The Province has announced $17 million in funding to help residents and businesses pay their electricity bill debt.
Today Premier Doug Ford said the $9 million Covid-19 Energy Assistance Program will make one-time payments to customers who apply for help to pay down electricity bill debt incurred throughout Covid-19.
“Right now, every dollar counts and these hydro relief measures are just another way we’re working to support you during this time,” said Ford.
Customers who need the assistance in this area can apply through their local utilities in the coming months.
As well, $8 million has been announced to help businesses do the same.
And, the Province is extending the Ontario Energy Board’s winter disconnection ban until July 31st to make sure no one is disconnected from their natural gas or electricity services during this difficult time.
This is in addition to the already-announced suspension of time-of-use electricity rates.
Starting today (June 1st), customers will be billed based on a new fixed Covid-19 Recovery Rate of 12.8 cents per kilowatt hour.
https://twitter.com/fordnation/status/1267533040416423943
Ontario is launching a suite of initiatives to support electricity consumers as the province recovers from the #COVID19 outbreak. Learn more: https://t.co/0qJ2Hiw3Tw #COVID19ON #COVID2019 #CANADACOVID19 @OntEnergyBoard @EDA_ONT @ONgov pic.twitter.com/ZdsJ00avyo
— Ontario Energy and Mines (@ONenergy) June 1, 2020
To watch Premier Doug Ford’s full June 1st address, see below.
https://www.facebook.com/FordNationDougFord/videos/245026873437691/