May 4, 2021 (Cornwall, Ontario) - Cornwall Electric rates will increase 2.3% July 1, 2021. This will equate to an increase of $3.20 per month for a residential customer using 1000 kWh monthly.
 
Like all utilities in Ontario, the wholesale cost of electricity is passed through to customers. This cost represents approximately 80% of a customer’s total bill. Jackie Baird, Regional Manager of Cornwall Electric says, “The long-term contract in place   with Hydro Quebec is a wholesale contract and it has and continues to allow Cornwall Electric rates to be one of the lowest in surrounding electrical utilities and will continue to provide rate stability of energy prices and reliable electricity well into the future for their customers.”
 
The remaining 20% of the customer’s bill represents the distribution charges. These charges pay for operating expenses, system maintenance and equipment replacements to the Cornwall Electric electrical system to deliver safe and reliable supply of power to customers.
 
“Over the last number of years, Cornwall Electric has maintained fair and reasonable rates pursuant to the terms of its franchise, and rate adjustments have been in line with inflation. During the pandemic, Cornwall Electric is committed to supporting its customers while at the same time addressing the need for the utility to remain financially healthy,” Baird said. “And Cornwall Electric remains focused on making decisions in the best interest of the customers.” She said, "Cornwall Electric recognizes its role in working through COVID-19 with its customers, and has taken other steps in order to provide relief during this difficult time".
 
Typical customer bills fluctuate due to consumption changes related to temperature and seasonal changes. We encourage our customers to consider equal payment plan (EPP) if making the same payment over the full year for each bill is easier for a customer’s budget. Cornwall Electric continues to promote energy conservation in an effort to help customers reduce their energy bills. Customers are also reminded that bill payment assistance for eligible customers is available through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Details are available at COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) - January 14, 2021 Update | Cornwall Electric.
 
We would also like to inform customers of our new e-billing platform, that is securely managed within our organization and offers customers an ability to view electronic bills, view and track electrical consumption and have instant access to their billing usage information. Details are available at: Sign Up | FortisONTARIO (cnpower.com).
 
Cornwall Electric supplies electricity to approximately   24,800   customers   in   the   City   of   Cornwall, South Glengarry, South Stormont, and the Ontario portion of the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne.  It is a wholly owned subsidary of FortisOntario, headquartered in Fort Erie with operations in distribution and transmission serving approximately 66,000 customers in Fort Eire, Port Colborne, Cornwall, Gananoque and the Algoma District of Ontario. FortisOntario is 100% owned by Fortis Inc.  of St. John’s, Newfoundland. For more information on FortisOntario, please visit the corporate website at www.fortisontario.com