See retail energy contracts in Ontario.
Heating & cooling
Do heat pumps work in Ontario winters?
Cold-climate air-source heat pumps keep heating down to roughly −25 °C to −30 °C, though output and efficiency fall as it gets colder. In southern Ontario, a properly sized unit handles most of the season, with backup heat for the coldest days. Colder regions need more careful sizing. See heat pumps in Ontario winters.
Is a heat pump cheaper to run than a gas furnace?
It depends. At typical 2026 prices, gas and a cold-climate heat pump cost roughly the same per unit of heat in many Ontario homes. Heat pumps usually save money compared with electric baseboard, oil or propane. Use our heat pump versus furnace calculator with your own prices.
What does a heat pump cost to install in Ontario?
As a rough 2026 range, a ducted cold-climate air-source heat pump costs about $12,000–$25,000 installed, and a single-zone ductless mini-split about $4,500–$8,000. Ground-source systems typically run $30,000–$60,000 or more. Prices vary widely with home size, ductwork and electrical needs, so get several quotes.
Should I keep my gas furnace if I get a heat pump?
You can. A hybrid or dual-fuel system uses the heat pump in mild weather and switches to the furnace below a changeover temperature, often around −5 °C to −10 °C. This can make sense if your furnace is fairly new or you are cautious about cold-weather performance. See our hybrid heating guide.
How do I know if a contractor sized my system correctly?
Ask for a room-by-room heat loss and heat gain calculation, such as Manual J or CSA F280, and a copy of the results. Sizing by square footage alone often leads to oversized equipment that short-cycles and controls humidity poorly. Our sizing guide explains what to look for.
What licences should an HVAC contractor have in Ontario?
Anyone working on gas appliances needs a TSSA-issued G1 or G2 gas technician licence, and anyone handling refrigerants needs an ODP certificate. Electrical work needs a licensed electrical contractor and an ESA permit. See choosing an HVAC contractor.
How much does it cost to run a space heater in Ontario?
A 1,500 W space heater uses 1.5 kWh per hour. At Time-of-Use prices that is about 28¢ an hour on-peak and 14¢ off-peak, before delivery, regulatory charges and tax. Running one for eight hours a day can add $30–$60 or more a month. See space heater cost in Ontario or use the appliance energy cost calculator.
What temperature should I set my thermostat in winter?
Many households are comfortable at about 20–21 °C when home and awake. With a gas furnace, lowering it 2–3 °C overnight or when away saves roughly 5–10% of heating energy. With a heat pump, keep setbacks small (1–2 °C) so backup heat is not triggered. See best thermostat temperature for winter.
How much does a new furnace cost in Ontario in 2026?
A typical gas furnace replacement costs roughly $5,000–$9,000 installed, depending on size, features and any venting or duct changes. All new gas furnaces in Canada must be at least 95% AFUE. Get quotes that include a heat loss calculation. See furnace replacement cost in 2026 and our furnace replacement guide.
What size heat pump do I need?
Size depends on your home's heat loss, not just its floor area. A room-by-room heat loss calculation (such as CSA F280 or Manual J) at your local design temperature is the right basis. Our heat pump sizing calculator gives a rough estimate, and HVAC sizing and load calculations explains what to ask a contractor.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Check a 1-inch filter monthly and change it every one to three months, more often with pets, renovations or heavy AC use. Thicker 4–5-inch media filters usually last six to twelve months. See our furnace filters and MERV guide.
Why are some rooms in my house colder than others?
Common causes are leaky or undersized ducts, too few return air paths, rooms over garages or with large windows, and air leaks around rim joists and attic floors. Balancing dampers, duct sealing and air sealing usually help more than a bigger furnace. See how to fix cold rooms.
Do I need a permit to replace a furnace or install a heat pump?
Gas work must be done by a TSSA-registered contractor using licensed G1 or G2 gas technicians. Electrical work for a heat pump needs an ESA permit, which your contractor should arrange. Some municipalities also require a building permit. Ask your contractor to confirm in writing who pulls each permit. See choosing an HVAC contractor in Ontario.
Is a ductless mini-split worth it?
Mini-splits are often worth it in homes heated by electric baseboards or oil, for additions and cold rooms, and in homes without ducts. A single-zone unit typically costs $4,500–$8,000 installed and can cut heating energy for that area by more than half compared with baseboards. In gas-heated homes with good ducts, a ducted system is often simpler. See our ductless mini-split guide.
Solar & batteries
Is solar worth it in Ontario?
For many well-suited homes it can be, but returns are modest. A well-oriented, unshaded array in southern Ontario typically produces about 1,100–1,250 kWh per kW per year, and simple payback is often 10–15 years or more. Results depend on your roof, usage, rate plan and incentives. Try our solar savings calculator.
How does net metering work in Ontario?
Under Ontario Regulation 541/05, electricity your solar system exports earns kWh credits valued at the retail commodity price. Credits roll forward for up to 12 months and then expire, with no cash payout. You need an ESA permit, an LDC connection agreement and a bidirectional meter. See net metering explained.
What changed with net metering in 2026?
