Ontario expanding electricity rates programs in bid to help small businesses

The Ontario government is expanding eligibility for two existing industrial electricity programs and enhancing conservation programs for small businesses. 

The Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI) provides incentives for large electricity consumers to shift their electricity consumption to off-peak hours to save an average 15 to 20 per cent on their energy bills. “Ontario is proposing to expand the ICI program to include eligible customers with monthly peak demand greater than three megawatts, down from the current threshold of five megawatts,” the government said in a statement. “This would open participation to hundreds of additional medium-sized electricity consumers.”

The second program expansion involves a new opportunity to participate in the Industrial Electricity Incentive (IEI), a program that offers eligible companies reduced electricity rates if they expand their operations and create jobs. “Starting in 2014, broader eligibility for new applications for 10-year contracts under the IEI program will allow for participation from a wider range of companies,” the government said.

And as part of a five-point plan developed to help small businesses conserve energy, manage costs, and save money, Ontario-based small businesses will also be offered enhanced conservation programs in partnership with local distribution companies and key agencies, the government said.