Energy Deregulation

On Oct. 31, 1985, in the Halloween Agreement, Ontario’s natural gas market was deregulated. The province’s electricity market followed almost 17 years later, deregulating on May 1, 2002. Prior to this time, energy was delivered by monopolies - regulated utilities offering only a one-size-fits-all product. Consumers had no choice but to purchase energy from the utility. Today, consumers have a choice.

Deregulation creates choice. Ontarians don’t need to stay with the utility for natural gas or electricity. They have the ability to shop for a supplier.

Deregulation fosters competition. Energy retailers must offer competitive prices, better service and innovative solutions to retain and add customers. This gives both residential and commercial consumers the opportunity to pick the purchasing strategy that best suits their needs.

Deregulation has opened the energy market. Gateway Energy Services Ltd. is able to supply natural gas and electricity at competitive rates to our customers because we operate in a competitive retail market. We purchase energy for our customers and arrange for its delivery and billing with the utility. The utility remains responsible for services such as equipment maintenance and emergency response.