Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI)
Manage peak demand. Lower your costs.
The Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI) allows eligible large electricity users to manage one of the biggest parts of their bill: the Global Adjustment (GA).
Register for the webinar
Get the self-declaration form (available June 1-15)
Contact us
By lowering electricity demand during peak demand hours, you can reduce your GA costs and support a more efficient, reliable energy grid.
Live webinar
Ontario electricity rates:
What commercial customers need to know
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join Hydro Ottawa and Power Advisory for an overview of recent shifts in Ontario’s electricity market, Global Adjustment (GA) drivers and key market dynamics expected in the coming years. Learn what’s driving changes in electricity rates, what commercial customers should be watching and how these trends could affect your business.
How the ICI works
Ontario’s electricity system is designed to meet the highest demand periods of the year. When large customers reduce their demand during those peak hours, it eases pressure on the grid.
As a Class A customer, your share of GA is based on how much electricity your facility used during the top five peak demand hours across the province in the previous 12-month base period. This is your peak demand factor, or PDF. The less you contribute during those times, the lower your PDF and the less you pay.
Who’s eligible for the ICI
To be eligible for Class A participation, your facility must meet one of the following demand thresholds based on average monthly peak demand during the base period:
500 to 999 kW
You may opt in if your NAICS code begins with:
- 31, 32 or 33 (manufacturing)
- 1114 (greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production)
1,000 to 5,000 kW
You are eligible to opt in. No NAICS code restrictions apply.
Greater than 5,000 kW
You are automatically considered a Class A customer, but you may choose to opt out by submitting a self-declaration form.
Note: Multiple accounts at the same facility may be aggregated to meet Class A thresholds in some cases. Facilities must serve a single function, and be located on the same or physically adjacent parcels of land to qualify. Separate buildings under the same ownership cannot be aggregated to meet Class A thresholds.
Resources
Learn more about the ICI on the IESO website
View the current regulation : O. Reg 429/04, amended by O. Reg 257/22
Find your NAICS code on the Statistics Canada website
Questions?
We’re here to help.
