It's official.
The province has passed legislation to rebate its part of the HST from electricity bills beginning January 1st.
The Ontario Rebate for Electricity Consumers Act will knock down electricity costs by 8 per cent on the amount before tax.
The province says that's worth about 11 dollars a month to 5 million residential customers.
Farming customers are looking at additional relief, which the government estimates will be an average of 540 dollars a year, or 45 dollars monthly.
Minister of Energy Glenn Thibeault says the province has recognized the need to provide an affordable energy system .
He adds the government is committed to bringing hydro rate relief which will benefit citizens in meaningful way.
The additional funding to reduce the money paid by eligible rural rate payers will come from the Rural or Remote Rate Protection program.
