Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
The OESP is an Ontario Energy Board (OEB) program that lowers electricity bills for low-income households. The OESP provides a monthly on-bill credit to eligible customers based on household income and household size. It is an application-based program.
Customers can apply online at Ontario Electricity Support. You need to complete the online application, print and sign the consent form and mail it to the address provided on the website. Alternatively, a paper version of the application can be downloaded from the OESP application website or can be mailed to applicants by the OESP Contact Centre upon request. Customers unable to apply online can contact an intake agency. Designated intake agencies can be searched by region on the OESP application website.
Applications take about 6 to 8 weeks to process. Credits don’t take effect until you submit all required information and your application is processed. The program is available to all low-income customers who have accounts with electricity distributors or unit sub-meter providers.
More information:
Contact the OESP Contact Centre at 1-855-831-8151.
https://ontarioelectricitysupport.ca/
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) is a year-round emergency financial assistance program developed by the Ontario Energy Board to assist low-income energy customers who may be experiencing difficulty paying current arrears. It is a grant program for short-term financial emergencies. It is not intended to provide regular or ongoing bill payment assistance.
The delivery of LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance relies heavily on cooperation between utilities and social service agencies. It is expected that as agencies screen and assess applicants in need, that they may refer customers not only for Emergency Financial Assistance, but also for customer service measures and/or conservation programs. However, if no referrals are provided, we recommend that you contact the utility and request what your options may be. You can get a one-time annual payment of up to $500 in emergency assistance for your electricity bill ($600 if your home is heated electrically) and $500 for your natural gas bill.
The first step is to contact your electricity or natural gas distributor or unit sub-metering provider. You will be referred to the social service agency serving the area in which you reside (this agency is called the “lead agency”). The lead agency, and not your utility provider, is responsible for assessing whether you are eligible for LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance. The lead agency will complete an initial eligibility screening with you over the phone. If you meet the initial criteria, you will then be requested to contact another local social service agency in your area to complete a small application process.
Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit
This credit helps low- to moderate-income individuals with the sales tax on energy and with property taxes. The credit is part of the Ontario Trillium Benefit. The amounts are adjusted for inflation each year.
You may qualify for the credit if you resided in Ontario and:
- rent or property tax for your principal residence was paid by or for you
- you lived in a student residence
- you lived in a long-term care home, or
- you lived on a reserve and home energy costs were paid by or for you for your principal residence on the reserve
You apply for the credit by completing the ON-BEN form, which is part of your personal income tax and benefit return (return). You may qualify for this payment even if you do not owe income tax. The deadline for filing returns is April 30 of each year. If you file late, your payments may be delayed.
More information:
For more information, please visit:
Special customer service rules for low-income customers
The
OEB has special rules in place to ensure low-income customers are
treated fairly. These rules include the waiving of security deposits,
allowing longer payback periods under arrears payment plans, and
offering a longer grace period to customers before being disconnected.
For more information, contact your local utility provider or visit the
OEB website at https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/help-low-income-consumers/low-income-energy-assistance-program#special
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