Electricity bills are a significant expense for Ontario households, and for those on low or fixed incomes, high hydro costs can be a real financial strain. Ontario has several programs specifically designed to reduce electricity and energy costs for low-income households. Here is what is available and how to access it.
Key programs at a glance: The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) reduces your monthly bill automatically. LEAP provides emergency help with overdue bills. The Ontario Trillium Benefit includes energy cost relief. All are available to qualifying low-income Ontarians.
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
What it is
The OESP is a monthly on-bill credit that reduces your electricity bill automatically. It is administered by the Ontario Energy Board. Once approved, the credit appears on your bill every month without you needing to do anything further.
How much
Single person with income under $28,000: $35–$50/month credit
Two-person household with income under $39,000: $50–$75/month credit
Larger households: higher credits available
Households with high electricity medical needs (life support equipment, etc.): higher credits
Electric heat households: additional credits
How to apply
Apply online at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca or call 1-855-831-8151. You will need your electricity account number, social insurance number, and income information. Applications take a few weeks to process.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
What it is
LEAP is an emergency program that helps low-income Ontario customers who are behind on their electricity or natural gas bills and at risk of disconnection. It is funded by utilities and administered by local social service agencies.
How much
Up to $500 for past-due electricity bills
Up to $500 for past-due natural gas bills
Additional amounts may be available in some circumstances
How to apply
LEAP is administered locally. Call 211 or contact your local social service agency to find the LEAP provider in your area. You generally need to show you are at risk of disconnection and meet income eligibility requirements.
Ontario Trillium Benefit — Energy Component
The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit is part of the Ontario Trillium Benefit, a refundable tax credit. It is designed to help low-to-moderate income Ontarians with their energy costs and property taxes. You receive it as monthly payments if you file your taxes and qualify.
Maximum energy credit: approximately $162/year for people in non-Northern Ontario (higher in Northern Ontario)
Apply by filing your Ontario income tax return
Payments are usually sent monthly from July through June
Rent-Geared-to-Income (Social Housing) Energy Inclusion
If you live in social or subsidized housing, utilities may already be included in your housing costs at a subsidized rate. Talk to your housing provider about what is included in your rent.
Ontario's Affordability Fund
The Affordability Fund provides free energy-saving upgrades to low-income Ontarians, including:
Smart thermostats
LED lighting
Fridge replacement
Insulation and weatherization
Heat pump water heaters
These upgrades are provided at no cost to qualifying households and can significantly reduce ongoing utility costs. Apply through affordabilityfund.ca or call 1-844-443-2663.
Enbridge Gas Programs
If you use natural gas from Enbridge, there are additional programs available:
Enbridge Low-Income Program: monthly bill credit for qualifying customers
Energy Savings Program: free home energy audits and upgrades for low-income households
Equal Billing: spread your annual gas cost evenly across 12 months
Contact Enbridge Gas at 1-877-362-7434 to inquire about eligibility.
Ontario Energy Board Consumer Protections
Ontario has rules protecting consumers from sudden disconnection:
Utilities must offer a payment arrangement before disconnecting for non-payment
No disconnection between November 15 and April 30 for residential customers who cannot pay (winter disconnection ban)
No disconnection if a medical certificate is filed indicating that a household member's health would be seriously affected
Free Banking — No Minimum Balance Required
KOHO is available to all Canadians regardless of income or credit history. Open a free account with no monthly fees and no minimum balance. Every dollar you save on bank fees helps. Use code 45ET55JSYA for a small bonus to get started.