As homeowners in Bracebridge, Huntsville, and Gravenhurst look for ways to lower their energy bills, it helps to understand Ontario's rate plans and the HRSP rebate. The Ontario Energy Board resets electricity prices each November 1, so it is worth looking at how solar and battery storage could fit your home under the current prices. Muskoka Energy Storage passes your enquiry to one independent local installer, who can look at your home and your usage.
Understanding Hydro One's rate plans: TOU vs ULO
Hydro One customers can choose between three regulated electricity price plans set by the Ontario Energy Board. The distinction matters for anyone considering solar or battery storage in Bracebridge.
Standard Time-of-Use (TOU) is the default plan for most homes. On-peak 18.9¢/kWh, mid-peak 14.6¢/kWh, off-peak 9.1¢/kWh. Time windows swap seasonally — in summer (May 1 – October 31) on-peak is 11 AM – 5 PM weekdays; in winter (November 1 – April 30) on-peak is 7–11 AM and 5–7 PM weekdays. Off-peak is 7 PM – 7 AM plus all weekends and Ontario stat holidays, year-round.
Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) is an opt-in alternative designed for homes with a battery, EV, or overnight-shiftable load. On-peak 37.7¢/kWh (4–9 PM weekdays), mid-peak 14.6¢/kWh, weekend off-peak 9.1¢/kWh, ultra-low overnight 3.7¢/kWh (11 PM – 7 AM every day). The 37.7¢ on-peak vs 3.7¢ overnight spread is what makes battery peak-shifting worth considering under ULO — you charge the battery on the overnight rate and discharge during the on-peak window.
Rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and in effect from November 1, 2026. Source: oeb.ca. The Ontario Electricity Rebate (15.7% from November 1, 2026) is applied to your bill under either plan.
By pairing solar with battery storage, Bracebridge homeowners can generate their own electricity during the day and store excess for use during the evening on-peak window — reducing bills under either plan, but with the biggest arbitrage upside on ULO.
Battery Storage Benefits for Muskoka Homeowners
Battery storage is an essential component of a comprehensive energy strategy for homeowners in Huntsville, Gravenhurst, and Bracebridge. Not only does it allow for energy independence, but it also provides backup power during outages—an important consideration given Muskoka's sometimes unpredictable weather.
When it is installed together with new solar, a battery can qualify for up to $5,000 under the HRSP. Standalone batteries and batteries added to existing solar are not covered. Rebates are capped and cannot exceed a share of the project cost.
Moreover, battery systems can help residents take advantage of Ontario's Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) rates, which drop to as low as 3.7¢/kWh during the night. By charging their battery systems during these low-cost periods, homeowners can use this stored energy during peak hours, further reducing their overall electricity costs.
The Importance of Solar Panel Installation
Installing solar panels in Barrie, Orillia, or Parry Sound contributes to a more sustainable future and reduces the electricity you buy from the grid. The HRSP offers up to $5,000 for rooftop solar, which lowers the upfront cost.
Whether solar pays off for you depends on your usage, your rate plan, the rebates and the installed price, so ask the installer for a site-specific estimate. Note: Taking the solar rebate means giving up net metering for the life of the system, so ask the installer whether the rebate or net metering comes out ahead for your home.
It's essential to work with a qualified installer to ensure that your solar system is designed and installed correctly. This ensures that you receive the maximum benefit from your investment and can take full advantage of the available rebates.
Checking the HRSP rules
The Home Renovation Savings Program is offered through Save on Energy and Enbridge, not by Hydro One. Ask the installer how the rebate is claimed on your project, whether they take part in the program, and what has to happen before work starts.
Check Save on Energy for the current amounts, rules and any deadline before you rely on them.
What Drives the Cost and the Savings
The installed cost depends on battery capacity, solar size, the electrical work and the site, and an installer quotes after seeing the home. The main things that drive the cost are:
- Battery capacity: how many kWh of storage you need.
- Solar size: how many panels, and whether they go on the roof or the ground.
- Electrical work: for example a panel upgrade or a backup sub-panel for essential circuits.
- The site: access, wiring distances and the condition of the roof.
On the Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) plan a battery can charge overnight at 3.7¢ and power the home during the 37.7¢ weekday peak. How much that saves depends on how much you use at peak, your rate plan and the system size. Payback depends on usage, rates, rebates and price, so ask the installer for a site-specific estimate.
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Solar can be installed on its own for the solar rebate (up to $5,000). The battery rebate (up to $5,000) is only available when the battery is installed together with a new solar PV system under the same program; standalone batteries and batteries added to existing solar are not covered. Rebates are capped and cannot exceed a share of the project cost. Check Save on Energy for the current amounts and rules, including who can do the work and any deadline, before you rely on them.
By installing solar panels and battery storage, you can generate some of your own electricity and store it, or cheaper off-peak grid power, for use during peak hours. How much that lowers your costs depends on how much you use at peak, your rate plan and the system size.
It depends on the home. Solar reduces the electricity you buy from the grid, and the HRSP rebates help with the upfront cost, but whether it pays off depends on your usage, rates, rebates and the installed price. Ask the installer for a site-specific estimate.