Quick answer
It's a provincial credit on the pre-tax amount of your electricity bill. Since November 1, 2025 it has been 23.5%, which lowers a typical 700 kWh monthly home bill by about $36 a month. The cost is paid by the province, not avoided.12
How it works
The Ontario Electricity Rebate appears as a credit on bills for households, small businesses and farms. The province raised it to 23.5% on November 1, 2025, at the same time new regulated prices took effect.1
How it has changed
- 2019: introduced to replace the Fair Hydro Plan.3
- November 2020: raised from 31.8% to 33.2% as prices rose.4
- November 2025: set at 23.5% alongside new prices.1
What it costs
Ontario's Financial Accountability Office estimated the province's energy and electricity subsidy programs would cost $118.1 billion over 20 years, with the Ontario Electricity Rebate the largest.3 In January 2020, projected subsidies had jumped to $5.6 billion a year.5
Help for low-income households
Ontario's Low-Income Energy Assistance Program offers emergency grants of up to $650 for electricity bills, or $780 if the home is electrically heated.2
Keep in mind: the rebate lowers your bill, not the cost of producing power. Rebate levels can change, so the most reliable savings come from using less energy.
Common follow-up questions
Do I need to apply for the Ontario Electricity Rebate?
Eligible customers see it as a credit on their electricity bill.
Is the rebate the same as the Home Renovation Savings rebates?
No. The Ontario Electricity Rebate is a bill credit. Home Renovation Savings pays rebates for specific energy efficiency upgrades.
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Answers are general information as reported by the sources listed on the date shown, not personal financial or technical advice. Programs, prices and rules change. Canadian Energy Standard is an independent company, not affiliated with any government, utility or program named here.
- Ontario Energy Board, changes to electricity prices for households, small businesses and farms (November 1, 2025)
- Government of Ontario, 2026 Ontario Budget, Chapter 1B
- Financial Accountability Office of Ontario, Ontario's Energy and Electricity Subsidy Programs
- Ontario Energy Board, new electricity prices for households and small businesses (October 13, 2020)
- Toronto Star, Ontario's electricity subsidies surge by $1.6 billion (January 30, 2020)