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Utility Support Programs
Bruce County is both the lead and intake agency for the Westario Power Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). The Westario Power LEAP helps low-income customers who need assistance with arrears owed to Westario Power.
The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides an on-bill reduction for eligible customers. The OESP was launched by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) in 2016.
Bruce County also offers assistance with utility arrears through their Housing Stability Fund.
Ontario Electricity Support Program
The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) launched the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) in January 2016. This program provides an on-bill reduction for eligible customers.
Electricity customers who have filed their income taxes can apply to the OESP online at OntarioElectricitySupport.ca. Customers will need a copy of their electricity bill, birthdates and
names of all residents in their home & social insurance numbers for members of their household over
16.
If a customer has not filed their income taxes in the last two years, if their situation has changed or they need help with their application they can contact one of the intake agencies in our
area.
Currently, the intake agencies in Bruce County are the :
YMCA of Owen Sound Grey Bruce-Housing Services
Hanover phone: 519-364-3163
Owen Sound phone: 519-371-9230
United Way of Bruce Grey
Phone: 800-794-1728
Wiarton Salvation Army
Phone: 519-534-0353
LEAP - Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
Bruce County is both the lead and intake agency for the Westario Power Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Emergency Financial Assistance (LEAP EFA) since 2016. The Westario Power LEAP EFA helps low-income customers who find themselves in need of assistance with arrears owed to Westario Power.
Westario Power customers can receive up to $500 in emergency assistance for electricity arrears (or up to $600 if your home is heated electrically). The assistance is only available if you are behind on your bill - or in arrears - and may face having your service shut off (disconnected). It is for emergency situations only and is not meant to provide you with ongoing help to pay your bills. You cannot receive more money than you owe on your bill.
In order to be eligible for the LEAP EFA grant, applicants must:
- be an existing customer of Westario Power or an existing customer of a unit sub-meter provider operating within the service area of the distributor;
- reside at the address for which there are arrears; and
- have an after-tax household income at or below the thresholds below:
- 1 - 2 person(s) less than $28,000
- 3 - 4 persons $28,001 - $39,000
- 5 - 6 persons $39,001 - $48,000
- 7 or more persons $48,001 - $52,000
You can fax, mail or drop off your application to:
Bruce County Human Services
Fax: 519-396-3499
Mail: P.O. Box 1450, Kincardine, ON N2Z 2Z4
Drop Off at your local Human Services office:
- 529 Gary Street, Kincardine
- 30 Park Street, Walkerton
- 1234 MacKenzie Road, Port Elgin
- 268 Berford Street, Wiarton
Please contact Bruce County Human Services at: 1-800-265-3005 with any questions.
Program guidelines as of January 1, 2017
Tania Dickson
Housing Services Manager
Department: Human Services
Tel : 1-877-396-3450
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