More Ontarians may be eligible to receive support from the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), thanks to Ontario’s plan to increase the program's income eligibility thresholds. For more information, read the Government of Ontario’s news release.
We offer programs to help customers with their electricity bills. One of them is the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). It provides an ongoing monthly credit directly on qualified consumers’ electricity bills.
Do you qualify?
If you’re the customer of an electricity utility and your household size and income meet certain levels, you may qualify for a reduction on your electricity bill through the OESP. It’s also available to people living in condominiums or apartments (multi-unit buildings and sometimes townhomes) where each unit has an individual meter and the resident's electricity bill comes from a company other than their utility, a Unit Sub-Meter Provider or USMP. Find out more about USMPs.
You must apply for this program.
If you’re eligible for the OESP, an ongoing credit is applied to your electricity bill. Learn more and complete the application on the Ontario Electricity Support Program website.
What support is available?
The amount of the credit depends on 2 factors:
- How many people live in the home
- The combined annual household after-tax income
For example, a home with 4 people and an annual income of $65,000 will receive an on-bill credit of $40 each month. This chart shows the different credit amounts.
OESP credit amounts
| Level of household income ($) | Number of people living in home | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
| 38,000 or less | $45 | $45 | $51 | $57 | $63 | $75 | $75 |
| 38,001 – 54,000 | $40 | $45 | $51 | $57 | $63 | $75 | |
| 54,001 – 65,000 | $35 | $40 | $45 | $51 | $57 | ||
| 65,001 – 71,000 | $35 | $40 | $45 | ||||
Customers may receive higher monthly credits of between $52 to $113, based on unique eligibility that includes:
- Indigenous customers or customers living with Indigenous family members
- Customers using electric heating
- Customers using certain electricity-intensive medical devices.
How to apply
Step 1: Gather information
- Your electricity bill
- Names and birthdates of all the residents in your home as registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Social Insurance Numbers (SINs) or temporary tax numbers for all household members who are 18 and older.
Step 2: Complete the application
There are 3 ways to apply: online, by mail or through an intake agency
- Online – Apply now at OESP.ca. This is the fastest way to apply. Then, either complete the electronic consent form or print and sign a paper consent form and mail it to the address provided on our website. The CRA needs your consent to verify your income.
- By mail – Complete the application and sign the consent forms (the CRA needs your consent to verify your income). Mail them back to the address on the OESP website. You can download the documents from OESP.ca or call 1-855-831-8151 to have an application form mailed to you.
- Through an Intake Agency – Contact a designated intake agency near you if you would like help with your application. There is no cost for this service. Find an agency near you.
Note: If you have not recently filed an income tax return or if your situation has changed since you last filed, you can apply for OESP through an intake agency. You’ll need to bring all of the documents listed in step 1 above, plus proof of your household income. Before visiting an agency, please call to make an appointment.
What happens after you apply?
We’ll let you know if you qualify for OESP about 4 to 6 weeks after your completed application and signed consent forms have been received and reviewed. If approved, the credit will appear directly on your electricity bill in about 6 to 8 weeks. You will receive OESP credits on your bill for 2 years before having to reapply, or 5 years if you’re aged 65+ or receiving a CPP disability pension.
What if you already receive OESP?
If you currently receive OESP, your monthly credit may increase due to the new household income amounts, but you must reapply.
Other programs to help low-income consumers
If you qualify for OESP, you may also be qualified to apply for emergency financial assistance grants through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), should you need them. LEAP is for qualified low-income electricity and natural gas customers. Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients automatically qualify for OESP and must contact their caseworker to apply.
Rules to protect low-income customers
Electricity utilities, unit sub-meter providers and rate regulated natural gas utilities follow customer service rules specific to low-income customers. These include waiving security deposits and allowing longer payment times under arrears payment plans. See how they might help you.
Have questions?
Note: The Ontario Energy Board administers the program while the Ministry of Energy and Electrification provides financial and program oversight.
Phone: 1-855-831-8151
TTY: 1-800-855-1155 (TTY to TTY)
Website: OESP.ca
Email: help@OntarioElectricitySupport.ca
Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mailing address:
Ontario Electricity Support Program
PO Box 1540, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 0C7