Provides assistance to Ontarians to lower their electricity use and costs at home over the long term, easing the burden of electricity bills

There are 3 levels of support available, depending on income level and average energy bill

All beneficiaries at a minimum will receive:

• A trusted conversation with a trained individual to discuss the impact of their electricity bills on their household
• Referrals to other electricity support options
• A Home Energy Plan
• Level 1 equipment (provided via a Kit or installed in the home)

• The Level 1 equipment may include ENERGY STAR light bulbs, a power bar and/or faucet aerators, along with energy-saving tips
• Level 2 support includes an in-home visit from a professional Home Energy Advisor, a Home Energy Plan and upgrades that may include ENERGY STAR appliances
• Level 3 is for electrically-heated homes only, and will receive an in-home visit from a professional Home Energy Advisor, a Home Energy Plan, and upgrades that may include insulation and/or an ENERGY STAR heat pump

Program that lowers electricity bills for low-income households * provides a monthly credit to eligible customers based on household income and household size * credits will be applied directly to eligible customers' electricity bills. An applicant may qualify for both this program and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)Residential customers -- disconnection for non-payment is banned from November 15 to April 30 of the following year * electricity providers are required to reconnect customers without power before the start of the disconnection ban period and waive any charges due to reconnection, including Collection of Accounts service fees * visit website for more details

COVID-19 ResponseExisting LEAP Program* LEAP program intake temporarily on pause due to extended disconnection ban* The Ontario Energy Board recently extended the winter disconnection ban to July 31, 2020 for electricity distributors ensuring no one is disconnected for nonpayment* Natural gas distributors and many unit sub-meter providers have also announced they will not disconnect for non-payment until July 31stNew COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) * for customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills due to the COVID-19 Pandemic a new program called COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is in development, a start date has not yet been announced* eligibility for CEAP will differ from eligibility for LEAP, but specific details have not yet been releasedRegular ServiceAccess centre to apply for LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) one-time emergency financial assistance * program runs throughout the year * maximum grant is $500 per fuel per household per year ($600 for electrically heated homes) * grant is credited directly toward energy bill * agency can arrange hold on a disconnection notice while a case is being assessed * length of hold depends on utility company * all decisions can be appealed