Closed
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
Emergency help for low-income energy bills
Last Update: April 21, 2026
Funding available
$ 650 - $ 780
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides emergency financial help for low-income households behind on electricity or natural gas bills and facing disconnection. It supports emergency bill payments and low-income customer service rules through local intake agencies in Ontario.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 780 $
- Minimum amount : 650 $
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Emergency assistance for overdue electricity bills
- Emergency assistance for overdue natural gas bills
Documents Needed
- Identification
- Current electricity and gas bills
- Disconnection notice, if received
- Proof of household income
- Most recent bank statement
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Households behind on electricity bills
- Households behind on natural gas bills
- Low-income households in Ontario
Who is not eligible
- Households not facing disconnection risk
- Applicants outside Ontario intake agency coverage
Eligible expenses
- Electricity bill arrears
- Natural gas bill arrears
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Ongoing monthly bill assistance
- Amounts above the balance owed
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Household size
- Combined annual household after-tax income
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact an intake agency
- Find a local LEAP intake agency in Ontario.
- Arrange an interview if required.
- Step 2: Prepare documents
- Gather identification, bills, income proof, and other requested documents.
- Step 3: Submit through the intake agency
- Provide your information and documents to the intake agency.
- The agency reviews your eligibility and contacts your utility.
Processing and Agreement
- Application is reviewed by a local intake agency
- The agency checks eligibility and contacts the utility
- Disconnection or collection activity may be paused during review
- The utility is notified if the application is denied
Additional information
- Applications must go through a local intake agency in Ontario.
- The program is for emergency bill assistance only, not ongoing monthly support.
- Grants are paid directly to the utility, not to the applicant.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Program
What is the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)?
This program provides emergency financial help for low-income households behind on electricity or natural gas bills and facing disconnection. It supports emergency bill payments and low-income customer service rules through local intake agencies in Ontario.
How much funding can be received?
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) Funds up to $780 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) program?
To be eligible for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) program, you must:
Behind on energy bills
At risk of disconnection
Meets income limits
What expenses are eligible under Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)?
Emergency assistance for overdue electricity bills
Emergency assistance for overdue natural gas bills
Who can I contact for more information about the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)?
You can contact Ontario Energy Board (OEB) or by phone at 1-855-487-5327.
Where is the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) available?
The Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a Other Support