Electricity Rates Canada 2026
Compare electricity rates across all Canadian provinces. Understand TOU vs flat rate pricing and see how rates impact your solar savings potential.
7.3¢ – 16.5¢
Rate Range (per kWh)
3–5%
Annual Rate Increase
3.9¢
Lowest ULO Rate (ON)
39.1¢
Highest Peak Rate (ON)
Electricity Rates by Province
Average electricity rates across Canadian provinces, including rate structures and net metering availability. Rates reflect total cost to consumer including delivery and regulatory charges.
| Province | Avg Rate ($/kWh) | Rate Structure | Net Metering | HST/GST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $0.140 | time of-use | Not Available | 13% |
| Alberta | $0.165 | time of-use | Available | 5% |
| British Columbia | $0.126 | time of-use | Available | 12% |
| Manitoba | $0.095 | flat | Available | 12% |
| New Brunswick | $0.125 | tiered | Available | 15% |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $0.135 | tiered | Available | 15% |
| Nova Scotia | $0.182 | time of-use | Available | 15% |
| Prince Edward Island | $0.165 | tiered | Available | 15% |
| Quebec | $0.073 | tiered | Available | 14.975% |
| Saskatchewan | $0.145 | tiered | Available | 11% |
Understanding Rate Structures
Time-of-Use (TOU)
Rates vary by time of day. Ontario's TOU plan has three periods:
- Off-Peak (nights/weekends)9.8¢/kWh
- Mid-Peak15.7¢/kWh
- On-Peak20.3¢/kWh
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO)
Best for EV owners and battery storage. Four periods:
- Ultra-Low (11PM–7AM)3.9¢/kWh
- Off-Peak (weekends)9.8¢/kWh
- Mid-Peak15.7¢/kWh
- On-Peak (4–9PM)39.1¢/kWh
Electricity Rate Trends
Canadian electricity rates have increased an average of 3-5% annually over the past decade, and this trend is expected to continue. Key factors driving rate increases include grid infrastructure upgrades, carbon pricing, and growing demand from electrification of transportation and heating.
Solar panels offer a hedge against rising electricity costs by locking in your energy production costs for 25+ years. In provinces with higher rates like Alberta (16.5¢/kWh) and Nova Scotia (15.5¢/kWh), this hedge is particularly valuable.
The introduction of Ontario's ULO rate plan has created new opportunities for solar + battery systems. By charging batteries at 3.9¢/kWh overnight and discharging during the 39.1¢/kWh peak, homeowners can achieve significant cost savings through energy arbitrage.
See How Rates Affect Your Solar Savings
Our calculator uses your actual electricity rates and usage patterns to estimate real savings from solar.
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Related Resources
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Learn moreTOU vs ULO Ontario
Compare Time-of-Use and Ultra-Low Overnight rate plans for solar owners.
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Find federal and provincial solar rebates to reduce your costs.
Learn moreSolar Calculator
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