Choosing your perfect rate plan is a lot like dating—it's all about compatibility! At Hydro Ottawa, we’re here to help you navigate the options and match you with the rate plan that best suits your energy and lifestyle needs.
Let’s swipe through the profiles of our three main suitors for residential, small business and net metering customers to see who could be your energy soulmate!
Profile #1: Time-of-Use (TOU)
Traits: Time-of-Use is adventurous in spirit, always up for a change! This rate plan thrives on variety, offering different rates depending on the time of day. With three distinct pricing periods, TOU’s “moods” change throughout the day:
- Off-Peak: refers to the time of day when electricity demand is lowest, usually overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Mid-Peak: refers to the times of day when electricity demand is moderate, typically in the late morning, early afternoon, and early evening.
- On-Peak: refers to the times of day when electricity demand is highest, which can vary by season. In summer, on-peak hours typically occur during the day when air conditioning is used heavily. In winter, on-peak hours are usually in the early morning and evening when people are getting ready for the day or returning home from work and school.
Green flags: If you’re flexible and can adjust your energy use to off-peak times, TOU could be your perfect match! This rate plan rewards you for being strategic with your energy habits.
Red flags: However, if you have a hectic schedule or routine energy needs, TOU’s dynamic nature may not be a match for you.
Profile #2: Tiered rates
Traits: Meet Tiered rates, the dependable partner who values simplicity and predictability. This rate plan offers a straightforward approach to billing, charging a set price for electricity up to a certain threshold (or "tier").
- First tier: Enjoy a lower rate up to a specific amount of usage.
- Second tier: Once you surpass that amount, you pay a higher rate.
Green flags: Tiered rates are perfect for those who appreciate stability and have consistent energy consumption patterns. If you’re someone who likes to know exactly what to expect each month, this rate plan will feel like a warm hug.
Red flags: If you have a sudden spike in usage (hello, holiday gatherings!), you might find this partner's demands a little more than usual.
Profile #3: Ultra-low Overnight (ULO)
Traits: Finally, say hello to Ultra-low Overnight - the mysterious night owl who’s all about low rates after dark. ULO is incredibly lowkey when energy is used overnight, and more demanding during peak hours
- Ultra-low overnight rate: Perfect for the later nighters who like to power up while everyone else is asleep, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
- Peak rate: Highest costs between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. for those who can't resist flipping the switch during the evening rush.
Green flags: If you can shift your heavy energy use to overnight, ULO could be your ideal partner. Imagine saving money while you sleep—sounds dreamy, right?
Red flags: However, if late nights aren’t your thing, you could feel a bit out of sync with ULO's nocturnal ways
Get help choosing your match
Now that you’ve met your three potential matches, it’s time to consider which rate plan best fits your lifestyle. And while there may not be a playbook for dating, when it comes to choosing the right energy plan, Hydro Ottawa has the tools to help you make an informed decision.
There are two different online tools available to help customers make a choice and compare rate plans. Hydro Ottawa's rate plan comparison tool, available to MyAccount customers, uses your actual consumption data to show electricity cost differences between TOU and Tiered pricing. Simply log in, and the tool will automatically generate an estimate—no data entry needed. To compare with ultra-low overnight (ULO) rates, please use the Ontario Energy Board’s bill calculator to estimate your monthly costs.
Ready to commit?
If you're ready to change your rate plan, authorized person(s) on the account can request to do so at any time, just have your account number and service address handy. Hydro Ottawa offers four convenient ways to make the switch:
- Online: through your MyAccount customer portal
- By email: Complete and email our fillable PDF form to [email protected]
- By phone: Call our call centre representatives at 613-738-6400
- By mail: Print and send the completed, signed form to Hydro Ottawa PO Box 8700 Ottawa, ON K1G 3S4 Attn: Customer Service – Rate Selection Form
Once we process your form, the new rate will be on your next bill (or the one after, depending on your billing cycle).
For more information, visit Hydro Ottawa’s electricity rate selection webpage and FAQs.