TOU vs Tiered Savings Calculator (Ontario)
Updated 2026‑04‑22
This tool compares Time‑of‑Use (TOU) and Tiered pricing using your estimated monthly usage and a simple split across on‑peak, mid‑peak, and off‑peak hours. It helps you understand how timing and habits affect the energy portion of your bill.
Your usage
TOU usage split (percent)
If your split doesn’t add to 100, the calculator will normalize it.Rates (enter your assumptions)
Tiered pricing
Other bill components (estimates)
How to use this tool
- Enter your monthly kWh from your bill.
- Estimate your TOU split — off‑peak is often higher for households running laundry or dishwashers overnight.
- Enter the rates you want to test (these change over time).
- Adjust delivery/GA to match your typical bill for realistic totals.
What is the difference between TOU and Tiered pricing?
Ontario households can choose between two main pricing structures:
- Time‑of‑Use (TOU): the price changes depending on when electricity is used.
- Tiered: one rate applies up to a monthly threshold, and a higher rate applies above it.
TOU rewards households that can shift flexible usage into off‑peak periods. Tiered pricing may suit households that prefer simplicity or have steady daytime usage that is difficult to shift.
Why usage timing matters
Two homes can use the same number of kilowatt‑hours in a month and still pay different amounts under TOU pricing. A household that runs major appliances during off‑peak hours may pay less than a household using the same electricity during more expensive periods.
This calculator helps you test whether your habits favour TOU or whether Tiered pricing may be a better fit.
When Tiered pricing may be better
Tiered pricing can make sense for households with predictable usage patterns or for people who prefer not to adjust appliance use by time of day. If your home uses electricity fairly evenly throughout the day, the simplicity of Tiered pricing may be appealing.
Tiered pricing also avoids the need to track peak periods, which some households find easier to manage.
What this calculator does and does not do
This tool is an educational estimator. It compares likely monthly totals based on the assumptions you enter for electricity use, pricing, delivery charges, and Global Adjustment.
It does not replace a real utility bill. Actual bills vary by utility, rate period, threshold changes, and other regulated adjustments. Use this calculator to compare options and habits, not to predict an exact invoice amount.