The Northern Industrial Electricity Rate (NIER) Program, effective as of April 1, 2017, assists Northern Ontario’s largest industrial electricity consumers to reduce energy costs, sustain jobs and maintain global competitiveness. The NIER program is part of the government's plan to strengthen the economy and support a dynamic and innovative business climate that attracts investment and helps create jobs.

NIER program participants receive a rebate of two cents per kilowatt hour, with individual rebates capped at 2013-2016 average consumption levels, or $20 million per year per company – whichever is lower. On average, industrial electricity prices can be reduced by up to 25 per cent through the program.

Participants are required to develop and implement an energy management plan to manage their energy usage and reduce costs.

Prior to the current NIER Program, the original NIER Program was effective for three years from April 1, 2010 until March 31, 2013.  An extended program was then implemented for an additional three years to March 31, 2016, with a further one additional year extension to March 31, 2017 in order for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines (MNDM) to undertake a comprehensive review of the program.

Who Can Participate?

Currently, the NIER Program is fully subscribed. However, MNDM is still accepting applications for participation.  These will be considered and evaluated in the order in which they are received if sufficient program funding becomes available (>$250,000) in the future.

Please see the NIER - Program Rules and the NIER - Application Form for further details on program requirements, eligibility criteria and the application process.

Do You Have Questions?

Please contact Jana Dozzi, NIER Program Advisor at 705-564-3087.

https://www.mndm.gov.on.ca/en/northern-development/business-support/northern-industrial-electricity-rate-program