Enbridge (Ontario) Solar Guide: What Enbridge Covers, Net Metering Steps & How to Estimate Savings

Many Ontario homeowners searching "Enbridge electricity + solar" are really trying to answer one question: Will solar reduce my home energy bills?

Here's the key:

• Enbridge in Ontario is primarily your natural gas provider (heating, hot water, fireplaces, etc.)
• Solar panels reduce your electricity bill, and exporting extra power (net metering) is done through your electricity distributor under Ontario net metering rules

This guide explains how Enbridge customers in Ontario can still benefit from solar, how net metering works, and how SolarCalculatorCanada helps estimate savings.

⚡ Quick Clarification: If you're an Enbridge Gas customer searching for solar options, you're in the right place! Solar works alongside your gas service to reduce your overall home energy costs.

Enbridge Gas provides natural gas service across Ontario and offers programs such as:

• Rebates for energy-efficient equipment
• Energy conservation resources
• Home heating programs
• Natural gas appliance support

That's why you'll see Enbridge tied to heating and home energy—not your solar grid connection.

Key Service Areas

Enbridge Gas serves major Ontario communities including:

• Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
• Ottawa region
• Hamilton area
• London and surrounding areas
• Many other Ontario municipalities

If your home uses Enbridge gas, solar can still be a strong investment because it reduces electricity used by:

• Air conditioning (major summer electricity draw)
• Appliances + lighting (year-round usage)
• EV charging (growing electricity demand)
• Heat pumps / hybrid heating (if you're electrifying part of your home)

Even if your gas bill remains, solar can significantly lower the electricity side of your total home energy costs.

Understanding Your Energy Mix

Many Ontario homes have:

• Enbridge Gas: For heating, hot water, cooking
• Electricity Distributor: For lights, appliances, cooling, electronics

Solar specifically targets your electricity costs, which can represent 30-50% of your total annual home energy expenses.

Ontario net metering generally works like this:

1. You generate renewable electricity mainly for your own use
2. Any surplus is sent to the grid for credits on your bill
3. You typically sign a net metering agreement with your electricity utility/distributor

That means:

If you searched "Enbridge net metering Ontario," the net metering part usually belongs to your electricity distributor, not Enbridge gas.

How Net Metering Credits Work

• Export excess solar to the grid when production exceeds consumption
• Receive credits at retail electricity rates
• Use credits to offset future electricity usage
• Credits carry forward for up to 12 months

For example, Hydro One explicitly describes net metering credits carried forward for up to 12 months and eligibility conditions for Hydro One customers.

Learn more about how net metering works in Ontario.

If your bills say Enbridge, that's your gas bill. For solar + net metering, check your electricity bill for the distributor name (commonly one of these in Ontario):

• Hydro One - See Hydro One solar guide
• Toronto Hydro - See Toronto Hydro solar guide
• Alectra Utilities - See Alectra solar guide
• Plus other local utilities depending on your city

This matters because connection rules, capacity checks, and application steps are set by the electricity utility.

Why This Matters for Solar

Your electricity distributor handles:

• Solar system connection approvals
• Net metering agreements
• Bi-directional meter installation
• Grid capacity assessments
• Technical requirements

Enbridge Gas is not involved in the solar grid connection process.

Often, yes—especially if:

• Your electricity usage is high (large home, EV, AC, electric appliances)
• You plan to add a heat pump (partial electrification)
• You want predictable long-term energy costs
• You're looking to reduce overall home energy expenses

Solar is usually most valuable when it offsets a large share of your annual electricity use—then net metering credits help smooth seasonal differences.

Financial Benefits

Typical Savings for Ontario Homeowners:

• Annual electricity savings: $800-$1,800/year
• Payback period: 8-12 years
• 25-year savings: $20,000-$45,000+

Additional Benefits

• Property value increase (3-4% on average)
• Energy independence from rising electricity rates
• Environmental impact (reduce 3-5 tonnes of CO2 annually)
• Future-proof your home for electrification trends

Many Ontario homeowners are moving toward hybrid energy systems:

Keep Enbridge Gas for:

• Main heating (especially in cold months)
• Hot water backup
• Gas fireplace
• Cooking (if preferred)

Add Solar for:

• Electricity offset
• AC cooling in summer
• EV charging
• Heat pump supplement (shoulder seasons)

This approach maximizes efficiency while reducing overall energy costs.

