Heating, electricity, and other utility costs can take a significant bite out of a low-income household's budget — and in Canada's climate, heat is a matter of survival. If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, a range of federal, provincial, and utility-run programs can help reduce your costs or cover arrears.
The federal government's Canada Greener Homes program offers grants and interest-free loans to help homeowners improve their home's energy efficiency. This can reduce your ongoing utility bills significantly. Eligible upgrades include insulation, heat pumps, windows, and smart thermostats. Visit nrcan.gc.ca for current program details.
If you live in a province where the federal carbon price applies (Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, PEI, or Newfoundland), you receive quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate payments. Low-income households benefit disproportionately, as they tend to receive more in rebates than they pay in carbon pricing. File your taxes to receive this benefit automatically.
The OESP provides a monthly credit on electricity bills for low-income Ontario households. The credit ranges from $35 to $113/month depending on household size and income. Apply at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca.
LEAP provides emergency financial assistance to help low-income customers pay overdue electricity and natural gas bills. It is administered through local social service agencies. You can receive up to $500 for electricity and $500 for natural gas per year. Contact your local social service agency or call 211 to find a LEAP provider near you.
Enbridge Gas offers a monthly bill credit for qualifying low-income customers. Apply through the Enbridge Gas website or call their billing line.
BC Hydro's Customer Crisis Fund provides one-time grants to customers facing disconnection due to a crisis. Grants of up to $600 are available. Apply by calling BC Hydro or through their website.
BC Hydro provides an annual credit to eligible low-income customers. The amount varies based on household income and electricity usage.
For FortisBC natural gas customers, the Energy Affordability Program offers monthly bill credits for qualifying low-income households. Apply through FortisBC's website.
The Utilities Consumer Advocate helps Albertans navigate utility issues, including billing disputes and disconnection concerns. They can connect you with available assistance programs.
Energy Efficiency Alberta offers programs to help homeowners and renters reduce energy consumption and lower bills through upgrades and retrofits. Some programs specifically target low-income households.
Major Alberta utilities have customer assistance programs for those facing financial hardship. Contact your utility provider directly to ask about payment arrangements and assistance options.
Hydro-Québec has an equalized payment plan that helps customers manage bill fluctuations. They also have a winter disconnection moratorium that protects customers from disconnection during cold months.
Quebec's Rénoclimat program offers grants for home energy efficiency upgrades that reduce long-term utility costs. Some subsidies are specifically available for low-income households.
Regardless of where you live, if you are struggling with utility bills:
Utilities are required to follow disconnection rules that vary by province. In most provinces, disconnection during winter months is restricted or prohibited. Know your rights.
Reducing how much energy you use is the most lasting solution to high utility bills:
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