What’s the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program – Small Business?
It’s a temporary program that provides one-time, on-bill credits to small businesses and charitable organizations who have experienced hardships because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Small businesses and charitable organizations must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for this program and submit an application form.
Will the CEAP-SB credit pay off my entire overdue balance?
Am I eligible for support if I was behind on my bill prior to March 17, 2020?
As long as you made at least a partial payment in respect to your electricity charges prior to March 17, 2020, you’re eligible for support. This includes accounts subject to an arrears payment agreement.
Why is the amount of funding lower for businesses use natural gas for heating?
Is my small business or charitable organization able to apply more than once?
To support as many businesses as possible, if your small business has multiple locations or storefronts you’re only allowed to apply once
However, if you have separate businesses (such as proprietorship, partnership or registered corporation) you may apply for each business or separate charitable organization
What proof do I need to provide that shows my business was closed?
At some point, you may need to provide proof that your business was closed for audit purposes.
Information could include:
A photo of your business being closed
A screenshot of the closure message on your website or social media channel
A customer notification email or text message
Do you have some examples of the types of closures that will qualify for support?
Personal services (e.g. hair salon, chiropractor) that had to fully close.
A restaurant or coffee shop that had to close regular dining operations and provided only takeaway or delivery service.
A small fashion retailer or pet store whose property was closed to the public but was able to provide contactless curbside pick for customers.
A non-publicly funded registered charity whose property was closed to the public but was able to adapt to provide limited services remotely.
What type of businesses are ineligible for support?
-
The following business are ineligible for support:
Government agencies or publicly funded organizations that aren't a registered charity
Public and private schools (including post-secondary)
Commercial and residential common use areas
Outdoor/street lighting and telecom equipment
Unmetered services
General service accounts greater than 50 kW (demand-billed)
-
Your business may be eligible for our Pandemic Relief Program that provides financial assistance and increased payment flexibility to customers affected by COVID-19. Learn more here.
How do I know the status of my application?
-
We’ll notify you by email or mail if your application is approved as well as the amount of the one-time credit that will be applied to your bill.
-
For businesses whose applications aren’t approved, we’ll notify you by email or mail with the reason why your application wasn’t accepted.
How quickly will my application be processed?
-
We’ll process all applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
All applications will be processed within 10 business days of receipt.
When will the credit be applied to my bill?
-
If your application is approved, a one-time credit amount will appear on your next bill or the following one, depending on where you’re in the billing cycle.
-
The credit will appear as a “Miscellaneous Adjustment” on page two of your bill.
What’s the amount of funding that Hydro One received for COVID-SB?