Key takeaways
- Ontario homeowners on the Regulated Price Plan can choose Time-of-Use, Tiered or Ultra-Low Overnight pricing.
- Ultra-Low Overnight has the lowest rate from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., ideal for EV charging, but a high weekday peak.
- Most EVs and Level 2 chargers can schedule charging so the car only charges during the cheapest hours.
Charging at home is where EV owners save the most money, and in Ontario the time of day you charge matters. Here is how the electricity price plans work and how to get the most from them.
Ontario's three price plans
Most Ontario homes buy electricity under the Regulated Price Plan set by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). You can choose between three options through your utility:
- Time-of-Use (TOU). Prices change by time of day, with off-peak overnight, on weekends and on holidays.
- Tiered. One price up to a monthly threshold and a higher price above it, regardless of time.
- Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO). A very low overnight price from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., paired with a much higher weekday on-peak price in the late afternoon and early evening.
The OEB updates these prices every November 1. Check the OEB website or your utility for the current numbers.
Why Ultra-Low Overnight suits EV owners
An EV that charges overnight uses most of its electricity in exactly the hours ULO prices are lowest. For a household that can also shift laundry and dishwashing overnight, ULO can significantly cut the cost of charging. The trade-off is the high weekday peak, so households that use a lot of power in the late afternoon and early evening should compare plans carefully.
How to schedule charging
Most EVs let you set a charging schedule in the car's app, and most Level 2 chargers have their own scheduling. Set charging to start after 11 p.m. and finish by 7 a.m. On a Level 2 charger, eight hours is usually more than enough for daily driving.
See your own numbers
Use the Ontario EV savings calculator on our home page. Enter how far you drive, your current fuel use and gas price, and pick a rate plan to see your estimated yearly savings.
Make sure your setup can keep up
Overnight charging works best with a Level 2 charger on a properly sized circuit. Read our home EV charger installation guide, or request a quote from FM Electric.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ultra-Low Overnight rate in Ontario?
It is an optional Regulated Price Plan with a very low price from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. every day and a higher weekday on-peak price. The OEB sets the exact prices each November 1.
How do I switch to Ultra-Low Overnight?
Contact your local electricity utility. Most let you switch price plans online or by phone.
