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Winter disconnection rules for hydro and gas in Canada, and what to do if you are behind
Winter disconnection bans and limits for electricity and gas in Ontario, Alberta, BC and Québec, load limiters, reconnection, and how to handle arrears before winter.
Most provinces limit disconnections for non-payment in winter, but the rules differ and none of them cancels what you owe. In Ontario, electricity distributors and natural gas utilities cannot disconnect residential customers for non-payment from 15 November to 30 April under Ontario Energy Board rules, which apply every winter (for winter 2026–2027: 15 November 2026 to 30 April 2027). The ban also covers load control devices, and it does not apply to buildings served by unit sub-meter providers, which follow separate rules. In Alberta, the Utilities Consumer Advocate explains that electricity cannot be fully disconnected between 15 October and 15 April, although a load limiter may be installed, and natural gas cannot be disconnected between 1 November and 14 April. BC Hydro postpones residential non-payment disconnections from 1 November to 31 March: for the whole period outside the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, and on days forecast below 0 °C within those regions. Arrears, late charges and possible security deposits keep accruing during these periods, and disconnection can follow when the protection ends.
This guide is part of our complaints and help hub.
Winter protections at a glance
| Province / utility | Electricity | Natural gas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | No residential disconnection for non-payment 15 Nov–30 Apr (OEB rule) | Same OEB winter ban applies to Enbridge Gas and other gas utilities | Low-income customers also get LEAP customer service rules; unit sub-metered buildings follow separate rules |
| Alberta | No full disconnection 15 Oct–15 Apr; load limiter may be installed | No disconnection 1 Nov–14 Apr | If already disconnected when winter rules begin, service stays off unless reconnected; the AUC runs a winter reconnection program for eligible people |
| BC Hydro | Disconnections postponed 1 Nov–31 Mar: all winter outside Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island; when forecast below 0 °C inside them | FortisBC: ask about its winter practices | Service locations with no account and business accounts can still be disconnected |
| Québec | Hydro-Québec has winter practices for residential customers; check its conditions of service and contact it early | Énergir: ask | Régie de l'énergie oversees conditions of service |
Rules are set in regulator rules and utility conditions of service and can change. Check your utility's notice and the regulator's site each autumn.
What winter protection does and does not do
It does:
- keep power or gas on (or limited) for residential customers during the protected period;
- give you time to arrange payment or apply for help.
It does not:
- stop bills, late payment charges or arrears from growing;
- prevent a security deposit request;
- protect a service that was already disconnected before the period began (Alberta and BC Hydro both say this explicitly);
- apply to business accounts.
Alberta load limiters
A load limiter is a device the distribution company installs on the meter at the retailer's request. It restricts how much electricity can be drawn at once, usually enough for basic heating controls, a fridge and some lights, but not for many appliances together. If the account is still unpaid when the winter rules end, the distributor may remove the limiter and fully disconnect in the spring. The UCA explains reconnection steps: power is not fully restored until the retailer accepts a payment plan or the balance is paid; reconnection typically takes 48–72 hours excluding weekends and holidays, and can involve a reconnection fee and security deposit. Gas service that has been off for six months or more may need an inspection and permit before it can be turned back on.
A plan for arrears before winter ends
- Know your number. Total arrears, the next bill estimate (use the bill estimator), and what you can pay monthly.
- Call the utility or retailer now, not in April. Ask for a payment arrangement that covers current bills plus a portion of arrears.
- Apply for help. Ontario: OESP for ongoing credit and LEAP for emergency arrears grants; BC Hydro: its Customer Crisis Fund for eligible customers; Alberta: the UCA can help mediate and Alberta Supports may assist. See low-income energy bill help.
- Reduce winter usage where safe: thermostat setbacks, sealing drafts, running large appliances off-peak on time-of-use plans.
- Consider equal billing once you are current, to avoid repeat winter peaks: see equal billing.
Illustrative arrangement: arrears $640 on 1 November; expected monthly bills of $180 over winter. A six-month arrangement adds $106.67 a month, so you pay about $286.67 a month through April. If that is not affordable, ask for a longer term; Ontario LEAP rules allow longer arrangements for eligible low-income customers.
Disconnection notices
Outside winter periods, utilities must follow notice rules before disconnecting: written notice, a waiting period, and in some provinces extra steps such as contact attempts or a final notice. The exact periods are in each province's rules (OEB codes in Ontario, AUC rules in Alberta, conditions of service in BC and Québec). If you receive a notice:
- call immediately and ask what amount stops the disconnection;
- ask whether a payment arrangement or program application will pause it;
- if you have a medical condition that depends on electricity, tell the utility and ask about any medical protections or certificates it accepts.
Tenants and disconnection
If the account is in the landlord's name and the landlord stops paying, provincial landlord-tenant law and utility rules can give tenants options, such as being notified or taking over the account. Contact the utility and your provincial landlord and tenant board or tenant association.
Mistakes to avoid
- Treating winter protection as forgiveness. The balance is still due in spring.
- Breaking an arrangement without calling. Most utilities will rework it if you call first.
- Waiting until disconnected. Reconnection costs extra and may require a deposit.
- Ignoring late payment charges. They are set in approved rates and add up.
If the arrears started with an unexplained jump, see why your hydro bill is suddenly high; if a retail contract is part of the problem, check your cancellation rights.
FAQ
Can my power be cut off in an Ontario winter?
Not for non-payment of a residential account from 15 November to 30 April under OEB rules. Arrears still accrue.
Does Alberta's winter rule mean I keep full power?
Not necessarily. A load limiter may be installed on electricity between 15 October and 15 April.
What if I was disconnected in October?
In Alberta and BC, winter rules do not automatically reconnect you. Contact the utility, the UCA in Alberta, and assistance programs; ask about reconnection programs.
Can a utility ask for a deposit after arrears?
Yes, deposits after late payment or reconnection are common; ask about limits and when it is refunded.
Sources
- Ontario Energy Board — winter disconnection ban and customer service rules
- Utilities Consumer Advocate — Alberta winter rules, load limiters and reconnection
- BC Hydro — delayed winter disconnections for non-payment
- Alberta Utilities Commission — winter utilities reconnection program
- Hydro-Québec — payment agreements and conditions of service