Our comprehensive solar calculator suite helps Enbridge Gas customers estimate solar electricity savings. Use our solar photovoltaic calculator and solar power calculator to determine:

• Recommended solar system size (kW) - calculated by our solar array calculator
• Estimated annual production (using our solar PV calculator)
• Monthly + yearly electricity savings
• Payback period
• Long-term ROI

To Get a Better Estimate, Use Inputs Like:

• Your city in Ontario
• Your monthly kWh usage (from electricity bill)
• Roof sun exposure (if known)
• Whether you plan to add EV charging or a heat pump

Our solar installation calculator makes it easier to plan before starting the utility connection process, helping you with calculating solar power needs accurately.

Get Your Free Solar Electricity Calculator and see how much you can save on your electricity costs, even as an Enbridge Gas customer.

As an Ontario homeowner, you can access:

Federal Programs (Updated 2026)

• Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP): Income-qualified support for solar + battery installations
• Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit (ITC): 30% refundable tax credit on solar and battery systems (new for residential storage)
• Provincial financing programs: Interest-free and low-interest loans through provincial energy agencies
• Combined solar + efficiency upgrades: Stack provincial and federal incentives for maximum savings

Provincial Support

• Net metering program: Credits at retail electricity rates
• Time-of-use optimization: Use solar during peak rate periods
• Local utility programs: Check with your electricity distributor

Learn more about Ontario solar rebates and available incentives.

1. Calculate your potential savings using Solar Calculator Canada
2. Identify your electricity distributor (check your electricity bill)
3. Get quotes from solar installers in your area
4. Apply for net metering through your electricity distributor
5. Install your system (installer coordinates ESA inspection)
6. Connect to grid (bi-directional meter installation)
7. Start generating savings on your electricity bill

Your solar installer typically handles steps 4-6, coordinating with your electricity distributor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find answers to common questions about our solar solutions

Updated for 2026

Is Enbridge an electricity company in Ontario?

In Ontario, Enbridge is primarily the natural gas utility (Enbridge Gas). They provide natural gas for heating, hot water, and cooking—not electricity distribution.

Can I get net metering if I'm an Enbridge customer?

Yes—if you install solar, net metering is handled through your electricity distributor (like Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, or Alectra) under Ontario net metering rules, not through Enbridge Gas.

Who do I contact to connect solar to the grid?

You typically contact your electricity utility/distributor to apply, meet technical requirements, and set up the net metering agreement. Your solar installer will guide you through this process.

Will solar reduce my Enbridge gas bill?

Solar primarily reduces your electricity bill. It can reduce gas costs indirectly if you electrify heating (e.g., heat pump), but solar itself does not directly lower natural gas usage.

Can I use solar with a heat pump to reduce both gas and electricity?

Yes. Many homeowners use solar to power heat pumps for shoulder season heating/cooling, keeping gas heating for the coldest months. This hybrid approach can significantly reduce total energy costs.

How do I know if solar is worth it for my home?

Use our free solar calculator, solar power calculator, and solar PV calculator to estimate savings based on your location, electricity usage, and roof characteristics. Our solar panel calculator and solar installation calculator show most Ontario homeowners see 8-12 year payback periods with 25+ years of benefits. Start calculating solar power needs with our solar electricity calculator.

Enbridge customers in Ontario can achieve significant home energy savings by adding solar to reduce electricity costs while maintaining natural gas service for heating. Use [Solar Calculator Canada](/estimator) to estimate your potential savings and find qualified installers to get started.

> **Ready to explore solar?** Even as an Enbridge Gas customer, solar can dramatically reduce your total home energy costs by targeting your electricity bill. [Calculate your savings now](/estimator).