Know Your Rate Class

On January 1, 2011, the following rate classifications were implemented by Hydro One, as approved by the Ontario Energy Board:

Residential

Year-round customer classification applies to a customer’s main place of abode and may include additional buildings served through the same meter, provided they are not rental income units. All of the following criteria must be met:

1. Occupant represents and warrants to Hydro One Networks Inc, that for so long as he/she have year-round residential rate status for the identified dwelling he/she will not designate another property that he/she owns as a year-round residence for purposes of Hydro One rate classification

2. Occupant must live in this residence for at least four days of the week for eight months of the year and the Occupant must not reside anywhere else for more than three days a week during eight months of the year.

3. The address of this residence must appear on documents such as the occupant’s electric bill, driver’s licence, credit card invoice, property tax bill, etc.

4. Occupants who are eligible to vote in Provincial or Federal elections must be enumerated for this purpose at the address of this residence.

The former Farm classification is now included in Residential - Low Density classification, as long as the farm has a primary residence which meets the criteria for the Residential rate class.

Some residential and farm customers are eligible for Rural or Remote Rate Protection (RRRP). To declare your residence as year-round occupancy and become eligible for RRRP, fill out this Declaration Form and send to the location(s) listed on the form via mail or fax.

Residential Urban High Density
Customers classified are year-round residences in an urban high density zone, which is an area containing 3,000 or more customers with a line density of at least 60 customers per kilometre.

Residential Medium Density
Customers classified are year-round residences in a medium density zone, which is an area containing 100 or more customers with a line density of at least 15 customers per kilometre.

Residential Low Density
Customers classified are year-round residences in a low density zone, which is an area other than urban high or medium density zone. Customers in this rate classification receive Rural or Remote Rate Protection (RRRP), which is a credit of $28.50 that is applied to the monthly distribution service charge.

Seasonal Residential

Seasonal Residential customer classification is defined as any residential service not meeting the Residential Year-round criteria. It includes dwellings such as cottages, chalets and camps.

Urban General Service Energy Billed (less than 50 kW)

Applicable to Farm Three Phase customers, Farm Single Phase energy-billed customers, and Industrial Commercial customers located in an Urban Density Zone. Urban Density Zone is defined as areas containing 3,000 or more customers with a line density of at least 60 customers per kilometre.

General Service Energy Billed (less than 50 kW)

Applicable to Farm Three Phase customers, Farm Single Phase energy-billed customers, and Industrial Commercial Single Phase customers and Industrial Commercial Three Phase customers not located in an Urban Density Zone.

Urban General Service Demand Billed (50 kW and above)

Applicable to Farm Three Phase customers, Farm Single Phase demand-billed customers, and Industrial Commercial customers located in an Urban Density Zone. Urban Density Zone is defined as areas containing 3,000 or more customers with a line density of at least 60 customers per kilometre. 

General Service Demand Billed (50 kW and above)

Applicable to Farm Three Phase customers, Farm Single Phase demand-billed customers, Industrial Commercial Single Phase customers, and Industrial Commercial Three Phase customers not located in an Urban Density Zone.