The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) will help reduce the electricity bills of low-income customers. For many lower-income Ontarians, paying their electricity bill can be a challenge. For households with an annual income of $20,000 a typical electricity bill could be 10 per cent or more of t​heir income.​

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More help as of May 1, 2017

With increased Ontario Electricity Support Program credits of 50 per cent, you could save $35 - $113 each month on your electricity bill.

If you have already been approved or have recently filed an application, you do not need to reapply. The increased credits will happen automatically.

More households eligible

With new, expanded eligibility criteria, more lower-income households qualify. The amount you could receive depends on factors like the size of your household and total after-tax income.

OESP monthly credit amounts – effective May 1, 2017
Household Income
(after tax)
Household Size
(Number of people living in household)​

1

2

3

4

5

6

7+

$28,000 or less

$45

$45

$51

$57

$63

$75

$75

$28,001 - $39,000

$40

$45

$51

$57

$63

$75

$39,001 - $48,000

$35

$40

$45

$51

$57

$48,001 - $52,000

$35

$40

$45

Energy Intensive Credits

The OEB offers higher credits if:

  • you are of First Nations or Métis descent,

  • your home is electrically heated, or

  • you rely on medical devices that require a lot of electricity.

See the table below for the higher level of assistance available.

OESP monthly credit amounts – Energy Intensive – effective May 1, 2017
Household Income
(after tax)
Household Size
(Number of people living in household)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7+

$28,000 or less

$68

$68

$75

$83

$90

$113

$113

$28,001 - $39,000

$60

$68

$75

$83

$90

$113

$39,001 - $48,000

$52

$60

$68

$75

$83

$48,001 - $52,000

$52

$60

$68

For more information, please visit www.OntarioElectricitySupport.ca, call 1-855-831-8151 or email help@ontarioelectricitysupport.ca.


Looking for other ways to help manage your bill?

For all of our customers Hydro One is here to help reduce the amount of electricity you use as well as manage your account to help offset some of the changes on your bill.


Budget Billing

It’s normal for your energy use to fluctuate over the course of the year. Budget Billing provides you with a bill that is predictable. This plan estimates how much electricity you’ll use during the upcoming year, based on historical usage, and divides that amount into 12 monthly payments. Twice a year, we’ll review your account and adjust your Budget Billing amount as needed. To sign up, visit myAccount or call us.

Emergency Financial Assistance available to Low-Income customers

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) provides emergency relief to eligible low-income customer who may be experiencing difficulty paying their electricity bill. To see if you qualify, visit Low-Income Energy Assistance Program site or call our lead agency, the United Way of Greater Simcoe County at 1-855-487-5327.

The Home Assistance Program

Reducing your home’s energy use makes it easier to manage your electricity bill. If you qualify as a low-income customer, we’ll work with you to find smart, simple ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency – at no cost to you. Upgrades to your home may include energy-efficient appliances, home insulation and draft proofing, programmable thermostats and more. It’s easy to apply. Simply call 1-855-591-0877 or visit Home Assistance Program site to learn more.