May 1, 2026 (Cornwall, Ontario) - Cornwall Electric rates will increase by 2.13% on July 1, 2026. This will equate to an increase of $3.20 per month for a residential customer using 1000 kWh monthly.
Jackie Baird, Regional Manager of Cornwall Electric, said, “Cornwall Electric remains committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity while making decisions that serve the best interests of our customers. Over the past several years, the utility has maintained fair and reasonable rates in accordance with the terms of its franchise, with adjustments closely aligned to inflation. A slight rate increase for the coming year reflects continued growth in energy usage and helps ensure the ongoing reliability and sustainability of the local electricity system.”
Like all utilities in Ontario, Cornwall Electric passes through the wholesale cost of electricity to customers, which represents approximately 80 percent of the total bill. Jackie Baird said, “The long-term wholesale contract in place with Hydro-Québec has played a key role in keeping Cornwall Electric rates among the lowest of surrounding utilities. This agreement has provided, and continues to provide, rate stability and a reliable supply of electricity for our customers. Through this contract, Cornwall Electric purchases nearly 100 percent hydroelectric energy, reinforcing our commitment to renewable energy and a sustainable future for the community.”
The remaining 20% of the customers’ bill represents the distribution charges. These charges pay for operating expenses, system maintenance, and equipment replacements for the Cornwall Electric electrical system, delivering a safe and reliable supply of power to customers. Cornwall Electric is pleased to have limited rate impacts, keeping changes modest and consistent with inflation for the next year.
Typical customer bills fluctuate due to changes in consumption related to temperature and season. We encourage our customers to consider signing up for our equal payment plan (EPP) if making the same payment each bill is easier for their budget. Cornwall Electric continues to promote energy conservation to help customers reduce their energy bills.
We continue to encourage customers to sign up for e-billing, which is securely managed within our organization and allows customers to view electronic bills, track electricity consumption, and access their billing usage information. Details are available at e-Billing Signup or by clicking on the QR code below. The benefits of e-billing include no delays in receiving your bill, 24/7 access to view your bills, and being good for the environment!
Cornwall Street Railway Light & Power Company Ltd. (“Cornwall Electric” or “CE”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FortisOntario Inc. ("FortisOntario"). CE has approximately 26,200 customers in the City of Cornwall, South Glengarry, South Stormont, and the Ontario portion of the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne. For further information, visit www.cornwallelectric.com. FortisOntario, headquartered in Fort Erie, has operations in electricity distribution and transmission, and serves approximately 70,300 customers primarily located in Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Cornwall, Gananoque, and the Algoma district of Ontario and meets a peak demand of approximately 284 MW. FortisOntario is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. For further information, visit www.fortisinc.com.
For further information, please contact:
Mrs. Jackie Baird
Regional Manager
Cornwall Electric
Phone: (613) 932-0123 Ext. 4232
jackie.baird@cornwallelectric.com
