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Published Date
Friday, September 18, 2026
If you’ve noticed your recent London Hydro bill is higher than usual, it’s important to remember that the bill you receive today reflects your electricity and water use from an earlier billing period. For many customers, bills arriving now reflect usage from July and August, which includes some of the summer’s hottest periods.
Hot weather can affect how much electricity and water we use, leading to higher bills. There are also other factors that can affect what you pay.
Here’s what to look for and how you can better understand your bill and usage.
Hot weather can increase your electricity use
When temperatures rise, we tend to use more electricity to stay comfortable. Air conditioners may run more often and for longer periods, while dehumidifiers may also be working harder. Especially during heatwaves like the ones we had in July and the beginning of September.
According to a recent IESO report, summer electricity use can be about 20% higher than winter use for many households in Southern Ontario, largely due to increased air conditioning use.
That doesn't mean your total bill will necessarily increase by 20%. Your bill includes more than the electricity you use, including delivery and fixed charges, taxes, and other adjustments.
Your bill can change even when electricity prices don't
There was no increase in the price of electricity in May 2026. However, customers on Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing moved to summer rates in May, meaning the price of electricity varies depending on when it is used.
Your electricity rate plan—whether Tiered, TOU, or Ultra-Low Overnight (ULO)—can affect what you pay based on how and when you use electricity.
Learn more about residential electricity rates.
Your bill reflects past usage
It's important to remember that the bill you receive today reflects usage from a previous billing period. Think back to that time: Were you running your air conditioner more often? Watering your lawn or garden? Taking more showers?
These changes in your usage may have happened weeks or even months ago, but they can still be reflected on the bill you receive today.
Check your usage
One of the best ways to understand a change in your bill is to look at your actual consumption.
With MyLondonHydro, you can compare your electricity and water use with previous years during the same timeframe. You can also view your energy summaries, including information about changes in consumption and average temperatures.
This can help you see whether your bill is higher because you used more electricity or water than you did during the same period last year.
Don't forget about your water use
London Hydro bills customers for water services on behalf of the City of London, so changes in water consumption can also affect your total bill.
Water use can increase during the summer through activities such as:
- Watering lawns and gardens
- Taking more showers
- Filling pools or other outdoor water use
If your water use is unexpectedly high, check for issues such as a running toilet or leaking faucet.
Learn more about water conservation.
Check your OESP credit
If you receive the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) credit, check that your enrollment is still active.
OESP enrollment must be renewed every two years to continue receiving the monthly credit. If your credit has expired, this may be one reason your electricity bill is higher than it was previously.
If you don't currently receive OESP, you may qualify for a monthly credit based on your household income and size.
Have questions about your bill?
Our Billing Support team can help you understand your electricity or water usage and check your OESP enrollment.
Contact billingsupport@londonhydro.com or call 519-661-5503.