Cornwall Electric Announces Rate Increase
May 18, 2023Cornwall Ontario – Cornwall Electric rates will increase 1.67% on July 1, 2023. This will equate to an increase of $2.38 per month for a residential customer using 1000 kWh monthly. The rate increase is less than the annual inflation rate in Canada, which is currently over 4%.
Like all utilities in Ontario, the wholesale cost of electricity is passed through to customers. This cost represents approximately 80% of a customer’s total bill.
“The long term contract in place with Hydro Quebec is a wholesale contract, and it has and continues to allow Cornwall Electric rates to be one of the lowest in surrounding electrical utilities and will continue to provide rate stability of energy prices and reliable electricity well into the future for our customers,” says Jackie Baird, Regional Manager of Cornwall Electric. “As well with this long-term agreement, Cornwall Electric purchases near 100% hydro energy and are committed to continue to focus on the future of renewable energy for our customers.”
The remaining 20% of the customer’s bill represents the distribution charges. These charges pay for operating expenses, system maintenance and equipment replacements to the Cornwall Electric electrical system to deliver safe and reliable supply of power to customers.
“Over the last number of years, Cornwall Electric has maintained fair and reasonable rates pursuant to the terms of its franchise, and rate adjustments have been in line with inflation,” said Ms. Baird. “Cornwall Electric remains focused on providing safe and reliable electricity while making decisions in the best interest of the customers.”
Cornwall Electric continues to promote energy conservation in an effort to help customers reduce their energy bills.
Typical customer bills fluctuate due to consumption changes related to temperature and seasonal changes. Customers are encouraged to consider signing up for an equal payment plan (EPP) if making the same payment over the full year for each bill is easier for a customer’s budget. Customers can also sign up for e-billing, which is securely managed within the organization and offers customers the ability to view electronic bills, view and track electrical consumption and have instant access to their billing usage information.
About Cornwall Electric
Cornwall Electric supplies electricity to approximately 25,365 customers in the City of Cornwall, South Glengarry, South Stormont, and the Ontario portion of the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FortisOntario, headquartered in Fort Erie with operations in distribution and transmission, serving approximately 66,000 customers in Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Cornwall, Gananoque and the Algoma District of Ontario. FortisOntario is 100% owned by Fortis Inc. of St. John’s, Newfoundland.