Synergy North customers will soon be paying lower rates, at least temporarily.

The utility said Tuesday it will be charging residential and small business customers off-peak rates for the next 45 days. The change comes as part of the provincial response to the global COVID-19 outbreak.

Synergy North said electricity rates will be frozen at 10.1 cents per kilowatt hour, which is the current off-peak rate (in contrast, mid-peak rates are 14.4 cents per kilowatt hour, and on-peak rates are 20.8 cents).

The change should save the average residential customer about $15 per month on their electricity bill, the company said.

In addition, Synergy North said the ban on disconnections has been extended to July 31, 2020.