Enbridge applies to Ontario regulator for a major natural gas rate hike

OTTAWA – The exceptionally cold winter could get a lot more expensive for millions of people who heat with natural gas.

Households heating with propane and oil have already experienced a price shock.

Even those with price contracts have seen their bills go up because they’ve been using more energy.

But now, natural gas supplier Enbridge has applied to Ontario’s regulator for a big rate increase and other suppliers are expected to follow suit.

If the hike is approved, Enbridge says the typical household will see their annual natural gas bill increase to nearly $1,400 from about $1,000.

Enbridge, which serves around two million customers in Ontario, says it has nearly run out of cheaper natural gas that it stored for customers this winter season and now has to buy more expensive energy supplies.

Other suppliers, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, are facing similar supply pressures and could raise their prices as well.