Ontario Electricity Support Program Guide

Electricity bills can put pressure on a household budget even when energy use stays about the same. For eligible Ontario households, the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides ongoing help through a fixed monthly credit applied directly to the electricity bill.

Unlike a one-time payment, the credit continues throughout the approved period. The amount depends on household size, combined annual after-tax income, and whether anyone in the home qualifies for an enhanced credit. Knowing how those rules work before applying can help prevent delays and make the monthly benefit easier to estimate.

OESP is a financial assistance program based on income, run by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) and overseen by the Ontario government. If you are approved, the credit will show up directly on your electricity bill instead of coming as a separate cheque or bank deposit.

The credit lowers the amount due after electricity, delivery, regulatory, tax, and other account charges have been calculated. It does not change the electricity rate or remove other bill components.

You do not have to change your utility, electricity retailer, or price plan to receive OESP.

Renters can qualify if they are the account holder and get their own electricity bill from a utility or unit sub-meter provider. If your electricity is included in your rent and you do not have a separate account, the credit cannot be applied.

Related: How to Read Your Ontario Electricity Bill

Eligibility mainly depends on two factors: how many people live in your household and your total annual after-tax income. For OESP purposes, a household includes the account holder and anyone else who lives at the service address for at least six months of the year.

OESP looks at your after-tax income, not your gross salary. Use the income details the program asks for, rather than guessing based on your pay stub. Be sure to count every person in your household, even if only one name is on the electricity account.

Your age does not affect whether you qualify. Younger adults, families, seniors, homeowners, and renters can all be eligible if their income and household size fit the program limits. However, age can affect how long your approval lasts. Most people are approved for two years, but if you are 65 or older or get a Canada Pension Plan disability pension, you may be approved for five years.

If you receive Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program benefits, you automatically meet the income requirement, but you still need to fill out the OESP application with your caseworker’s help. If your recent Canada Revenue Agency records do not match your current financial situation, you may need income verification help from a local intake agency.

OESP uses a sliding scale for credits. Currently, standard credits range from $35 to $75 per month, depending on your household size and total after-tax income.

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For example, a three-person household with a combined annual after-tax income of $45,000 falls into the $38,001 to $54,000 range. According to the standard table, this household could get a $45 monthly credit. If they qualify for the enhanced schedule, the credit could go up to $68 per month.1

Some households can receive higher credit, ranging from $52 to $113 per month. The enhanced schedule applies when a household includes an Indigenous person, uses electricity as its primary heating source, or relies on a qualifying electricity-intensive medical device.

Qualifying medical equipment includes items like at-home oxygen concentrators, mechanical ventilators, kidney dialysis machines, and other devices listed by the OEB. You will need to mention this on your application, and the program may ask for proof.

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Since eligibility rules and credit amounts can change, always use the official OESP self-assessment tool instead of relying on old bill inserts or saved tables.

Applying for the OESP is completely free and straightforward. While most people prefer to apply online, you can also fill out a paper application or get free, in-person guidance from a local intake agency.

To get started, you will need to gather a few key details. Make sure you have the full name and date of birth of every person in your household, as well as their Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) or temporary tax numbers for everyone 18 and older. To prevent delays, be sure to enter all names exactly as they are registered with the Canada Revenue Agency.

If you are applying for an enhanced credit, have details ready about electric heating, eligible medical equipment, or an Indigenous household member. Every adult whose income needs to be checked must give consent. The application cannot be processed until the required consent forms have been received.

• Check if you are eligible. Use the official OESP self-assessment tool to compare your household size and after-tax income with the current limits.
• Gather your account and household details. Keep a recent electricity bill handy and collect the needed information for everyone living in your home.
• Choose how to apply. You can apply online, mail in a paper form, or contact a local intake agency if you need help with income verification or the application.
• Make sure all consent forms are complete. Every adult (18 and older) in your household must provide consent for income verification.
• Review everything before you submit. Double-check names, dates of birth, account numbers, and signatures. Even small mistakes can delay the process.
• Keep your application reference information. You might need it to check your status, report changes, correct an error, or follow up if the credit does not show up as expected.

Applicants generally receive an eligibility response four to six weeks after a complete application and all required consent forms have been received and reviewed. If approved, the credit usually appears on the electricity bill in about six to eight weeks.

You might get your approval before the credit appears on your bill, since your utility or sub-meter provider needs time to update your account. Keep paying the amount on your bill while your application is being processed, or contact your billing provider if you have trouble making payments.

Most households only need to reapply when an approval period ends, rather than every year. The standard credit period lasts for two years. For seniors aged 65 or older and individuals receiving a Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability pension, approval typically extends to five years. Utility companies will send a reminder notice at least 60 days before it is time to renew.

If you move, change your utility account, or have a change in your income or family size, contact the OESP team. If you get an enhanced credit, also update them about any changes to electric heating or medical equipment. Moving to a new home does not automatically stop your benefit, but the team needs your new address to keep your savings going without interruption.

• Missing, mismatched, or outdated details are the main reasons applications get delayed. Double-checking your form before submitting is a quick way to make sure everything goes smoothly and avoid having it sent back for corrections.

• Using gross salary instead of after-tax income. OESP looks at your total annual after-tax household income, which might be different from what is shown on your pay stub or job offer.
• Leaving out a household member. Make sure to include everyone who lives at your address for at least six months of the year, even if their name is not on the bill.
• Missing adult consent. Income verification cannot be completed until every required adult has provided consent.
• Entering an old account number. Copy the number from a recent bill, especially after moving or changing billing providers.
• Waiting until approval expires. Start the renewal process early to avoid any gaps between your monthly credits.

OESP is one part of Ontario’s bill-assistance system. The Ontario Electricity Rebate is another program that gives a percentage-based credit automatically to eligible accounts. You can get both credits if you qualify for each program.

The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is for emergencies, not ongoing monthly credits. It can help if you are behind on your electricity bill or at risk of disconnection, with funds paid straight to your utility.

If you have an urgent payment problem, contact your electricity distributor right away instead of waiting for OESP processing. The Ontario Energy Board also regulates electricity and natural gas in the province.

For more on who controls supply rates, delivery, and service, read our guide to choosing an electricity provider in Ontario.

Did you know? Receiving OESP may also qualify you for additional low-income customer protections. Depending on your circumstances, your utility or unit sub-meter provider may waive a security deposit or give you more time to repay an overdue balance. 

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