Every five years, local electricity distributors like Kingston Hydro must file a cost of service (COS) application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). This process ensures that electricity rates are fair and transparent, and that they support safe, reliable service for our community. But what exactly is a COS, and why does it matter to you?

What is a COS application and why do we do it?

A cost of service application is the formal process a regulated utility uses to ask the Ontario Energy Board to approve the rates it charges customers based on the actual cost of providing service. It outlines how we will manage and invest in the electricity distribution system to support safe, reliable service in the years ahead.

Kingston Hydro is now preparing a cost of service application for rates effective January 1, 2028. As part of this process, the Ontario Energy Board will review Kingston Hydro’s planned costs and proposed investments to help determine electricity distribution rates. This review helps ensure rates are fair and transparent, while supporting the long-term reliability of electricity service in our community.

With significant growth expected in Kingston and electricity needs continuing to evolve, this work helps ensure we’re planning responsibly for the future, balancing affordability, reliability, customer experience, and long-term system needs.

About Kingston Hydro

Kingston Hydro is the licensed electricity distributor in central Kingston and is regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. It owns the wires, poles, transformers, and meters that deliver electricity from the provincial transmission grid to approximately 28,000 homes and businesses in central Kingston, Canadian Forces Base Kingston, and parts of Barriefield Village.

Utilities Kingston delivers day-to-day electricity services on Kingston Hydro’s behalf through our unique multi-utility model, including operating and maintaining the system, responding to outages, and providing billing and customer support. As a local utility, we also manage and maintain other critical services in our community, including water, wastewater, and natural gas. This coordinated approach supports efficient service delivery and a consistent customer experience across multiple services.