Residents in Kenora and Thunder Bay can expect a small increase in their electricity rates starting on May 1st.

Hydro will be going up just over 1 percent in both communities.

The Ontario Energy Board has approved a 1.02 percent increase in Kenora and 1.07 percent increase in Thunder Bay.

In Kenora, the increase will amount to about $1.57 a month for the average homeowner.

In Thunder Bay, the electricity costs for residential consumers will go up about $1.64.

Small business customers in both cities will see their rates rise about $3.50 per month.

Time-of-Use, Tiered prices and Ultra-Low Overnight pricing will also move to summertime rates on Friday.