Should Hydro Ottawa's Electricity Rates Increase for 2026-2030?
Official title: 2026 electricity distribution rates, custom IR
Hydro Ottawa is asking the Ontario Energy Board to approve new electricity distribution rates for 2026 through 2030. This is a "custom incentive regulation" application, meaning the utility wants to set rates based on a multi-year plan rather than annual adjustments. The OEB is reviewing whether the proposed rates are fair and reasonable for Ottawa-area electricity customers.
Why This Matters
Pay an electricity bill in Ottawa? This decision directly affects what you'll pay for the next five years. Hydro Ottawa serves over 360,000 homes and businesses. The rates approved here show up on the "delivery" portion of your bill—the part you pay regardless of how much electricity you use.
What Could Change
The OEB will decide whether to approve, modify, or reject Hydro Ottawa's proposed rate increases for 2026-2030. If approved as filed, residential and business customers would see changes to their distribution charges. The utility is also requesting interim rates while the full application is reviewed.
Key Issues
- Are Hydro Ottawa's proposed distribution rates for 2026-2030 fair and reasonable?
- Should interim rates be approved while the full application is reviewed?
- Is the utility's capital spending plan justified?
- How should costs be allocated among different customer classes?
How to Participate
- Review the case documents on the OEB case page to understand the application and evidence filed.
- Contact the OEB to learn how to participate as an intervenor or submit a letter of comment in case EB-2024-0115.