COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program
For Residential Customers
For Residential Customers
On June 1, 2020, the Government of Ontario confirmed that it is making $9 million available for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), to support residential customers struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of the COVID-19 emergency.
CEAP provides a one time, on-bill credit to eligible residential electricity and natural gas customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments. The program is being delivered by electricity distributors, gas distributors and unit sub-meter providers (USMPs), in accordance with rules laid out by the OEB. The program launched on July 13, 2020.
Note: You must apply through your utility or USMP.
For further details, including eligibility requirements and credit amounts, visit www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/covid-19-energy-assistance-programs
Residential electricity and natural gas customers are eligible for CEAP if they meet all the following criteria:
The customer is required to confirm that this is the case on their CEAP application form.
CEAP funding is limited, and utilities and USMPs are expected to process applications in the order in which they are received. Submitting an application for CEAP to your utility or USMP does not guarantee funding.
Electricity Customers
Eligible electricity customers may qualify for a one-time CEAP credit for half of the electricity charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP, up to a maximum of $115.
The CEAP credit can be higher for eligible electricity customers if
In that case, they may qualify for a one-time CEAP credit for half of the electricity charges that are overdue on the date of their application, up to a maximum of $230. The CEAP application form requires that customers confirm whether they meet either of these two conditions.
Natural Gas Customers
The maximum CEAP credit for eligible natural gas customers depends on where they live:
You must apply through your utility or USMP. Contact us directly about ways to apply.
Utilities and USMPs are expected to process complete applications within 10 business days of receipt.
CEAP funding is limited, and utilities and USMPs are expected to process applications in the order in which they are received. Submitting an application for CEAP to your utility or USMP does not guarantee funding.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) Application Forms:
Click the application form link below, and select “Save page as” to save to your computer. The application form must be submitted to your utility or USMP, and not to the OEB. Contact your utility or USMP to find out what options are available for submitting the application form.
Can customers apply for CEAP to help with both their electricity and natural gas bills?
Yes, but customers can only receive a CEAP credit once for electricity and once for natural gas.
Is there a deadline to apply for CEAP?
No, but funding for the program is limited. Utilities and USMPs are expected to process applications in the order in which they are received. CEAP funding is not guaranteed even after a complete application has been submitted.
The government is making $9 million available for CEAP to support residential energy customers. Each utility and USMP has been allocated a share of that amount, based on how many residential customers they have. Your utility or USMP will stop accepting applications and providing CEAP credits once their allocated share of CEAP funding has run out.
When will I see the credit on my bill?
Utilities and USMPs are expected to process complete CEAP applications within 10 business days of receipt.
If your utility or USMP has CEAP funds remaining, the credit will be applied to the next available bill issued to you after your CEAP application has been assessed as complete by your utility or USMP.
Why doesn’t the bill credit amount cover the full amount of my arrears?
The on-bill CEAP credit covers half of the charges that are past due, up to a pre-set maximum amount. Setting the level of support for individual customers in this way will assist in achieving the government’s objective of making CEAP available to help the most people affected financially by the COVID-19 emergency. For the same reason, CEAP funding will be available only once per customer for each of their electricity and natural gas bills.
How do I apply for the CEAP Small Business program?
The Government of Ontario announced that it is also providing $8 million to help small business customers that are struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. The program will launch on August 31, 2020. More information about eligibility and how to apply will be made available shortly.
*NOTE: If you do not get a live agent, please leave a voice message and someone will return your call within one business day.