How Much Is the Average Gas Bill in Southern Ontario?

Natural gas bills are a significant household expense for many homeowners in Southern Ontario, particularly during colder months. Understanding the various charges and factors that influence these costs is important for managing personal finances effectively. While the exact amount can vary considerably from one household to another, gaining insight into the structure of a natural gas bill and the elements that drive consumption can help residents anticipate and budget for their energy expenses.

Components of a Natural Gas Bill

A natural gas bill in Southern Ontario typically consists of several distinct charges, each representing a different aspect of delivering gas to your home. The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) regulates the rates for major utilities like Enbridge Gas, which is the primary provider in Southern Ontario. Understanding these components clarifies what you are paying for each month.

The Customer Charge is a fixed monthly fee applied to all gas accounts, regardless of how much gas is consumed. This charge helps Enbridge Gas recover costs associated with account maintenance, customer service, billing, and emergency services. As of October 2014, this charge was set at $20 per month.

The Delivery Charge covers the cost of transporting natural gas through the utility’s distribution system directly to your home. This includes the operational and capital costs of maintaining the pipeline infrastructure. The delivery rates can vary based on the quantity of gas consumed, often decreasing on a sliding scale for higher usage, and are approved by the OEB.

The Gas Supply Charge represents the actual cost of the natural gas commodity you consume, measured in cubic meters (m³). Utilities like Enbridge Gas pass on the market price of gas without any markup, as approved by the OEB. This charge reflects the fluctuating market prices of natural gas, which can change based on supply and demand.

Additional charges may include Transportation to Enbridge, which covers the cost of moving gas from production sites in Western Canada or the United States to Ontario. This is passed through to customers without markup. Some bills may also show a Cost Adjustment, which accounts for differences between forecasted and actual costs of gas supply or transportation. Applicable taxes, such as Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), are also added to the total bill.

Key Factors Affecting Gas Usage

Several variables significantly influence the amount of natural gas a household consumes, directly impacting the overall bill. The physical characteristics of a home play a substantial role in its energy efficiency. Larger homes generally require more gas for heating than smaller ones, and older homes, often built with less stringent insulation standards, tend to be less efficient than newer constructions. The quality of insulation in walls and attics, as well as the type of windows (e.g., single versus double-pane), also affects how much heat escapes, leading to higher gas consumption.

The efficiency of heating systems and other gas-powered appliances also affects usage. Older furnaces and water heaters with lower Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings consume more gas to produce the same amount of heat compared to modern, high-efficiency models. Beyond heating, the use of other gas appliances, such as gas stoves, clothes dryers, or fireplaces, contributes to total gas consumption. Increased usage of these appliances will naturally result in a higher bill.

Thermostat settings and household habits are direct drivers of gas usage. Maintaining a higher indoor temperature during colder months demands more energy from the heating system. Habits like taking long, hot showers or frequently adjusting the thermostat can also increase consumption. Conversely, utilizing programmable thermostats to lower temperatures when no one is home or at night can lead to savings.

Weather conditions are a primary external factor influencing gas usage. Colder and longer winters necessitate more heating, directly leading to higher natural gas consumption and subsequently larger bills. Natural gas prices themselves can also be more expensive in winter months due to increased demand. Utilities often estimate meter readings based on historical consumption and weather, which can sometimes lead to adjustments in subsequent bills.

Typical Costs for Southern Ontario Homes

The average natural gas bill in Southern Ontario varies significantly based on factors such as home size, age, and energy efficiency, as well as seasonal weather patterns. Natural gas is the main source of energy for home heating in Ontario, with 67% of households using it for primary heating. While specific current average costs can fluctuate, general ranges provide insight into typical expenses.

For an “average” home in Southern Ontario, natural gas bills are highly seasonal. Winter months see substantially higher costs due to heating demands, while summer bills are considerably lower. For example, a 900 sq ft bungalow in Southwestern Ontario reported winter bills upwards of $250 per month, compared to approximately $40 per month in the summer. Another user in Barrie with a 2530 sq ft house noted a $248 bill for a period in late October/November, including a water heater rental.

The total annual bill for a typical residential customer can be impacted by rate changes approved by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). For instance, effective July 1, 2025, residential customers could see changes in their natural gas bills ranging from a decrease of about $27 to an increase of about $74 per year, depending on their location and usage. These figures highlight that annual costs can vary, and what constitutes a “typical” bill is subject to ongoing adjustments in rates and individual consumption.

Utilities do not earn a profit on the sale of gas itself; they pass through the price they pay to buy natural gas on the open market, as approved by the OEB. The OEB reviews and adjusts gas supply rates quarterly to reflect market price changes and ensure fairness. This means that while the average cost for the commodity itself is passed on, the total bill also includes fixed and variable delivery charges, which contribute significantly to the overall amount.

Estimating Your Household’s Gas Bill

Understanding your natural gas consumption patterns is the first step in estimating your household’s gas bill. Reviewing your past natural gas bills provides historical data on your cubic meter (m³) usage over different months and seasons. This historical data can help you identify trends in your consumption and anticipate future needs.

Many utility companies, including Enbridge Gas, offer online tools and calculators that allow customers to track their usage and project future costs. These digital resources can compare your current consumption to previous periods or similar homes, providing a more personalized estimate. Some tools also enable customers to submit their own meter readings, which can help ensure billing accuracy if estimates are typically used.

Considering a professional home energy audit can also provide valuable insights for estimating and reducing your gas bill. An energy audit identifies specific areas where your home might be losing heat, such as poor insulation or leaky windows, and suggests improvements that could reduce gas consumption. Implementing these recommendations can lead to more accurate bill estimations and significant long-term savings.

Monitoring thermostat settings and appliance usage is another practical step to influence your gas bill. Adjusting your thermostat by even a few degrees can impact consumption, especially during peak heating seasons. Being mindful of how often and for how long gas-powered appliances are used can also help manage your monthly expenses more effectively.