Ontario Increases Eligibility for Electricity Rebate Program
Ontario has announced an extension of its electricity rebate program, now including approximately 100,000 additional families.
The province revealed its plans to expand the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) starting on March 1. This program provides rebates to households falling under specified income brackets.
The adjustment raises the income eligibility thresholds by over 35 percent. The threshold now stands at $71,000 per year, up from the previous cap of $52,000.
Eligible individuals can receive credits ranging from $35 to $75. Higher credits are available to indigenous customers, households using electric heating, those dependent on electricity-intensive medical devices, or individuals with indigenous family members, according to the government.
There is no specific deadline for applying for OESP. In 2022, around 212,000 households benefitted from the program.
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Among several energy cost-cutting programs offered by the province, the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) was recently enhanced from 11.7 percent to 19.3 percent in October. Launched in 2019, the OER aids families, farms, and small businesses with their energy expenses.
The government estimates that the average household saves $26 per month or $312 annually through the OER. Additionally, the Energy Affordability Program assists in reducing electricity bills by conducting energy assessments to identify home upgrades that minimize energy wastage.
This initiative targets individuals struggling with overdue bills and potential service disconnections.
Ontario’s policy modification follows a recent study revealing that one in five Canadian households experience “energy poverty,” defined as the inability to “maintain healthy indoor temperatures,” especially prevalent in rural regions.
Jennifer Cowan contributed to this report.
