Hydro Ottawa proposes gradual rate increases to modernize the grid, improve reliability, and support Ottawa’s growth from 2026 to 2030.
Ottawa Faces Higher Hydro Bills as City Prepares for a Modern Energy Future
Residents Could See Monthly Increases Starting in 2026
Are you ready to pay more for power? Hydro Ottawa has filed an application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) that could see residential electricity bills rise by over $6 a month in 2026, with further increases planned through 2030. The utility says these hikes are necessary to fund a $1.2 billion investment plan aimed at upgrading aging infrastructure and ensuring Ottawa’s electrical grid can handle a rapidly growing and electrifying city.
Why the Rate Hike? Modernization and Resilience Take Centre Stage
Hydro Ottawa’s proposed five-year plan is about more than just maintenance-it’s a roadmap for the city’s energy transformation. The utility points to four main priorities:
- Powering Growth and Electrification: Supporting Ottawa’s expanding population and the shift to electric vehicles and clean technologies.
- Renewing Aging Infrastructure: Addressing the fact that a significant portion of the city’s grid is nearing the end of its service life.
- Grid Modernization: Investing in new technologies to make the system smarter and more efficient.
- Enhancing Resilience: Preparing the grid to withstand extreme weather and other disruptions.
According to Hydro Ottawa, these investments are essential for delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to more than 364,000 customers across Ottawa and Casselman.
What Will It Cost You?
If the OEB approves the plan, a typical residential customer using 750 kWh per month would see a $6.08 increase in their monthly bill starting January 2026. Additional increases between $2.72 and $3.79 per month are projected each year from 2027 to 2030. Businesses and general service customers will also be affected, with even higher monthly increases depending on usage.
Shaping Ottawa’s Energy Future: Public Input Invited
Hydro Ottawa is encouraging residents to have their say. The utility has launched a public engagement survey, inviting feedback on its 2026-2030 investment plan. This is a chance for customers to influence how the city’s energy future is shaped and how rate increases are balanced with critical infrastructure upgrades.
The Bigger Picture: Reliability, Sustainability, and Growth
Hydro Ottawa stresses that these investments are not just about keeping the lights on-they’re about preparing for a future where demand for electricity will continue to rise due to population growth, climate change, and the transition to cleaner energy sources. The utility is also hiring more workers and upgrading technology to ensure the grid remains safe, reliable, and efficient for years to come.
What’s Next?
The OEB will review Hydro Ottawa’s application and residents are encouraged to provide feedback before any final decisions are made. As the city grows and energy needs evolve, the conversation about how to fund and future-proof Ottawa’s grid is just beginning.
