TOU vs Tiered Savings Calculator (Ontario)
Updated 2026-02-12
This tool helps you compare Time‑of‑Use (TOU) vs Tiered pricing using your estimated monthly usage and a simple usage split across on‑peak, mid‑peak, and off‑peak hours. It’s designed to show how plan choice and behavior can change costs.
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
- If you know your monthly kWh from your bill, enter it.
- Estimate your TOU split. A household that runs laundry/dishwasher overnight often has a higher off‑peak percentage.
- Enter the rates/thresholds you want to test (these change over time).
- Adjust delivery/GA to match your typical bill and compare results.
What is the difference between TOU and Tiered pricing?
Ontario households can usually choose between Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing and Tiered pricing. Under TOU pricing, the electricity rate changes depending on when you use electricity during the day. Under Tiered pricing, the structure is simpler: you pay one rate up to a monthly usage threshold and a higher rate above that threshold.
This means TOU rewards households that can shift flexible usage into off-peak periods, while Tiered pricing may suit households that prefer a simpler rate structure and do not want to think much about timing.
Why usage timing matters
Two homes using the same number of kilowatt-hours in a month can still have different electricity costs under TOU pricing. A household that runs laundry, dishwashers, or other heavy loads during off-peak hours may pay less than a household using the same electricity during more expensive periods.
That is why this calculator asks for a usage split. It helps you test whether your current habits favour TOU pricing or whether Tiered pricing may be the better fit.
When Tiered pricing may be better
Tiered pricing can make sense for households with relatively predictable usage patterns or for people who do not want 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 worth more than trying to optimize every load.
Tiered pricing can also feel easier to understand because it depends mainly on total monthly consumption rather than detailed daily timing.
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 is useful for scenario testing and for understanding how Ontario electricity pricing works.
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.