When it comes to natural gas rates, the Ontario Energy Board is responsible for setting the rates that natural gas utilities are allowed to charge customers for the following:

• Gas Supply Charge
• Transportation and Delivery
• Gas Storage
• Account Management/Customer Charge – a fixed charge for services such as meter readings, equipment maintenance, emergency response, billing and account changes.

The gas supply rates are adjusted four times a year in Ontario, on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Other rates, such as transportation, may change at the same time. Other rates, such as delivery rates, follow a different timeline and usually change once a year.

Natural gas is a commodity that is traded on North American markets and market prices fluctuate daily based on supply and demand. Seasonal factors can also affect market prices. Generally, natural gas is more expensive during the winter months, so most utility companies usually purchase a certain amount during the summer months when prices are cheaper. But, sometimes unexpected colder and longer winters may cause utility companies to underestimate the amount of supply it needed, leading to the purchase of extra supply at higher rates and a price increase for customers. The reverse can also occur when major weather events, such as this year’s warmer-than-normal winter, can lead to a dip in market prices and price reductions for customers.

Current Ontario utility Natural Gas rates can be found here:

http://www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/OEB/Consumers/Natural+Gas/Natural+Gas+Rates

Historical Ontario utility Natural Gas rates can be found here:

If you wish to fix your price instead of floating on utility you can do so for as little as a one year term or move the actual Index rate which is the monthly AECO rate as opposed to the preset 3 month utility rates.

Onterra Energy Advisors prides itself on offering each client options and solutions that might not normally be available to them. Talk to an Energy Advisor to take advantage of our exclusive utility savings program, wholesale / direct natural gas and electricity budgeting and savings opportunities.