⚡ Rate reference (verified for accuracy 2026-08-15):
- Standard Time-of-Use (TOU) plan — the default for most homes: on-peak 18.9¢/kWh, mid-peak 14.6¢/kWh, off-peak 9.1¢/kWh. Windows swap seasonally (summer on-peak 11 AM–5 PM weekdays; winter on-peak 7–11 AM + 5–7 PM weekdays; off-peak 7 PM–7 AM plus all weekends and holidays year-round).
- Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) plan — opt-in alternative for homes with batteries or EVs: 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).
- Rates set by the Ontario Energy Board, in effect November 1, 2026. Source: oeb.ca. The Ontario Electricity Rebate (15.7% from November 1, 2026) reduces both rates on your bill.
As homeowners in Muskoka towns like Huntsville, Gravenhurst, and Bracebridge seek ways to lower their energy bills, understanding Hydro One's Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing is essential. With the summer months leading to higher electricity demands, especially in areas such as Orillia and Barrie, solar panels can help lower electricity bills. This article will delve into how TOU savings through solar energy can help homeowners in the region save money and enjoy sustainable energy solutions.
Understanding Hydro One's Time-of-Use Pricing
Ontario homeowners can choose between the standard Time-of-Use (TOU) plan and the opt-in Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) plan. Standard TOU rates are 18.9¢/kWh on-peak, 14.6¢/kWh mid-peak, and 9.1¢/kWh off-peak. The Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) plan — designed for homes with batteries or EVs — charges 37.7¢/kWh on-peak (4-9 PM weekdays), 14.6¢/kWh mid-peak, 9.1¢/kWh weekend off-peak, and 3.7¢/kWh overnight (11 PM-7 AM every day). Orillia residents on the standard TOU plan save most by shifting evening usage into overnight or weekend windows; residents opted into ULO see the largest arbitrage between the 37.7¢ on-peak window and the 3.7¢ overnight rate.
For homeowners in Huntsville and Gravenhurst, understanding this pricing model is crucial when considering solar panel installations. By generating power during the day, especially in peak sunlight hours, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and take advantage of the lower off-peak rates for energy storage. This means that when you charge your battery storage during off-peak hours, you are paying significantly less than during peak hours, maximizing your energy savings.
Solar Energy and Battery Storage: A Smart Investment
Solar energy and battery storage are worth a look for homeowners in Bracebridge and beyond. The Home Renovation Savings Program (HRSP), offered through Save on Energy and Enbridge, can help offset installation costs: up to $5,000 for rooftop solar, and up to $5,000 more for battery storage installed together with new solar. Standalone batteries and batteries added to existing solar are not covered. Rebates are capped and cannot exceed a share of the project cost. 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.
Together the two rebates come to up to $10,000. Check Save on Energy for the current amounts and rules before you rely on them. Whether the system 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.
How Much Can You Save with Solar Panels in Orillia?
The savings from solar panels depend on your energy consumption, the size of your solar system, and when you use power. In Orillia, as elsewhere, panels generate electricity during the day, which you can use right away or store in a battery for the evening.
Moreover, with the ULO on-peak rate of 37.7¢/kWh (or 18.9¢/kWh on standard TOU), every kilowatt-hour you use from your solar system instead of the grid is one you do not buy at that price. How much that adds up to depends on how much you use at peak, your rate plan and the system size, so ask the installer for an estimate based on your own bills.
Maximizing Savings with ULO Rates
In addition to TOU pricing, homeowners should consider Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO) rates, which offer even lower electricity costs. ULO rates are 3.7¢/kWh overnight, allowing homeowners to charge their battery storage during these hours. The battery can then 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.
The combination of solar panels, battery storage, and the ability to utilize ULO rates can help lower bills for families in Muskoka District and other surrounding areas like Midland and Collingwood. By planning your energy usage around these rates, you can get more out of a solar system. The ULO plan has four price periods:
| ULO Period | Price (¢/kWh) | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| On-peak | 37.7 | Weekdays, 4 PM–9 PM |
| Mid-peak | 14.6 | Weekdays, outside on-peak and overnight hours |
| Weekend off-peak | 9.1 | Weekends, outside overnight hours |
| Ultra-low overnight | 3.7 | Every day, 11 PM–7 AM |
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Request Your Assessment →Frequently Asked Questions
Hydro One's TOU pricing charges different rates for electricity based on the time of day, encouraging consumers to use power during off-peak hours when rates are lower.
Solar panels generate electricity during the day, so you buy less from the grid, including during peak hours. How much that lowers your Hydro One bills depends on your usage, your rate plan and the system size.
Yes. The HRSP offers up to $5,000 for rooftop solar and up to $5,000 more for battery storage, provided the battery is installed together with a new solar system. Check Save on Energy for the current amounts and rules before you rely on them.
ULO (Ultra-Low Overnight) rates are a pricing option that offers significantly reduced rates for electricity consumed overnight, providing an opportunity for further savings.
You can start by sending an enquiry through this site. It goes to one independent local installer, who can look at your energy needs and give you a quote.