Help With Your Energy Costs
Northern Ontarians Can Still Apply For Help With Their Energy Costs
December 24, 2010
McGuinty Government’s Tax Break Provides Relief Where It Is Needed
Earlier this year, the Ontario government implemented a permanent Northern Ontario Energy Credit to help eligible low- to middle-income northerners with their household costs, as part of the Open Ontario Plan.
The credit provides up to $130 for a single person and up to $200 per family. This is in addition to the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit, which provides 10 per cent off electricity bills.
For 2010, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit is being delivered in two instalments – in November 2010 and February 2011. Northerners who have not yet applied can still benefit by picking up an application form at their nearest ServiceOntario location or by downloading it online. The deadline to apply for both instalments of the 2010 credit is June 30, 2011.
Through this credit, more than half of all northerners are eligible for relief, making it a little easier during the harsh winter months.
QUICK FACTS
- The credit will provide northern residents with about $110 million in energy credits over the next three years.
- The credit is available to eligible residents of the districts of Thunder Bay, Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury and Timiskaming.
- People living on northern reserves who pay residential energy costs are also eligible.
- Ninety-five per cent of Ontarians are within 10 kilometres of an integrated ServiceOntario location, where they can access driver and vehicle, health card, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit and other services under one roof.
