If you’re living in Ontario, you’ve probably felt the pinch already. The Ontario Hydro rate just went up again, starting November 1, 2025, and this time, the increase isn’t small. The Ontario Energy Board confirmed new prices across every plan, pushing household electricity costs even higher.
To put it in numbers, Time-of-Use (TOU) On-Peak has climbed to 20.3¢/kWh, up from 18¢ a few years ago. The Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) option jumped too, from 28.6¢ in 2023 to 39.1¢ in 2025. And for homes using more power, Tiered rates now sit around 14.2¢/kWh, compared to 12.5¢ not long ago.
Altogether, that’s nearly a 28% increase in what many Ontarians are paying — and it’s landing right as the colder months drive up usage. The province did nudge up the Ontario Electricity Rebate, but honestly, it barely dents the difference. For most families, the next hydro bill will tell the story loud and clear.
Why This Increase Hurts So Much
It’s not just about the number — it’s the timing. Prices are going up right when the weather turns cold, when heaters, dryers, and electric water systems are running non-stop. Families that rely on electric heating are going to feel it first.
When you do the math, that 28% rise could mean $25 to $60 more a month for a typical home, depending on usage. It might not sound like much to some, but stretched over a year, it adds up fast. And the truth is, rates rarely drop back down once they climb.
That’s why so many people in Ontario are looking for something steadier — a way to take a little control back.
Solar Power: A Simple Way to Take Pressure Off
When hydro rates climb, one of the smartest moves is to produce your own electricity. Solar panels make that possible. With solar installed, you can use energy that’s generated right on your roof instead of paying the higher Ontario hydro rate for every kilowatt you pull from the grid.
And when you add a battery system, it gets even better. A home battery stores the power your system makes during the day and lets you use it at night or during peak-rate hours. That’s when electricity costs the most, so you’re automatically saving without even thinking about it.
Making Solar and Battery Storage Affordable in Ontario
Many Ontario homeowners still think solar and battery systems are pricey, but that’s no longer true. Costs have dropped, and new incentives make it more accessible than ever.
You can get up to $10,000 through the Save on Energy rebate, plus an extra Polaron discount up to $6,000 toward your solar and battery system.
With Polaron’s Sunline – Energy As a Service Program, you can start for just $79.99 a month ($2.66 a day) — no big upfront payment needed. It’s a simple way to turn your hydro bill into an investment that powers your home and saves you money long-term.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
Waiting just means continuing to pay more with each passing rate hike. Going solar now locks in a predictable energy cost for the long run. It’s also a cleaner, more reliable way to power your home — and it keeps you protected when the grid gets more expensive.
If you’ve been thinking about making the switch, now’s the time. The numbers make sense, the rebates are still active, and the sooner your system’s up, the sooner you start saving.
Find Out What You Could Save
If you’re curious, it’s easy to check. You can get a free quote — no commitment, no pressure — and see how much solar and battery storage could lower your monthly bill.
The Ontario hydro rate might be rising fast, but that doesn’t mean yours has to. Learn more about how a solar energy system can power your Ontario home efficiently and help lower your hydro costs.
