Consumers and small businesses in Ontario affected by the pandemic won't have to worry about keeping the lights on.
The provincial government announced Monday afternoon that a total of $17 million will be placed into emergency assistance programs for both consumers with hydro debt, as well as small businesses having trouble with bill payments as a result of the pandemic. Also, the Ontario Energy Board has extended its winter disconnection ban until July 31, to ensure those having difficulty paying bills do not have their hydro or natural gas shut off for non-payment.
"Providing additional rate relief, flexibility and customer choice will help ensure everyone can recover from this extraordinary crisis and get back to a life that is as normal as possible," said Ford.
$9 million of that money will be placed into the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This program will provide one-time payments to consumers to help pay down any electricity bill debt incurred over the pandemic period. Applications will be available through local utilities in the months ahead.
The remaining $8 million will go to the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business, focusing on businesses looking for help in paying hydro bills.
"With the financial hardships faced by so many in our province as a result of COVID-19, those struggling to pay their electricity bills need support," said Bill Walker, associate Minister of Energy. "This program, in partnership with the Ontario Energy Board and local distribution companies, will support electricity consumers by keeping rates stable and affordable."
These programs are part of a $5.6 billion package throughout 2020-2021 designed to continue providing hydro cost relief, and cutting electricity costs for eligible consumers.
The government also announced over the weekend that the COVID-19 Rate Recovery Rate will be extended through October 31, in which time-of-use consumers will only pay 12.8 cents per kWh regardless of the time of day.
