The Ontario government is extending emergency electricity rates for customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Customers who pay time-of-use electricity rates will continue to be charged the lowest price, known as off-peak hours.
The government first implemented electricity rate relief on March 24 for 45 days. The extension is for another 24 days.
"Many people are struggling to pay the bills as they do the right thing by staying at home, as well as our farmers and those whose businesses have closed or suffered reduced customer traffic," said Premier Doug Ford. "Although we are making progress in our fight against this COVID-19, we are not out of the woods yet."
The Ontario government is also extending all emergency orders on the advice of its Chief Medical Officer of Health. The orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act are in effect until May 19.
The orders are different from the province's state of emergency, which is in effect until mid-May, and were set to expire Wednesday.
The orders include the closure of all non-essential businesses excluding those that were allowed to open on a limited basis as of Monday, prohibiting public events, work deployment for healthcare workers, closure of recreational facilities, and gathers of over five people.