Water, wastewater, natural gas and electricity rates are changing, effective January 1, 2018. Review this article to learn more and view all current utility rates.

Electricity rates

Kingston Hydro filed an application (EB-2017-0055) to implement the third year of its approved custom incentive rate-setting framework covering the period 2016-2020, for rates effective January 1, 2018. A final decision and rate order was issued by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) on December 20, 2017.

For residential and small business customers, distribution charges roll up into the ‘Delivery’ line on the electricity bill, along with pass-through charges such as retail transmission and line loss. Distribution charges, as well as some pass-through charges within the ‘Delivery’ line, have changed. As a result of the OEB’s findings in the Decision, there will be a monthly bill decrease of $0.51 for a residential customer consuming 750 kWh, effective January 1, 2018.

Out of every dollar we collect from our customers, 24 cents stays local to operate and maintain the local electricity distribution system. The other 76 cents is paid to provincial entities. The distribution rate change applies to our 24 cent portion.

Water and wastewater rates

On February 3, 2015, the council of the City of Kingston approved the four-year rate schedules for the water and wastewater utilities (read more). In 2018, the average monthly water/wastewater residential bill will increase by 2.2 per cent or $1.97.

Natural gas rates

As approved by the council of the City of Kingston, there will be an adjustment to local distribution rates for the natural gas utility for January 1, 2018. The local distribution rate component of the bill, excluding cap and trade, will increase by 2.5 per cent. The total bill impact for a typical residential customer utilizing an average of 2,300 cubic metres of natural gas total per year is an annual increase of $11.04 or one per cent.

Trouble paying your utility bill? We can help

For customers who are having difficulties paying their utility bills, Utilities Kingston has several ways to help. We work closely with social agencies in Kingston to offer assistance and ease the burden of paying utility bills for low-income individuals and families in our local community, while helping to ensure we can continue to provide utility services to their homes.

If you, or someone you know, are having difficulties paying utility bills, review our article on this topic.