Ontario electricity rates in peak hours up 77% in 5 years

Electricity rates for many Ontario consumers went up yet again on Sunday, bumping the cost of a kilowatt hour this winter by between 0.3 and 1.4 cents, depending on the time of day.

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The rate hike applies to most households and small businesses, and is the latest in a series of increases that have made the cost of hydro a contentious issue for many Ontarians.

Data from the provincial regulator show a steady increase in hydro rates since 2008, when they dipped slightly. 

The cost of electricity during on-peak hours has jumped 77 per cent since Smart Meters became common five years ago. In November 2010, the price was 9.9 cents/kWh. 

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Ontario Hydro charges on-peak rates in the morning and early evening in the winter, and during the afternoon in the summer. Off-peak rates apply year-round from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and all day on weekends and holidays.