Lowering Electricity Rates Comes At A Critical Time For Small Businesses

(Toronto – December 22, 2020) – Today, Rocco Rossi, President & CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce released the following statement in response to the Ontario government’s decision to lower electricity prices to a discounted off-peak rate 24/7 for all time-of-use and tiered customers.

“With lockdown measures being expanded throughout the province, the Ontario government lowering electricity rates for households and small businesses comes at a critical time. This move will help offset some of the financial pressures resulting from the COVID-19 shutdown.

“Lower electricity rates coupled with the Ontario Small Business Support Grant – which will provide small businesses with a minimum of $10,000 up to $20,000 to help small business owners during the province-wide lockdown – are all welcome supports in these difficult times.

“Prioritizing public health is our best long-term economic strategy. The faster we stop the spread of COVID-19 during the second wave, the faster our businesses and economy can recover in the new year.”

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COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program
Any residential, small business, or registered charity customer with an overdue electricity or natural gas bill are now eligible. A residential customer can receive up to $750 to help cover their electricity bill and an additional $750 for their natural gas bill. Small businesses can receive up to $1500 for each. Newly eligible customers can apply for these enhanced benefits through their local utility, starting in January 2021. Learn more.

About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce
For more than a century, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) has been the independent, non-partisan, indispensable partner of Ontario business. The OCC’s mission is to support economic growth in Ontario by defending business priorities at Queen’s Park on behalf of its network’s diverse 60,000 members.

For more information, please contact:
Ceara Copps – Edwards
Manager, Public Affairs
cearacoppsedwards@occ.ca| Mobile: (647) 936-6734