Updating the Income Eligibility Thresholds for the Ontario Electricity Support Program

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.