06 May 2020 – Electricity rate relief extended until May 31st

Type of Intervention: Regulation
Sectors Involved: Finance/Economy, Health
Intervention Categories: Finance policy and financial aid; Stimulus packages and financial support
Level of Jurisdiction: Ontario
Lead People/Agency: Premier Doug Ford, Chief Medical Officer of Health (Dr. David Williams)

Overview: The Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rate relief to families, farms, and small businesses until May 31, 2020. Those who pay time-of-use rates will continue to be billed at the lowest price (“off-peak price”), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This order falls under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. In addition, all other emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under Section 7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act have been extended until May 19, 2020. These include numerous orders, including closure of non-essential businesses, prohibition of public gatherings, etc.
Full details here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/05/ontario-extends-electricity-rate-relief-during-covid-19.html

Other links: 1
Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group, providing support
Source of Evidence or Justification: Sub-national, Chief Medical Officer of Health
Evidence/Justification: The extension of all emergency orders was based on the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams. The extension of electricity rate relief was justified as a measure to provide support to those struggling financially during the pandemic.