How to Reduce Electricity Bills for Lower-Income Households in Ontario – Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

I am on a mission to find each and every way to reduce my bills and cost of living. I’ve spent a lot of time searching the web and calling around and have in turn decided to share the information with you guys as well. First up is how to reduce electricity bills for lower-income households in Ontario via the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). This is for recurring support but if you need support now and are at risk of having your gas or hydro disconnected imminently please consider the LEAP program which can give you $500 for your electrical and natural gas bills.

How to Reduce Electricity Bills for Lower-Income Households in Ontario – Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) is a program run by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) that aims to reduce electricity bills for households with lower incomes. Make sure you also check out our blog post on tips to save energy money on your utility bills.

How Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) Works

Eligible customers receive a monthly credit based on their household size and income, which is applied directly to their electricity bills. Once you’re approved for the program you are approved for 24 months of support. The program has no application deadline, and applicants can apply anytime. However, the earlier they apply and are accepted, the sooner they can start receiving the credits. The credits take effect after the application has been approved, which usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to process.

Eligible customers will receive on-bill credits for two years, regardless of when they apply. If customers need help before the credit is applied, they can contact their electricity utility or visit the OEB website for more information about other low-income programs that may be available to them.

Contact Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The OESP Contact Centre is also available for any questions or inquiries, which can be reached via phone, email, or Bell Relay service during weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET.

• Call 1-855-831-8151 (toll free within Ontario)
• Email help@ontarioelectricitysupport.ca
• Use the Bell Relay service at 1-800-855-1155 (TTY to TTY)

Who is Eligible for Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The program is available to all customers who have accounts with electricity distributors or unit sub-meter providers and meet the eligibility criteria. The OESP provides a credit directly on the electricity bills of eligible customers. Indigenous households can contact the Ontario Native Welfare Administrators Association (ONWAA) to confirm their eligibility for the program.

Eligibility for applicants is based on household income and size, and the OESP on-bill credit amount depends on how many people live in the house and the combined household income after tax. For some customers, such as those using approved medical devices requiring a lot of electricity, the program offers a higher level of assistance.

OESP Monthly Credit Amounts by Household Income Level

For some customers, the need to use more power is unavoidable. If your home is electrically heated, or you rely on an approved medical device requiring a lot of electricity, OESP offers a higher level of assistance.

There are three at-home medical devices that will qualify an applicant for the higher level of assistance:

1. Kidney Dialysis Machine
2. Mechanical Ventilators (invasive and non-invasive)
3. Oxygen Concentrator

OESP Monthly Credit Amounts by Household Income Level – Energy Intensive

Applying for Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The Ministry of Finance verifies income with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) using the applicant’s Social Insurance Number (SIN) and the SINs of any other income tax filers in their household. Filling out the application is fairly quick and easy. I would make sure to collect all necessary documents before you start so you can do it in one shot.

You need:

• Your electricity bill account number, service address, and account holder details.

• The birthdates and names of all residents in your home.

• Social Insurance Numbers or Temporary Tax Numbers for tax-filing household members.

If an applicant has not filed an income tax return recently, or if their situation has changed since they last filed, their income will need to be manually verified by a designated intake agency.

The OESP is for the primary residence only, and primary account holders under 18 years of age must apply through a designated intake agency. You can easily apply online through OntarioElectricitySupport.ca. portal.

Mailing in Your Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) Application

Applicants can also download a paper version of the application from the OntarioElectricitySupport.ca. or request a mailed copy from the OESP Contact Centre. Those unable to apply online can contact a designated intake agency found on the OESP website.

Required information for the application includes electricity bill account number, service address, and account holder details, as well as birthdates and names of all household residents and Social Insurance Numbers or Temporary Tax Numbers for tax-filing members. Proof of household income must also be provided.

There are 173 free-of-charge intake agencies available to help customers complete and submit their applications, which can be found on the OESP website or a map created for this purpose. This ensures that everyone that needs the program has access to it and faces no issues accessing it. Applicants outside Ontario or with further questions can contact the OESP Contact Centre, the local utility, or 211 Ontario.

Apply Here

Let me know if there is something else you need help finding to make life easier. I can’t promise anything but I will do my best.

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Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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