The Ontario Energy Association applauds the Ontario government’s announcement of $9 million in new funding support to Ontarians for their energy bills. The new funding expands eligibility for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and ensures that electricity and natural gas services will not be disconnected due to nonpayment.

“We applaud the government for taking a policy approach that focuses assistance on those in need during these challenging times. The decision to increase funding available for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) will greatly benefit many Ontario families,” said Vince Brescia, president and CEO of the OEA.

This new funding follows Ontario’s announcement of temporarily suspending time-of-use pricing, which the OEA has noted that it also supports.

The OEA notes that it will continue to communicate information and updates to its customers, while raising awareness of other electricity bill relief initiatives, such as the Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP). The OESP is an income-tested application-based program that provides electricity bill reductions for Ontario’s lowest income and most vulnerable households. Customers who have difficulty paying bills are urged to contact their utility provider.