As reported, from 1 May 2026 the micro-embedded generation threshold rose from 10 kW to 12 kW, allowing a simpler connection with no Connection Impact Assessment, and residential customers no longer need commercial liability insurance. Check details with your LDC. Read the 12 kW change.
Should I take the HRS solar rebate or keep net metering?
Systems that receive the HRS solar and battery rebate of up to $10,000 operate as load displacement and cannot net meter for the life of the system, so excess exports are not credited. For homes that export a lot in summer, keeping net metering can be worth more over time. Compare both in our rebate versus net metering guide.
Do I need a battery with solar?
Not necessarily. Net metering already credits your exports, so a battery mainly adds backup power during outages and some ability to shift use away from peak prices. Batteries cost roughly $12,000–$20,000 installed for about 13–16 kWh. See our home battery guide.
How much do solar panels cost in Ontario in 2026?
Installed costs typically run roughly $2.50–$3.50 per watt before incentives, so an 8 kW system is about $20,000–$28,000. Simple payback is often 10–15 years or more depending on your usage, price plan and whether you keep net metering. See solar panel cost in Ontario 2026 or try the solar savings calculator.
How many solar panels do I need?
Divide your yearly electricity use by your expected yield. In southern Ontario a well-placed array produces about 1,100–1,250 kWh per kW per year, so a home using 8,000 kWh would need roughly 6.5–7 kW, or about 16–18 panels of 400–450 W. Shading and east or west roof faces increase the size needed. See is my roof good for solar.
Do solar panels work in winter in Ontario?
Yes, but output is much lower in December and January because days are short and snow can cover panels. Most production happens from April to September. Snow usually slides off tilted panels within a few sunny days; do not climb onto the roof to clear it. See solar panels and snow.
Will solar panels keep my power on during an outage?
Not on their own. A standard grid-tied system shuts off during an outage for line-worker safety. To keep some circuits running you need a battery or inverter designed for backup, wired with a way to isolate your home from the grid. See home backup power options and the backup power calculator.
Can I get paid for the electricity my solar panels export?
Not in cash under net metering. Exported electricity earns kWh credits on your bill that roll forward for up to 12 months, then expire. If you take the Home Renovation Savings solar and battery rebate, the system operates as load displacement and exports are not credited at all. See net metering in Ontario explained.
Rebates & programs
What is the Home Renovation Savings Program?
HRS is Ontario's main home energy rebate program, jointly delivered by Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas since January 2025. It offers rebates for heat pumps, insulation, windows, smart thermostats, appliances, and solar and batteries. Amounts and rules change, so confirm on saveonenergy.ca. Our HRS guide explains the details.
What are the HRS deadlines for 2026?
For the assessment stream, the post-retrofit assessment must reportedly be scheduled by 30 November 2026, and work must be complete within 180 days of the pre-assessment or by 31 December 2026, whichever comes first. Heat pump contractors must submit post-installation documents within 30 days of installation. See HRS 2026 deadlines.
Can I still get the Canada Greener Homes Grant or Loan?
No. The grant closed to new applicants in early 2024 and the interest-free loan closed to new applications in fall 2025. Existing loan agreements still apply. See what to do now for the options that remain.
Can I combine rebates from different programs?
Sometimes. Under HRS, a heat pump that has received another Enbridge, IESO or Government of Ontario incentive is not eligible, and total funding cannot exceed 100% of the cost. Different upgrades may qualify under different programs. Our stacking rebates guide and rebate finder can help.
Is there help for switching from oil heat to a heat pump?
Income-qualified households may be eligible for Ontario's Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program, which offers up to $25,000 plus $250 upfront through Save on Energy. The national federal intake closed on 31 July 2026, so confirm the Ontario stream's current status. Other oil-heated homes may qualify for up to $7,500 under HRS. See our OHPA post.
How much is the heat pump rebate in Ontario?
According to Save on Energy, the Home Renovation Savings Program lists $500 per ton up to $2,000 for cold-climate air-source heat pumps in gas-heated homes, and $1,250 per ton up to $7,500 for homes with other primary heat. You need a participating contractor and pre-installation approval. Confirm current amounts at saveonenergy.ca and see our HRS guide.
Is there a rebate for attic insulation in Ontario?
Yes. Save on Energy lists a standalone attic insulation rebate of up to $1,250 with no energy assessment required. Larger insulation rebates are available through the assessment stream, especially for homes not heated by gas. Confirm details on saveonenergy.ca and see our attic insulation guide.
Can I get free energy upgrades in Ontario?
Income-eligible households may qualify for free upgrades through Save on Energy's Energy Affordability Program and, for Enbridge customers, the Home Winterproofing Program. These can include insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats and appliances. See income-qualified energy programs or use the rebate finder.
Can renters or landlords get energy rebates?
The Home Renovation Savings Program is for owner-occupied homes, so landlords renting out a property and tenants generally do not qualify. Income-eligible tenants may be able to get help through the Energy Affordability Program, usually with landlord consent. Confirm with Save on Energy. See landlord energy upgrades and energy savings for renters and condos.
Do I need an energy assessment to get a rebate?
