Ontario exploring cut to electricity rates for EV charger providers
Ontario is exploring a new reduced electricity rate for providers of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in hopes of encouraging further growth in the sector.
The government said the new rate, if approved, will become available by Jan. 1, 2026, with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) starting consultations this month.
The cut will be offered in areas where adoption of EV’s is on the slower side, or “where demand is only beginning to emerge,” said the province.
This would likely apply to chargers with 15 per cent utilization, although officials say this is subject to consultation with stakeholders.
“This is another step we are taking to give drivers in every part of our province, including rural Ontario, the confidence to transition to electric vehicles, and take advantage of our growing, world-class clean grid,” Energy Minister Todd Smith said in a statement issued Wednesday.
According to officials, providers incur costs when vehicles are not being charged, which means they can be rather expensive to operate in areas without a lot of EV traffic.
The ministry said it hopes that the lower rate will encourage providers to build more charging stations and therefore encourage certain communities to invest in electric vehicles.
Officials also said that they hope there will be a trickle down effect for consumers, although it is unclear if this will be the case.
“This rate aims to fairly allocate costs and better support the efficient integration of EVs in Ontario,” Susanna Zagar, CEO of the OEB, said in a statement. “We look forward to hearing from electricity distributors, EV charging service providers and other stakeholders to inform this work as we strive to solve energy challenges effectively and meet the demands of the energy transition.”
The changes follow news that Ontario will be home to yet another electric vehicle battery plant.
The provincial and federal governments announced last week that Honda will be expanding its assembly facility in Alliston at a $5-billion pricetag. About $2.5 billion will come from Ontario.
While the building of batteries is becoming a booming industry in Ontario — with Volkswagen and Stellantis already establishing plants in the province —supporting EV infrastructure is still needed.
In mid-April, the government said it would not be re-instituting a requirement that would have seen charging stations built in new homes.
“That’s a cost you will bear, not a cost to all Ontarians will bear on their behalf,” Government House Leader Paul Calandra said at the time, noting it’s about personal choice.
The government says they anticipate about a million electric vehicles will be on Ontario’s roads by 2030.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.