Press Release
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 percent 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 still can 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,” said Finance minister Dwight Duncan.
“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,” he pledged.
“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 Northern Development, Mines and Forestry minister Michael Gravelle.
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 also are eligible.
