Local guide

Lowering energy bills in Thunder Bay

Ontario's coldest major city — hybrid systems and ground-source heat pumps deserve a close look, and sunny winters help solar.

Last reviewed November 2, 2026
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Thunder Bay at a glance

Electricity distributor: Synergy North
Natural gas: Enbridge Gas
Heating degree days: about 5,700 per year
Winter design temperature: about -33 °C
Solar potential: about 1,200 kWh per kW per year
Electricity prices: Province-wide RPP, effective November 1, 2026

Typical annual heating cost in Thunder Bay

Estimated for a 2,000 sq ft existing detached home. Your costs depend on insulation, airtightness and thermostat settings.

Natural gas furnace (95%)	$1,630
Cold-climate heat pump	$2,590
Propane (92%)	$5,190
Electric baseboard	$5,690
Heating oil (80%)	$6,710

Assumes gas at $0.45/m³, electricity at $0.16/kWh all-in, oil at $1.6/L, propane at $0.95/L and a seasonal heat pump COP of 2.2. Run it with your own numbers.

Heat pump sizing in Thunder Bay

A typical 2,000 sq ft existing home here needs roughly 48k BTU/h of heat at -33 °C. Ask contractors for capacity at that temperature, not just the nominal tonnage.

Estimate your home's load

Choosing a price plan

Synergy North customers can choose Time-of-Use, Tiered or — where offered — Ultra-Low Overnight at 3.7¢/kWh from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Households with an EV or flexible loads often save on ULO.

Compare plans

Where to start

Air seal and insulate the attic
Insulate basement walls and rim joists
Replace end-of-life heating with a heat pump or hybrid
Swap remaining bulbs for LEDs

Take the home energy checkup

Common questions in Thunder Bay

Who supplies electricity in Thunder Bay?

Synergy North delivers electricity to most homes in Thunder Bay. Commodity prices are set province-wide by the Ontario Energy Board; delivery charges are set for each utility. You can choose Time-of-Use, Ultra-Low Overnight (where offered) or Tiered pricing by contacting your utility.

Do heat pumps work in Thunder Bay winters?

Yes. Thunder Bay's design temperature is about -33 °C, and cold-climate air-source heat pumps are rated to operate around −25 °C to −30 °C with reduced capacity at the coldest temperatures. In a climate this cold, plan for backup heat — electric strips or your existing furnace in a hybrid setup.

What rebates are available in Thunder Bay?

Homeowners in Thunder Bay can use Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program for heat pumps, insulation, windows, smart thermostats and more, along with income-qualified programs from Save on Energy and Enbridge Gas. Some municipalities also offer home energy loans — check with the City of Thunder Bay.

Roofs in Thunder Bay can produce about 1,200 kWh per installed kW each year. Estimate it for your roof