Keeping up with your bills can be stressful. At Milton Hydro, we’re committed to helping you stay connected and supported.
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) offers two financial assistance programs: One for ongoing monthly support, and one for emergency relief, through community partners. You may qualify for one or both.
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) helps reduce electricity costs for lower-income households (within the OEB’s income thresholds) by providing a monthly credit on your electricity bill.
Once approved, the credit is automatically applied to your Milton Hydro bill each month for up to two (2) years. The amount of the credit is determined according to your household income and the number of people living in your home.
Customers who heat their home with electricity or use certain medical devices that require a lot of electricity may qualify for a higher credit.
Eligibility
This program is available to households that meet income qualifications and are responsible for paying an electricity bill.
- Household income must meet specific thresholds, and the household must include at least one person who is 18 or older.
- The household must be a customer of a utility company that participates in the program (such as Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, etc.).
- Additionally, people on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (OW), or seniors receiving the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) can qualify.
How to Apply
To apply, visit ontarioelectricitysupport.ca or call 1 (855) 831-8151.
You will need:
- A copy of your Milton Hydro electricity bill
- The names, birthdates, and income information for everyone in your household
Once your application is approved, the credit will appear on your next billing cycle.
If you have questions about the program, you can contact the OESP Contact Centre directly in the following ways:
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) provides one-time emergency financial support for households that are behind on their electricity bill or at risk of disconnection.
The program is funded by the OEB and helps customers who are experiencing temporary financial hardship.
If you qualify, you can receive up to $650 in emergency assistance, or up to $780 if your home is heated with electricity. The payment is made directly to Milton Hydro on your behalf.
Eligibility
You may qualify if:
- Your total household income is within the OEB’s income thresholds
- You are behind on your electricity bill or have received a disconnection notice
- You have not received LEAP funding in the last 12 months
How to Apply
LEAP applications are administered locally through The Salvation Army (Khi Community & Family Services) – Milton: (905) 875-1022.
They will confirm your eligibility, guide you through the required documents, and submit your application.
You may be asked to provide:
- Identification
- Current electricity and gas bills
- A disconnection notice, if you have received one
- A copy of a rental receipt, lease, mortgage document or other documents as deemed acceptable by the agency
- Proof of household income – cheque stub, employment letter, income tax return for adult members of household
- A copy of your most recent bank statement
Once approved, the grant will be applied directly to your account.
Combination of Benefits
It is possible to combine multiple programs. For example:
- If you are a senior on a pension and meet the low-income criteria, you could potentially qualify for both OESP (for electricity support) and LEAP (for emergency assistance if facing a utility disconnection).
- Additionally, if you are on ODSP or have a disability, you may also qualify for assistance through these programs.
Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER)
The Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) is a provincially funded rebate that provides eligible consumers with a reduction on the subtotal of their electricity bills before HST. The amount of the rebate is determined by the province and adjusted yearly in November.
The following customers are automatically eligible for the OER and do not need to complete the self-declaration form:
- Residential and Small Commercial customers (billed under a Residential or General Service Energy rate class) using less than 50 kW.
- Commercial accounts that are greater than 50 kW but use less than 250,000 kWh annually.
The following customers are eligible for the OER but need to complete the self-declaration form in order to receive the rebate:
Commercial customers (billed under a General Service Demand or Sub-transmission rate class) who:
- have a demand for electricity greater than 50kW,
- use more than 250,000 kWh a year, and
- fall under one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Farming Business
- Long-term care home, other than an account that is also in respect of a hospital
- Multi-unit complexes that are predominantly residential, such as condominium and apartment buildings
- Common elements in multi-unit complexes that are predominantly residential (as of July 1, 2022)
- Retirement residence (as of July 1, 2022)
- Mobile home park (as of July 1, 2022).
Customers who do not automatically receive the OER, but who meet the eligibility criteria must apply by completing the online form – RPP Self Declaration Form.
Seniors and Disability Assistance Programs
- Age 65 or older or on disability: People aged 65 and over, as well as those receiving the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), may qualify for additional assistance programs, including a larger reduction on their electricity bills or assistance through LEAP or OESP.
- Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS): This is available to low-income seniors, typically those 65 and older, to help provide additional financial support.
Housing Stability Fund (HSF)
The Housing Stability Fund is designed to help residents with urgent housing-related costs such as rent arrears, utilities, and other expenses that could lead to eviction or homelessness.
Eligibility
The fund is available to individuals and families who meet the following criteria:
- Low-income households: You must have an income that is within a certain range (usually based on the Low-Income Measure or similar thresholds).
- At risk of eviction or homelessness: You should be facing eviction, utility disconnection, or other circumstances where you could lose your housing.
- Financial hardship: This includes situations like income loss, unexpected expenses, or other challenges that make it difficult to meet your housing costs.
- Types of assistance:
- Rent arrears (help with overdue rent payments).
- Utility arrears (assistance for overdue utility bills that could lead to disconnection).
- Emergency costs (such as a last-minute housing-related expense that could cause you to lose your home).
How to Apply
Application Requirements:
- Proof of income: Similar to the other programs, you will need to provide documentation of your income (e.g., pay stubs, pension details, or government assistance).
- Proof of housing status: Documentation of your current housing situation, such as a lease agreement or utility bills.
- Financial hardship proof: Depending on the reason for your application, you may need to provide documents showing that you are facing financial hardship.
Save On Energy Affordability Program
The Energy Affordability Program provided by SaveOnEnergy offers energy-saving upgrades tailored to the specific needs of your home, all at no cost. And a more energy-efficient home means more comfort and more money in your wallet. Saving energy is simple with the Energy Affordability Program.
Apply for the Energy Affordability Program here - https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Your-Home/Energy-Affordability-Program/Application-Form
If you would like more information about these financial assistance programs, please contact our Customer Experience Team, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at (905) 876-4611 or email at customerservice@miltonhydro.com
More Information
We also offer various payment options that can help customers to manage their bills, including: