Should Large Electricity Users Get Lower Rates for Reducing Power During Peak Demand?
Official title: Interruptible Rate Program
Ontario ran a 3-year pilot letting large electricity users pay lower rates if they agreed to cut power use during grid emergencies. Now the government wants to know if this should become permanent. The program targets factories and industrial facilities that can quickly reduce their electricity consumption when the grid is stressed.
Why This Matters
Work at a factory or large industrial facility? This program could affect your employer's electricity costs and operations. When the grid is stressed, participating businesses might need to scale back production on short notice. Lower industrial electricity costs could also help keep manufacturing jobs in Ontario.
What Could Change
The pilot program could become permanent after 2026. Eligibility rules might expand to include more types of businesses or specific regions. New rules would set how much notice companies get before being asked to cut power, and penalties for not complying.
Key Issues
- What types of businesses should be eligible for reduced electricity rates?
- Should certain regions of Ontario be prioritized for the program?
- How much advance notice should businesses get before being asked to reduce power?
- What penalties should apply if a business fails to reduce power when called upon?
- Should there be a cap on how many businesses can participate?
How to Participate
- Review the proposal details on the consultation page to understand the interruptible rate program.
- Submit written comments by mail to the Ministry of Energy and Mines at 77 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M7A 2C1.