Not always. Smart thermostats, appliances and standalone attic insulation use simpler product or direct routes, and heat pumps go through a participating contractor. The assessment stream, with pre- and post-retrofit assessments and at least two upgrades, unlocks larger insulation, window and air sealing rebates. See home energy assessments in Ontario.
Are there low-interest loans for home energy upgrades in Ontario?
The federal Canada Greener Homes Loan closed to new applications in fall 2025. Some Ontario municipalities, such as Toronto and Ottawa, have offered low-interest loans repaid on the property tax bill; availability and terms change, so check with your municipality. See municipal home energy loans and financing home energy upgrades.
Home upgrades
Where should I start if I want to cut my home's energy use?
A home energy assessment by a Registered Energy Advisor shows where your home loses the most energy. In many older Ontario homes, air sealing and attic insulation offer the best value first. Replace heating and cooling equipment when it reaches the end of its life. See our home energy assessment guide.
How much attic insulation should I have?
A recommended retrofit target in Ontario is roughly R-50 to R-60, while many older homes have only R-12 to R-20. New homes are built to about R-60 under the Ontario Building Code, depending on the compliance package. Our insulation savings calculator can estimate the benefit of topping up.
Should I buy or keep renting my water heater?
Water heater rentals are common in Ontario, and long-term rental payments often exceed the cost of buying a unit outright. Check your contract's buyout terms and the age of the unit before deciding. Our water heater rentals guide explains what to look for.
Someone came to my door offering a free furnace inspection. What should I do?
Be cautious. Since 1 March 2018, Ontario has banned unsolicited door-to-door contracts for furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters and similar equipment. You do not have to let anyone in, and you can verify your rights on ontario.ca. See our door-to-door scams guide.
What upgrades save the most energy in an Ontario home?
Space heating is roughly 62% of energy use in a typical Canadian home, so the biggest savings usually come from air sealing, attic and basement insulation and an efficient heating system. Water heating, about 19%, is next. An energy assessment or our home energy checkup helps you rank options for your house.
Is it worth replacing windows to save energy?
Usually not for energy savings alone. New windows often cost roughly $800–$1,500 or more each installed, and the savings can take decades to repay that. Replace windows that are failing or uncomfortable, and do air sealing and attic insulation first. See our windows and doors guide.
Is a tankless water heater worth it in Ontario?
It depends. Gas tankless heaters avoid standby losses and provide continuous hot water, but often cost roughly $3,000–$6,000 installed and may need a larger gas line and new venting. Savings over a modern tank are modest for many households. Compare options with the water heater comparison calculator and see tankless water heaters in Ontario.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel for a heat pump or EV charger?
Not always. Many older Ontario homes have 100 A service, which can handle a heat pump or an EV charger, but adding both plus an electric range may require an upgrade. An electrician's load calculation will tell you. Load management devices can sometimes avoid an upgrade costing roughly $2,500–$6,000 or more. See electrical panel upgrades.
How much does it cost to install a Level 2 EV charger in Ontario?
A typical home Level 2 installation costs roughly $1,500–$3,000 including the charger, depending on the distance from the panel and whether panel work is needed. It requires an ESA permit and should be installed by a licensed electrical contractor. See Level 2 EV charger installation and the EV charging cost calculator.
Is induction cooking worth switching to?
Induction is fast, precise and more efficient than gas or conventional electric cooktops, and removes combustion by-products from the kitchen. The energy savings alone are small, so switching makes most sense when your range needs replacing. Save on Energy lists appliance rebates of up to $200 that may include induction cooktops. See our induction cooking guide.
About this site
Is Energy Efficiency Ontario a government website?
No. Energy Efficiency Ontario is an independent information resource. We are not affiliated with the Government of Ontario, the IESO or Save on Energy, the Ontario Energy Board, Enbridge Gas, Natural Resources Canada or any utility. For official program rules, always check the program's own website.
Does it cost anything to use this site?
No. All of our guides, calculators, tips and the glossary are free to use, and you do not need an account.
How is Energy Efficiency Ontario funded?
We are funded in part by connecting homeowners who request quotes with independent, licensed heating, cooling and solar contractors, who may pay us a referral fee. Requesting a quote is always optional. This arrangement never influences our editorial content: our articles aim to be balanced and will say when an upgrade is not worth it.
How do you keep information up to date?
The Energy Efficiency Ontario editorial team reviews articles regularly and shows a last-reviewed date on each page. Programs and rates change often, so we attribute program details to their source and encourage you to confirm with the official program before committing to any work.
I found an error. How do I report it?
Please tell us through our contact page, including the page address and what you believe is incorrect, with a source if you have one. We review every report and correct errors promptly.
Do you sell or install heating, cooling or solar equipment?
No. Energy Efficiency Ontario does not sell or install anything. If you choose to request a quote through the forms on our heating and cooling or solar pages, we connect you with independent contractors. Using those forms is optional and does not affect our editorial content.
Where do your numbers come from?
Rates and program details come from official sources such as the OEB, Save on Energy, Enbridge Gas and Natural Resources Canada, and we attribute them. Cost and savings figures are estimates based on typical Ontario homes and current prices, and we label them as ranges. Programs change, so always confirm on the official site before you commit.