Access centre to apply for LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) emergency financial assistance

• program runs year round
• 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.
• Assistance is available once per calendar year. You cannot receive more money than you owe on your bill. Therefore, you may not receive the full amount of the grant.
• Gas customers can receive up to $650 on past due balance
• Customers who heat with electricity can receive up to $780 on past due balance

Ontario Electricity Support Program

For those who meet certain criteria, the OESP will reduce the cost of your household electricity by applying a monthly credit directly to your bill. The credit amount will depend on how many people live in the home and the combined annual household after tax income. Visit website for more information.

• low-income customers facing disconnection of service.
• LEAP grants are paid direct to the utility for assistance with an arrears balance.

• be named on the bill
• live at the service address on the bill
• owe more than $100.00 in arrears (amounts owing already past the due date)

• Hydro One Networks: Orillia, North Simcoe (Midland, Penetanguishene), Muskoka (except Gravenhurst) and the Parry Sound District
• Elexicon Energy: Muskoka community only
• Enbridge Gas: Central Ontario: Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Penetanguishene, Simcoe County (most communities), Newmarket, Bradford, Innisfil Muskoka: Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Muskoka Lakes (most urban areas) Eastern Ontario: Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough, Cobourg
• EPCOR Natural Gas Limited: Barrie and Innisfil
• EPCOR Electricity Distribution Ontario Inc.: Barrie and Innisfil
• GrandBridge Energy: Brantford, Cambridge and Brant County
• InnPower: Town of Innisfil and South Barrie
• Renfrew Hydro: Town of Renfrew, Township of Horton and Township of McNab/Braeside
• Ottawa River Power Corporation
• Hydro Ottawa
• Utilities Kingston Gas: All of Kingston Area
• Utilities Kingston Hydro: All of Kingston Area
• Utilities Kingston Water : All of Kingston Area

• Online Application (self-service portal)
• Pre-screening by telephone before in-person interview
• See Documents Required section for interview preparation Customers are required to provide the exact same information online as they would over the phone, and instead of meeting with a representative at a local Intake Agency, they will be able to send supporting documents directly to UWSM via email. Basic requirements for using the Online Application (self-service portal):
  • a valid email address that is regularly accessible
  • a device that allows you to access email
  • be able to obtain digital copies of all supporting documents
  • ID for all household members
  • proof of income
  • bank statement
  • proof of mortgage/rent
  • copy of your Utility bill
  If an application is started online (through the self-service portal) and not completed within 48 hours, the application will be put on hold and access to the portal will be suspended. Call 1-855-831-8151 to continue the application over the phone. At this point, the application will no longer be eligible online.
  To apply for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) call 1-855-831-8151 (toll free within Ontario) or; email:help@ontarioelectricitysupport.ca For any problems or concerns with submitting an application Online (through the self-service portal) call 1-855-487-5327 before 10:30 am.