RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES GET TEMPORARY ELECTRICITY RATE BREAK

Ontario is granting 21 days of electricity rate relief during the province's modified stage 2 reopening.

In a news release, the province said the move is designed to support families and workers spending more time at home, as well as small businesses.

According to Alectra Utilities, through Feb. 7, prices will remain at the off-peak price of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, 24 hours per day for all regulated price plan customers. The off-peak rate will apply automatically to residential, small businesses and farms who pay time-of-use or tiered prices set by the Ontario Energy Board.

Also, as of Jan. 18, the Ontario Business Costs Rebate program will be available to eligible businesses that are required to close or reduce capacity due to modified step two guidelines under Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen. Businesses will receive rebate payments for a portion of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these measures.

Eligible businesses required to reduce capacity to 50 per cent, such as smaller retail stores, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 50 per cent of their costs, while businesses required to close for indoor activities, such as restaurants and gyms, will receive a rebate payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their costs.

More information is available at: https://Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport.