Customers who were previously disconnected for non-payment reasons, will be reconnected by December 1, 2023.
If you owe money to your utility:
DO…
- Keep in contact with your utility and explore available payment options
- Find out if you are eligible for bill payment support programs such as the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). Learn more at OEB.ca/billhelp, and
- Know your rights and responsibilities under the OEB’s Customer Service Rules for rate-regulated natural gas and electricity utilities:
DO NOT…
- Stop making payments during the winter disconnection ban period.
Utilities can continue to charge late payment fees on past due amounts even during the winter disconnection ban period. It’s important that you continue to pay your bill with however much you can, to minimize extra charges adding cost and interest to your bill.
Unit Sub-Meter Providers
USMPs are companies that provide metering and billing services to customers in multi-unit buildings. The USMP enters into a contractual agreement with the owners, landlords, property managers or condominium corporations and decide on disconnection rules and fees and charges at that time.
DO
- Check-in with your Unit Sub-Meter Provider, landlord, condo board or property owner/manager to see if it plans to voluntarily comply with the ban.
While some may voluntarily comply, the winter disconnection ban does not apply to multi-unit buildings serviced by Unit Sub-Meter Providers (USMPs), and there are different Customer Service Rules for USMPs.
DO NOT...
- Miss important information about USMPs. Visit our new webpage.
Energy Scams
Beware of energy scams including offers of rebates or help applying for bill payment support programs.
DO NOT…
- Be pressured by offers of rebates, disconnection threats during the ban period or “help” applying for bill support programs. This could be an energy scam.
- Share your personal or account information with anyone.
- Accept offers to pay your bill by gift card or bitcoin. That’s a scam.
DO…
- Learn how to better protect yourself from energy scams at OEB.ca/scams
- Share all this information with family and friends
- From April 1 until October 30, 2023, the OEB’s Public Information Office has opened 387 scam interactions including phone calls, chats and emails. If you’re unsure if an offer is a scam, contact us.