Updating the Income Eligibility Thresholds for the Ontario Electricity Support Program

ERO number
019-7948
Notice type
Bulletin
Act
Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998
Posted by
Ministry of Energy
Bulletin posted
Last updated

This notice is for informational purposes only. There is no requirement to consult on this initiative on the Environmental Registry of Ontario. Learn more about the types of notices on the registry.

Bulletin summary

The Ministry of Energy amended Schedule 1 of O. Reg. 14/18 (Ontario Electricity Support Program) made under the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, to update the income eligibility thresholds for the Ontario Electricity Support Program from the 2010 Low Income Measures to the 2020 Low Income Measures.

Why consultation isn't required

The updates to Schedule 1 of O. Reg. 14/18 expand access to the program for lower-income households. The regulatory amendment does not otherwise change the operation of the Ontario Electricity Support Program. The regulatory amendment will not have a significant environmental impact.

The Ministry of Energy was not required to post on the Environmental Registry for the regulatory amendment. Additionally, the Ministry was exempted from posting on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry (RRO). However, a decision on the Ontario Electricity Support Program amendment will be posted on the RRO.

Bulletin details

The Ministry of Energy has amended Schedule 1 of O. Reg. 14/18 to update the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) income eligibility thresholds from the 2010 Low-Income Measures (LIM) to the 2020 LIM. LIM is a widely used and internationally recognized measure of poverty which defines low income as being below 50% of median household income in a given year and adjusted to household size.

Income eligibility thresholds for the OESP are set out in Schedule 1 of O. Reg. 14/18 and had not been updated since the program commenced in 2016.

The amendment better aligns program income requirements with current economic conditions and will ensure that OESP continues to be available to help low-income households manage their electricity costs.

Background on the program

The OESP is a government funded program administered by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Funding is provided by the provincial tax base. The program provides predetermined credits directly on the bills of eligible lower-income customers. The OESP focuses on helping reduce the impact of energy costs for lower-income households. It allows recipients to better manage their bills and minimizes undesirable outcomes, such as service disconnection.

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Ministry of Energy
Address

77 Grenville Street, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2C1
Canada

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Erin Mills

Email address
Office
Ministry of Energy
Address

77 Grenville Street, 6th Floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2C1
Canada

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