Ontario Home Owners Utilities Energy Grant

Ontario Homeowners Utilities Energy Grants: Help for Ontario Homeowners

With rising utility costs and unpredictable energy prices, many Ontario homeowners are searching for ways to manage their monthly energy bills. Fortunately, the provincial government and other organizations offer various Ontario Utilities programs and grants designed to provide financial assistance and help homeowners make their properties more energy-efficient. Whether you’re struggling to cover your monthly bills or want to invest in energy-saving improvements, these programs can offer some relief.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top utility and energy grants available to Ontario homeowners, helping you understand how to qualify and apply for these vital resources.

1. Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)

The Ontario Electricity Support Program provides a monthly on-bill credit to eligible low-income households to help reduce electricity costs. This program aims to make electricity more affordable for families who struggle to pay their utility bills.

How It Works:

• Monthly credits range from $35 to $75, depending on household income and the number of residents.
• Larger families and those with special medical needs may qualify for a higher credit.

Eligibility:

• The program is based on household income and size. For example, a household of four earning less than $52,000 annually could qualify.

How to Apply:

• You can apply for OESP online or through a local community agency that can assist with the application process.

2. Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) offers one-time emergency financial help to low-income families facing disconnection due to overdue electricity or natural gas bills. This grant can prevent households from losing access to utilities during tough times.

How It Works:

• Grants can cover up to $500 for electricity and natural gas bills or $600 if the home is heated electrically.
• It’s a one-time payment applied directly to the outstanding bill.

Eligibility:

• You must be a customer of a utility company that offers LEAP, and your household income must meet low-income thresholds.

How to Apply:

• Contact your utility company or a participating social service agency to apply. Ensure you apply before your electricity or gas is disconnected.

3. Home Assistance Program (HAP)

The Home Assistance Program is an energy-efficiency initiative that provides free home upgrades to low-income households to reduce energy consumption. These upgrades are designed to help homeowners lower their electricity bills by making their homes more energy-efficient.

What’s Included:

• Energy-efficient light bulbs
• Energy-efficient refrigerators and freezers
• Insulation and weather stripping
• Programmable thermostats

Eligibility:

• You must own your home or have the landlord’s approval to participate in the program. The program is available to low-income households based on income thresholds or if you receive certain government benefits.

How to Apply:

• Applications can be submitted through your electricity distributor.

4. Save on Energy Retrofit Program

The Save on Energy Retrofit Program provides incentives to homeowners who undertake energy-efficient home improvement projects. These grants encourage homeowners to invest in upgrades that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and save money in the long term.

Available Incentives:

• Up to $500 for upgrading your HVAC system.
• Up to $100 for smart thermostats.
• Additional rebates for insulation, windows, doors, and more.

Eligibility:

• Homeowners must install energy-efficient appliances or upgrades to qualify for incentives.

How to Apply:

• Visit the Save on Energy website for more details on specific rebates and participating contractors.

5. Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus

The Enbridge Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (formerly the Home Energy Conservation Program) offers rebates for homeowners who undertake multiple energy-efficient home improvements. The program encourages homeowners to make eco-friendly upgrades, such as installing new insulation, replacing old windows, or upgrading HVAC systems.

What’s Covered:

• Rebates range from $250 to $5,000 depending on the types of upgrades.
• A home energy audit is required before and after the upgrades to determine the efficiency improvements.

Eligibility:

• This program is open to Ontario homeowners with natural gas or electric heating. Specific rebate amounts depend on the types and combinations of energy-efficient upgrades completed.

How to Apply:

• Applications are processed through Enbridge Gas, and homeowners can book their energy audits through a registered service organization.

6. Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit

The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit helps low- and moderate-income households with their energy costs and property taxes. This annual credit is applied to reduce the amount of income tax payable.

How It Works:

• The maximum credit amount for 2024 is $1,121 for seniors and $1,092 for non-seniors.

Eligibility:

• Ontario residents who pay property tax or rent for their home may qualify. Your eligibility is determined when you file your income tax return.

How to Apply:

• You must apply for the credit when completing your annual tax return. It will automatically be applied to eligible households.

7. Canada Greener Homes Grant

While not an Ontario-specific grant, the Canada Greener Homes Grant is available to Ontario homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. This federal program provides funding for energy-efficient upgrades that reduce your home’s carbon footprint and lower your energy bills.

Available Grants:

• Up to $5,000 in grants to help you make energy-efficient home improvements, including insulation, air sealing, windows, doors, and solar panels.
• Up to $600 to cover the cost of a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide home evaluation.

Eligibility:

• Homeowners must complete an energy audit before and after the upgrades to qualify for the grant.

How to Apply:

• Applications are submitted through the Canada Greener Homes Grant website, where you can also schedule an EnerGuide evaluation.

Conclusion – Ontario Utilities Grants

As energy costs continue to rise, it’s important for Ontario homeowners to take advantage of the many grants and programs available to help manage utility expenses. Whether you’re in need of emergency financial assistance or looking to invest in energy-efficient upgrades, these programs offer the support needed to keep your home energy-efficient and your utility bills manageable.

By exploring these options and making informed decisions, Ontario homeowners can reduce energy costs, contribute to a greener environment, and improve their home’s overall comfort and value.

For more information on available programs, be sure to visit the official websites or contact your local utility provider to learn about specific eligibility requirements and application processes.

Help for Ontario Home Buyers – Important Links

Despite the pandemic, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) continued to promote the importance of  housing in Ontario to the government in 2020.  Our goal was to provide support to Ontario Home Buyers and also the Ontario First-Time Home Buyers looking to get into the market for 2021/2022. As a result, the following is a summary of some advocacy wins for REALTORS^® and their clients.

• the Ontario Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) is a program that allows Ontario Home Buyers to withdraw up to $35,000 in a calendar year from your registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) to buy or build a qualifying home for yourself or for a related person with a disability.
• the Home Buyers’ Amount (Home buyers’ tax credit) offers a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired during the year. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief.
• the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive offers eligible first-time home buyers 5 or 10% of a qualifying home’s purchase price to put toward a down payment through a shared equity mortgage with the Government of Canada.
• the GST/HST new housing rebate allows an individual to recover some of the GST or the federal part of the HST paid for a new or substantially renovated house that is for use as the individual’s, or their relation’s, primary place of residence.