(As of July 2025)
The Ontario government has confirmed that the 13.1% electricity rebate (increasing to 23.5% on November 1, 2025) will continue through 2025, offering vital energy cost relief to millions of households and small businesses across the province.
⚡ Ontario Electricity Rebate 2025 – Program Extension and Eligibility Guide
- Overview of the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) Program in 2025
- Who Qualifies for the OER in 2025?
- 💡 Save 13.1% (Up to 23.5% from November) on Your Electricity Bill Automatically – See If You’re Covered!
- How the Ontario Electricity Rebate Is Applied
- Changes and Updates in 2025
- How to Confirm or Register for the OER
- Interaction With Other Electricity Assistance Programs
- Projected Impact and Provincial Goals
- Where to Get More Information or Help
- Summary
- ⚡ Ontario Electricity Rebate 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) Program in 2025
As part of its ongoing effort to combat rising energy prices, the Ontario government announced the Verified continuation of the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) for the entire 2025 calendar year. The program provides a 13.1% reduction (rising to 23.5% effective November 1, 2025) on electricity bills for residential and small business customers, directly applied before HST on monthly bills.
This move ensures that eligible consumers can maintain affordable access to electricity amid inflation and higher global energy costs. The rebate is automatic and does not require annual reapplication for most users, making it a reliable form of support for low- and middle-income Ontarians.
Who Qualifies for the OER in 2025?
The OER is automatically applied to bills for most households and small commercial users. However, certain customers must register or renew their status to continue receiving the rebate. Eligibility includes:
- Residential electricity customers in Ontario with active utility accounts
- Small businesses consuming less than 250,000 kWh annually
- Farms and agricultural operations (recognized by OMAFRA)
- Multi-unit residences such as apartment buildings or condominiums
Customers in commercial or mixed-use properties may need to submit self-declaration forms to their local utility to verify eligibility. Schools, churches, and long-term care homes also qualify under expanded non-residential criteria.
💡 Save 13.1% (Up to 23.5% from November) on Your Electricity Bill Automatically – See If You’re Covered!
With the OER in place, average households in Ontario save around $25 to $50 per month depending on usage levels. There’s no need to apply if your account already receives the rebate. For landlords, housing co-ops, and commercial operators, now is the time to confirm eligibility to avoid losing access to the discount.
How the Ontario Electricity Rebate Is Applied
The OER is shown as a line item on your electricity bill labeled “Ontario Electricity Rebate.” It reduces the subtotal of your bill before HST is added. For example, if your total usage charges are $200, the 13.1% rebate will reduce it to $173.80 before taxes (or $153.00 under the 23.5% rate starting November 1, 2025), lowering your overall cost significantly.
Customers using tiered or time-of-use pricing structures will still receive the full 13.1% discount (23.5% starting November 1, 2025), regardless of rate plan or provider.
Changes and Updates in 2025
Alongside the scheduled rate adjustment from 13.1% to 23.5% on November 1, 2025, the 2025 update includes improvements in eligibility verification and application for mixed-use customers. The province also introduced a centralized OER inquiry page through Ontario.ca to help clarify the process for landlords and property managers.
Additional communication efforts are underway to reach underserved populations such as tenants in master-metered buildings or new immigrants unfamiliar with the rebate.
How to Confirm or Register for the OER
For most residential customers, no action is needed. However, the following groups must verify or register:
- Multi-residential buildings without separate meters
- Businesses operating on a general service rate class
- Facilities with mixed commercial and residential use
To register, fill out the OER Eligibility Form and submit it to your local utility company. The form is available on their website or through Ontario’s Verified portal. You may be asked to provide property tax bills, proof of business classification, or lease agreements as documentation.
Interaction With Other Electricity Assistance Programs
The OER complements other provincial energy support programs such as:
- Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) – for low-income households
- LEAP Emergency Assistance – short-term help for overdue bills
- Energy Affordability Program (EAP) – energy efficiency upgrades
These programs can be combined to reduce overall electricity expenses and improve long-term energy savings for vulnerable residents.
Projected Impact and Provincial Goals
Ontario’s decision to provide the 13.1% OER discount (increasing to 23.5% in November 2025) is projected to benefit over 5 million electricity customers in 2025. By reducing the electricity cost burden, the government aims to promote affordability and grid stability, especially as households face rising living costs in other areas.
Consumer advocates have praised the continuity of the program but call for further action to modernize infrastructure and explore time-of-use incentive adjustments.
Where to Get More Information or Help
For assistance with your OER status, contact your local utility provider or visit Ontario.ca/OER. A dedicated phone line and live chat will be available from Fall 2025 to help customers clarify eligibility and troubleshoot application issues.
You can also access printed resources at ServiceOntario centers or receive help from community energy advisors participating in the province’s Energy Affordability outreach program.
Summary
- OER continues in 2025 with a 13.1% discount (23.5% effective November 1, 2025) on electricity bills for eligible users
- Applied automatically to most residential accounts across Ontario
- Mixed-use and business customers may need to submit forms
- Complements other programs like OESP, LEAP, and EAP
- Supports energy affordability amid inflation and high usage seasons
⚡ Ontario Electricity Rebate 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions
Who automatically gets the Ontario Electricity Rebate?
All standard residential account holders in Ontario automatically receive the 13.1% rebate (increasing to 23.5% on November 1, 2025) without needing to apply each year.
Do I need to reapply if I move to a new residence?
Yes, you may need to confirm your eligibility with your new utility provider if the account or address changes.
Can businesses get the OER?
Yes, small businesses and certain farm or commercial users are eligible, but they may need to submit supporting documents to qualify.
Is the OER amount taxable or reported on income tax?
No, the rebate is applied directly to your bill and is not considered taxable income or included on your CRA tax filings.
What if I’m not seeing the OER on my bill?
Contact your electricity provider to confirm your rate class and eligibility status. You may need to register or correct billing errors.
