Energy Assistance for Ratepayers
Ontario Electricity Support Program to Assist Low-Income Ontarians with Electricity Costs
Today, MPP Michael Gravelle shared details of the proposed Ontario Electricity Support Program. The intent of this program is to help qualifying low-income Ontarians by providing them with financial assistance for their electricity bills.
“I am pleased that the Ontario Electricity Support Program will provide assistance directly to eligible low-income individuals and families. As this coincides with the removal of the Debt Retirement Charge for all residential consumers, this will help ensure additional relief on electricity bills.” MPP Michael Gravelle, Thunder Bay – Superior North
The program would be a stepped sliding scale with predetermined credits for eligible consumers, based on income thresholds and household size. The credited amount would appear directly on the individual’s electricity bills each month, ranging between $20 and $50 per month.
This program would support the government’s plan to invest in people, build modern energy infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
“The Ontario Electricity Support Program would provide ongoing assistance directly on the bills of eligible low-income electricity consumers as of January 1, 2016. This targeted assistance would be available to those who need it most, ensuring all Ontarians have continued access to clean and reliable electricity.” Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy
QUICK FACTS
- The Debt Retirement Charge for all residential consumers will also be removed from the bill and will coincide with the implementation of the Ontario Electricity Support Program. The Debt Retirement Charge will save the typical residential electricity ratepayer $5.60 per month.
- The Ontario Electricity Support Program would provide a fixed monthly credit on the bills of eligible low-income electricity consumers, based on income level and household size.
- Electricity represents a significantly greater share of monthly expenses for low-income households than for higher-income households. Low-income households spend as much as 10% or more of their income on electricity bills, while consumers in the highest income bracket only use 2% or less.
- The province remains committed to a clean and reliable electricity system that delivers power to Ontario families and business, where and when it is needed.
- The implementation of the Ontario Electricity Support Program would follow the conclusion of the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit on December 31, 2015. The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit started in 2011 for a five-year term and provides approximately $1 billion in relief to eligible consumers annually.
LEARN MORE
For more information, please visit the Ontario Energy Board`s website at www.ontarioenergyboard.ca/oesp.
