Molly Ayala
The Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) is a program that offers a reduction on electricity bills for eligible consumers. Eligibility is based on metered usage, with consumers whose electricity demand is 50 kilowatts or less or whose annual electricity consumption is less than 250,000 kilowatt-hours automatically qualifying for the rebate. Additionally, the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides ongoing monthly credits for eligible consumers based on household size and income.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Annual electricity consumption | Less than 250,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) |
| Monthly electricity demand | 50 kilowatts (kW) or less |
| Account type | Residential, small business, farm, long-term care home, mobile home park, retirement residence |
| Multi-unit complexes | Must be predominantly residential (at least 50%) and contain at least two qualifying units |
| Income | Must meet certain levels to qualify for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) |
| Household size | Must meet certain levels to qualify for the OESP |
| Indigenous status | Indigenous customers or customers living with Indigenous family members may receive higher monthly credits |
| Medical needs | Customers using certain electricity-intensive medical devices may receive higher monthly credits |
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What You'll Learn
Residential and small business customers
Multi-unit complexes that are predominantly residential, such as condominiums and apartment buildings, are also eligible for the OER. However, they must complete and submit the OER Self-Declaration form to Hydro Ottawa to attest to their eligibility. For these residential customers, each unit must have an individual meter, and the resident's electricity bill must come from a company other than their utility provider, a Unit Sub-Meter Provider (USMP).
Additionally, as of July 1, 2022, the Ontario government expanded eligibility to include common areas in individually metered multi-unit complexes that contain at least 50% residential units, such as condominiums, and retirement residences that are not long-term care homes. To receive the OER, newly eligible consumers under the expanded criteria must submit the OER Self-Declaration Form to Hydro Ottawa.
It is important to note that eligibility for the OER is based on metered usage rather than adjusted usage. If you are eligible, the rebate will be applied automatically to your Hydro Ottawa bill each month. If you believe you qualify but are not receiving the rebate, you should contact Hydro Ottawa.
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Farms and long-term care homes
Farms that are eligible for the rebate include those that are registered under the Farm Registration and Farm Organizations Funding Act, 1993, and hold a valid registration number assigned under the Act. Additionally, large volume farm businesses that use more than 250,000 kWh of electricity are also eligible for the OER.
Long-term care homes that are licensed under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021, are eligible for the OER. This includes private, public, and non-profit long-term care homes in Ontario. Residents of these homes can enter the accommodation costs paid for their stay in a box on their tax forms to be eligible for the rebate.
It is important to note that eligible consumers will automatically receive the rebate, which will appear on their electricity bills as a separate line item. However, if you have an eligible account and are not receiving the rebate, you should contact your electricity provider.
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Mobile home parks
If you live in a mobile home park in Ontario, you may be eligible for the province's electricity rebate program. This program was introduced to offset the high cost of electricity in the province and provide relief to low- to middle-income families and individuals.
The rebate is available to all homeowners who pay electricity bills for their primary residence and meet the income eligibility criteria. This includes those living in mobile homes, which are considered a cost-effective and flexible housing option for many Ontarians. Mobile home parks are often communities with a mix of owned and rented mobile homes, and they can be found in rural and urban areas across the province.
To qualify for the rebate as a resident of a mobile home park, you must meet the following criteria:
- Primary Residence: The mobile home must be your primary residence, meaning you occupy it for at least nine months of the year. This is a key criterion, as the rebate is intended to support those facing high electricity costs in their everyday living situation.
- Income Eligibility: Your household income must fall within the specified low- to middle-income thresholds set by the Ontario government. These thresholds are adjusted annually and are based on total household income, including all sources of income for all occupants over the age of 18.
- Electricity Bill Payment: You must be responsible for paying the electricity bill for your mobile home. This means that the electricity account is in your name, and you can provide valid proof of payment upon request.
- Mobile Home Ownership: You must either own the mobile home or be a long-term tenant (typically defined as a tenancy of 12 months or more) to ensure stability and eligibility for the rebate over an extended period.
It is important to note that the specific eligibility criteria and application processes may vary, so it is always advisable to refer to the latest guidelines provided by the Ontario government or consult with your local electricity utility provider for detailed information specific to mobile home parks.
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Income eligibility thresholds
The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides an ongoing monthly credit directly to qualified consumers' electricity bills. The amount of the credit is based on household size and income. For example, a home with four people and an annual income of $65,000 will receive an on-bill credit of $40 each month. Customers may receive higher monthly credits of between $52 to $113 if they meet certain criteria, such as being Indigenous or living with Indigenous family members, or using certain electricity-intensive medical devices.
The OESP is available to people living in condominiums or apartments (multi-unit buildings and sometimes townhomes) where each unit has an individual meter and the resident's electricity bill comes from a company other than their utility, a Unit Sub-Meter Provider, or USMP.
Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program recipients automatically qualify for OESP and must contact their caseworker to apply.
In addition, if you qualify for OESP, you may also be eligible to apply for emergency financial assistance grants through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
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Low-income customers
Indigenous customers or customers living with Indigenous family members may receive higher monthly credits of between $52 to $113. Customers using certain electricity-intensive medical devices may also be eligible for higher credits.
Recipients of Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program automatically qualify for the OESP and must contact their caseworker to apply. The Ontario Energy Board administers the program, while the Ministry of Energy and Mines provides financial and program oversight.
If eligible for the OESP, low-income customers may also qualify for emergency financial assistance grants through the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP).
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Frequently asked questions
Low-volume consumers with a monthly electricity demand of 50 kilowatts or less or an annual consumption of less than 250,000 kilowatt-hours are automatically eligible for the OER. This includes residential and small business customers.
If you live in a predominantly residential multi-unit complex, such as a condominium or apartment building, you may still be eligible for the OER. However, you will need to complete and submit an OER Self-Declaration form to attest to your eligibility.
Yes, there is the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) which provides an ongoing monthly credit directly on qualified consumers' electricity bills. Eligibility is based on household size and income, and it is available to people living in condominiums, apartments, and sometimes townhomes.
