The province is axing the time-of-use power rate structure for the next 45 days.

It’s a move Premier Doug Ford says should cut families power bills in half as people self isolate and children are home from school.

Normally, consumers pay between 14.4 and 20.8 cents per kilowatt hour from 7 am to 7 pm. After that it drops down to 10.1 per cent.

For a 45-day period, the government will standardize the rate 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. This reduced price will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to all time-of-use customers, who make up the majority of electricity consumers in the province.

The discount will be applied automatically to electricity bills without the need for customers to fill out an application form.

“During this unprecedented time, we are providing much-needed relief to Ontarians, specifically helping those who are doing the right thing by staying home and small businesses that have closed or are seeing fewer customers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By adopting a fixed, 24/7 off-peak rate, we are making things a little easier during these difficult times and putting more money in people’s pockets for other important priorities and necessities.”