The United Way Bruce-Grey says ballooning fuel prices is hitting the region's low-income residents hard, as demand for their utility assistance program has more than tripled.
The organization provided $5,500 in utility support over January and February of last year, while over that same period in 2026, they awarded over $23,250 in grants.
United Way Bruce-Grey Executive Director, Francesca Dobbyn, said she noticed the sharp uptake in usage during budget season, prompting them to put out a call for support.
"I thought 'why is my budget so far out of whack' and it really came down to this one program," she said. 'It was like, wait a second, do we have to put the brakes on this? Do we have to put a limit on this? How are we going to fund this and where are the funds going to come from, as we're also seeing a drop in donations as people have less disposable income. It's a double whammy for us as an organization."
Since 2005, the United Way has been running its utility assistance program, in the form of a $700 grant for eligible low-income residents.
Dobbyn said they have no intention of losing the long-running program, as they want to ensure nobody goes cold in the winter. However, she noted that money doesn't go as far anymore, with the cost of furnace oil rising 43 per cent from the start of the year, from $1.60/litre in late January to $2.29 by mid-March.
Still, the demand has gone up drastically.
"More and more people are applying to the program than ever before," she said. "Our studies have shown people spend two to three years using the program and then their lives stabilise. What we could be seeing, and I haven't done a data dive on this, is people returning to the program, or more people sourcing the program because they're just in trouble."
Even as warm weather arrives, Dobbyn says some families are not out of the woods, as they may have fallen behind on hydro.
"We know we have the disconnection period coming to an end at the end of April, so we know people are going to be in crisis," said Dobbyn. "Often, they will take that electricity money and throw it at propane and furnace oil and come May 1, when the disconnection ban ends, they'll be looking at hundreds if not thousands of dollars in arrears on electricity."
Westario customers in Bruce County can also access support through their LEAP program. For the LEAP Program for Hydro One, Wyse Meters, and Enbridge Gas, call 1-855-487-5327.
Those that want to support the United Way and these crucial income assistance programs can donate by visiting their website.
