Hydro One Net Metering Ontario

The Hydro One net metering program in Ontario lets you send the extra renewable electricity produced by your solar system back to the grid for credits that lower your hydro costs.

This is a way to make your solar investment reduce what you pay each month in utility bills.If you want to save more and get a clear plan for your home energy, request your free quote.

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Hydro One Net Metering Ontario
The Hydro One Net Metering Program Explained

The Hydro One Net Metering Program Explained

Are you wondering how this works? Here’s a simple explanation:When your solar panel installation in Ontario produces more power than you immediately use, the extra energy flows back to Hydro One’s grid.

In return, you earn credits that apply to the cost of electricity you consume. Unused credits can carry forward for up to 12 months, so over a year you can balance seasonal differences in production and use.It’s important that your system is sized and connected safely.

Small generators (10 kW or less) use a streamlined connection process, while larger systems require additional assessment before approval. In most cases you’ll need a bi-directional meter that can track both the power you use and the power you send back to the grid.

The Hydro One Net Metering Program Explained

Are you wondering how this works? Here’s a simple explanation:

When your solar panel installation in Ontario produces more power than you immediately use, the extra energy flows back to Hydro One’s grid. In return, you earn credits that apply to the cost of electricity you consume. Unused credits can carry forward for up to 12 months, so over a year you can balance seasonal differences in production and use.

It’s important that your system is sized and connected safely. Small generators (10 kW or less) use a streamlined connection process, while larger systems require additional assessment before approval. In most cases you’ll need a bi-directional meter that can track both the power you use and the power you send back to the grid.

Benefits of Hydro One Net Metering

Investing in a heat pump system is a wise decision for numerous reasons:

Energy Credits

Extra energy becomes on-bill credits to be used to cover future use.

Lower Electricity Bills

Your solar energy cuts grid costs because you use credits to reduce what you owe on your bill.

A Hedge Against Inflation & Increases

Net Metering with Hydro One and its local utilities (like Toronto Hydro, Alectra etc) for solar freezes electricity costs at your date of install, so inflation and increases are not affecting you. Credits are in kWh, or Kilo-watt-hours, so you are not impacted by price increases.

Improved House Value

Canadian estimates show that your house value gains 3-5% with a net metering solar system, versus a comparable house without solar. This “future cashflow” alone may cover the cost of your solar system (realizing the gain when you sell it).

Faster Payback

Credits shorten the time it takes for your system to pay for itself.

Energy Independence

Your home leans less on the grid. You use more of your own power.

Reduce Strain on the Grid

Sending extra clean energy back helps local power flow.

Do you have any questions about how this applies to your home?
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Eligible and Non-Eligible Charges

Here’s how Hydro One net metering treats the charges on your bill:
Eligible for Net Metering Credits Not Eligible for Net Metering Credits
Electricity used and sent to grid Fixed delivery charges
Electricity charges based on kWh Regulatory charges
Time-of-use or tiered electricity rates HST (tax)
Energy consumed offset by credits Other non-energy fees
Credits from net metering apply only to the variable electricity you consume, not to fixed monthly charges or delivery fees. Check Hydro One’s website for more information.

How Do I Join Hydro One Net Metering?

To join Hydro One’s net metering program, you need to start with a clear green energy plan customized to your home or business. First, we need to understand if your electric utility is tied to Hydro One (for example Alectra Utilities, Toronto Hydro, Hydro Ottawa, and Elexicon Energy). Second, we need to assess whether your home or building is a good fit for solar and net metering, and estimate the system size based on your energy use and roof conditions. Then begin the application process and submit required forms by Hydro One.

Hydro One will review your request and confirm what connection steps are needed. You will also select a Hydro One pricing plan like time-of-use or tiered rates, which affects how credits and costs are calculated on your bills. Once approved and connected, your system starts sending excess energy to the grid.

For detailed planning, questions about delivery and electricity charges, and help with your application, contact us for more information and support.
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