HELP PAY THE BILLS

A number of special programs are available in Ontario to help low-income energy consumers. When resources are limited, households are faced with the dilemma of whether to make rent/mortgage payments, purchase groceries, or pay their utility bills. When the alternative is the risk of homelessness or your family going hungry, more and more households are finding themselves falling behind on utility payments. Our full time call centre partners with a number of Utility Service Providers to administer this financial assistance on their behalf.

Services we offer

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Emergency financial assistance – This fund-limited program provides a one-time grant towards your electricity or natural gas bill if you are temporarily unable to make ends meet in an emergency situation.

To qualify you must

(a) be the account holder, (b) live in the home and (c) be past due on your bill

If you have any questions please contact leap@uwsimcoemuskoka.ca

Energy Conservation

Help cut your energy costs through energy conservation.

Ask us about Enbridge Gas’ Home Winter Proofing program.

If you have any questions please call 1-855-487-5327

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

This program provides low-income consumers with a monthly on-bill credit to reduce their electricity bill.

To find out more information please call 1-855-487-5327

To apply for assistance:

Step 1:

Collect your information

  • Utility bill with account number, arrears
  • Household income from Notice of Assessments
  • Pay stubs
  • Letter from employer or bank statements.

Step 2:

or

Call us at 1-855-487-5327

Step 3:

After your eligibility is confirmed, send us your documents, or visit one of our Intake Agencies

Intake Agency Partners

Our partner intake agencies can assist with verifying your income and identification, many of them can also assist with language support.

As a social enterprise, proceeds earned by the Call Centre are directed to cover the organization’s administrative costs and to re-invest in the community to meet pressing social needs. In 2022:

$8,254,000 was administered in LEAP financial assistance

11,572 households were assisted

66 Intake Agency Partnerships

Community Connection 211 Central East Ontario

More help is available.  2-1-1 is a free helpline that connects you to social services and programs in your area.  Help is available 24/7.

ONLINE:  www.211ontario.ca

DIAL: 2-1-1

Utilities we provide assistance for are:

  • Alectra - service areas are Barrie, Penetanguishene, Alliston, Aurora, Vaughn, Richmond Hill, Brampton
  • Enbridge Gas (formerly Enbridge and Union Gas) – Ontario wide
  • EPCOR Electricity
  • EPCOR Gas
  • Hydro One Network – Ontario wide
  • Utilities Kingston (electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater)