Ontario electricity rates in peak hours up 77% in 5 years

Electricity rates for many Ontario consumers went up yet again on Sunday, bumping the cost of a kilowatt hour this winter by between 0.3 and 1.4 cents, depending on the time of day.

• Ontario sees hydro rates jump again
• Horwath calls Hydro One IPO 'irresponsible, undemocratic'

The rate hike applies to most households and small businesses, and is the latest in a series of increases that have made the cost of hydro a contentious issue for many Ontarians.

Data from the provincial regulator showa steady increase in hydro rates since 2008, when they dipped slightly.

The cost of electricity during on-peak hours has jumped 77 per cent since Smart Meters became common five years ago. In November 2010, the price was 9.9 cents/kWh.

• Hydro One shares go on sale next week at $20.50
• Ontario electricity prices going up this summer

Ontario Hydro charges on-peak rates in the morning and early evening in the winter, and during the afternoon in the summer. Off-peak rates apply year-roundfrom 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and all day on weekends and holidays.