There is still time to get help with electricity costs

News Release
Ont. Govt.

Earlier this year, the Ontario government implemented a permanent Northern Ontario Energy Credit to help eligible low- to middle-income northerners with their household costs, as part of the Open Ontario Plan.
The credit provides up to $130 for a single person and up to $200 per family. This is in addition to the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit, which provides 10 per cent off electricity bills.
For 2010, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit is being delivered in two instalments - in November 2010 and February 2011. Northerners who have not yet applied can still benefit by picking up an application form at their nearest ServiceOntario location or by downloading it online. The deadline to apply for both instalments of the 2010 credit is June 30, 2011.
Through this credit, more than half of all northerners are eligible for relief, making it a little easier during the harsh winter months.
“Our government recognizes that people living in the north tend to pay more for energy. That’s why we have found a way to help more than a quarter of a million people. The Northern Ontario Energy Credit could provide about $35 million in assistance in 2010 to all those who are eligible. We will continue to provide support for the people and the economy in northern Ontario," said Dwight Duncan, Minister of Finance.
“As we head into the coldest months, I encourage northerners to check whether they’re eligible for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit and send in their application before the deadline," said Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry

QUICK FACTS
The credit will provide northern residents with about $110 million in energy credits over the next three years.
The credit is available to eligible residents of the districts of Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Timiskaming.
People living on northern reserves who pay residential energy costs are also eligible.
Ninety-five per cent of Ontarians are within 10 kilometres of an integrated ServiceOntario location, where they can access driver and vehicle, health card, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit and other services under one roof.