Media release: Advocates Working to Reduce Energy Poverty Welcome Eligibility Expansion of Ontario Electricity Support Program

Toronto (March 1, 2024) – The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) welcomes Ontario’s announcement that it is increasing the income eligibility threshold for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). The OESP provides financial relief to lower-income households across the province by offering monthly credits on electricity bills.

Raising the income limits by up to 35% means that approximately 100,000 additional families will qualify for the program. The updated program thresholds will allow a four-person household with an after-tax income of $65,000 (increased from $48,000), or a couple with an after-tax income of $54,000 (increased from $39,000), to be eligible to receive the OESP on-bill credits.

This is a welcome reprieve for many families struggling with the increased cost of living. LIEN commends the province’s commitment to ensuring ongoing affordability of electricity bills for lower income families by taking a significant step to ease their financial burden.

With OESP support now available to more people, LIEN strongly encourages all eligible households to apply.

Additional information on-line: https://www.lowincomeenergy.ca/ontario-electricity-support-program-expanded-to-more-ontarians/

For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Zee Bhanji, Stakeholder Engagement and Energy Policy Analyst, LIEN
by email – zee.bhanji@acto.clcj.ca
by telephone – 416-597-5855 ext. 5167 or 1-866-245-4182 ext. 5167