Gas & Hydro Options in Toronto

Unlike some provinces with fully regulated utilities, Toronto homeowners have separate providers for electricity delivery and natural gas, plus optional choices for energy pricing contracts.

⚡ Electricity (Hydro) in Toronto

Who provides electricity?

Electricity delivery in Toronto is handled by Toronto Hydro.

• Municipally owned utility

• Maintains local power lines and infrastructure

• Electricity rates regulated by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB)

You cannot choose a different delivery company.

Electricity itself is supplied through Ontario’s provincial power system.

How electricity billing works

Typical residential charges include:

• Monthly service charge

• Electricity usage (per kWh)

• Delivery charges

• Regulatory charges

• HST

Ontario uses time-based pricing for most homes.

Pricing options (Ontario system)

Homeowners can choose one of three regulated plans:

Option A — Time-of-Use (TOU)
Electricity price changes by time of day:

• Off-peak (cheapest)

• Mid-peak

• On-peak (most expensive)

Best for:

• Households able to shift usage to evenings/weekends.

Option B — Tiered Pricing

• Lower rate up to a usage threshold

• Higher rate after limit exceeded

Best for:

• Predictable usage patterns.

Option C — Ultra-Low Overnight (available in some areas)

Very low overnight rates for EV charging and nighttime use.

Homeowner Options for Hydro

You cannot choose another electricity delivery provider, but you can choose:

• Pricing plan (TOU or Tiered)

• Equal billing (budget billing)

• Paperless billing and tracking tools

Energy efficiency programs

Ontario offers rebates for:

• Heat pumps

• Insulation upgrades

• Smart thermostats

• Energy-efficient renovations

🔥 Natural Gas in Toronto

Who delivers natural gas?

Natural gas delivery is handled by Enbridge Gas.

• Maintains pipelines

• Delivers gas to homes

• Delivery charges regulated by the Ontario Energy Board

Delivery provider is not optional.

The key difference: You can choose your gas supplier

Homeowners can purchase gas from:

• Enbridge Gas (default supply)

• Independent energy retailers

Gas still arrives through Enbridge infrastructure regardless of supplier.

Gas Pricing Options

Option A — Utility Rate (default)

• Market-based pricing

• Adjusted periodically

• No contract required

Best for flexibility.

Option B — Fixed Rate Contract

Offered by energy retailers:

• Locked price for set term

• Predictable bills

Risk:
You may pay more if market prices drop.

Typical Natural Gas Bill Components

Your bill includes:

• Monthly basic charge

• Gas commodity cost

• Delivery charges

• Carbon charge

• Taxes

What Happens When You Buy and Move Into a Home

Typical setup process:

1. Contact Toronto Hydro to open electricity account.

2. Contact Enbridge Gas to open gas account.

3. Provide possession date.

4. Submit meter readings (recommended).

5. Select billing and pricing options.

Service usually continues uninterrupted if utilities were active.