Applications out for new energy credit

Press Release

It now only takes a few, simple steps for low- to middle-income residents in the Thunder Bay area to apply for the new, permanent Northern Ontario Energy Credit.
The new energy credit provides up to $130 for eligible single people and up to $200 for eligible families, including single parents.
Applications are available online, at any ServiceOntario location in Northern Ontario, or by calling 1-866-305-1954.
This is part of the province’s “Open Ontario” plan to help strengthen the northern economy, and create jobs and opportunities in Northern Ontario.
“As chair of Northern Caucus, I was very pleased with the introduction of this energy credit for people living in the north,” said Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro.
“Low- to middle-income individuals should ensure they apply for the financial assistance available to them,” he noted.
“I am very pleased that our government is providing a tax credit to northern families and individuals to help them with their higher energy costs during in the north,” echoed Northern Development, Mines and Forestry minister Michael Gravelle.
Northerners only need to apply for the credit once. It will be automatically reimbursed each subsequent tax year.
The final deadline to apply for the 2010 credit is June 30, 2011.
This new, permanent energy credit is for residents who pay rent or property tax, and meet income criteria.
The 10 eligible Northern Ontario districts are Algoma, Cochrane, Kenora, Manitoulin, Nipissing, Parry Sound, Rainy River, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timiskaming.