If you can’t pay hydro or gas bills, don’t panic.

Low-income Torontonians who don’t receive assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) may qualify for help from the City of Toronto with energy-related emergencies through the Emergency Energy Fund or EEF.

Emergency Energy Fund (EEF)

Low-income Torontonians who don’t receive assistance from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) may qualify for help from the City of Toronto with energy-related emergencies through the Emergency Energy Fund or EEF.

• This means you can access funds to reconnect, prevent disconnection or pay overdue bills for hydro, gas or oil services.
• To apply, call the Neighbourhood Information Post at 647-727-8988 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The OESP is an Ontario Energy Board (OEB) program that provides a monthly credit to residents based on household income and household size.

• The OESP credits – which range from $35 to $113 – are applied to electricity bills; this means your monthly bill would be reduced by an amount within that range The amount depends on the size of your household, your income level, whether or not your home is electrically heated, and whether or not you use medical devices that run on electricity. Check out the details on the program’s FAQ page.
• Once approved, on-bill credits are applied for two years, and you can reapply as needed.
• Applications are on a rolling basis all year long, and take six to eight weeks to process.
• Check your eligibility for the program using this tool.
• You can apply online.

Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

LEAP is available to Torontonians who are behind on electricity or natural gas bills, and face having these services disconnected.

• The program is available through intake agencies in the city; check the full list of agencies here (you’ll have to contact them to apply for the program).
• Eligibility depends on your household size and income.
• If approved, you can get up to $650 in emergency assistance for electricity bills ($780 if your home is heated electrically) and $650 for natural gas bills.
• Check out LEAP’s page on the Ontario Energy Board website for a full list of rules.

Energy Affordability Program (EAP)

The Energy Affordability Program offers customized energy-saving upgrades to your home, at no cost. The goal is to reduce energy bills, while retrofitting your unit to lower your carbon footprint.

• You can apply for EAP if you’re a renter or homeowner. There are two types of supports: energy-saving kits and comprehensive support.
• To qualify for either, you have to:
  • own, rent or lease a home in Ontario,
  • be listed as the primary or secondary utility account holder
  • and have an annual household income below the listed limits.
• More Ontarians are eligible for comprehensive support, which also includes residents in social housing units, on-reserve Indigenous residents, as well as people who receive certain assistance programs, including ODSP; check the full eligibility list here.
• Comprehensive support includes many items that would be sent to you for free:
  • LED light bulbs
  • energy-efficient refrigerators
  • energy-efficient freezers
  • energy-efficient dehumidifiers
  • energy-efficient window air conditioners
  • drying racks for clothes
  • smart power strips
  • high-efficiency showerheads
  • faucet aerators
  • attic or basement insulation
  • draft proofing
  • smart thermostats
  • old climate air source heat pumps
• The energy-saving kits include LED light bulbs, weather-stripping, high-efficiency handheld showerheads, faucet aerators, a retractable clothesline and a block heater timer.
• To check if you’re eligible and apply, you can call 1-844-770-3148 or fill out an online form.