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Ontario Launches New Affordability Fund to Support Energy Efficient Home Upgrades

Oct 25, 2017 @ 15:40

Ontario is launching a new program to help people improve the energy efficiency of their homes, while reducing their electricity bills and carbon footprints.

Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy, was joined by Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale in Hamilton today to launch the Affordability Fund. Part of the province’s Fair Hydro Plan, the new $100 million fund will support the free installation of energy-saving LED light bulbs, power bars, improved insulation and energy-efficient air conditioners and refrigerators. The program is designed to help people who do not qualify for low-income conservation programs and who are unable to undertake energy efficiency improvements without support.

Electricity bill savings for households participating in the program will depend on the types of measures installed. For example, a home energy kit with two LED light bulbs and a power bar can help a household save about $10 on their annual electricity costs, while an energy efficient refrigerator can help save about $90 in annual electricity costs.

Visit the Affordability Fund website to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Lowering electricity bills and making life more affordable is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.

QUICK FACTS

  • Whether a customer rents or owns, or lives in a house or apartment, they may qualify. The different levels of support through the fund are based on people’s total household income and average electricity bill.
  • The Affordability Fund is administered by an independent trust, which includes representation from electricity distributors and community organizations.
  • As of July 1, 2017, Ontario’s Fair Hydro Plan reduced electricity bills by 25 percent on average for all residential consumers and as many as half a million small businesses and farms across the province. As part of the plan, any increases to bills will be held to the rate of inflation for four years.
  • Through the province’s Fair Hydro Plan, the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) was expanded, providing 50 percent more support in the form of monthly credits for people with low incomes and increasing eligibility.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

QUOTES

“In addition to cutting residential hydro bills by 25 percent on average through the Fair Hydro Plan, we are delivering, even more, savings to Ontario families through the Affordability Fund. By providing electricity customers with tools to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, we’re helping reduce pressure on their pocketbooks and protecting the environment.” — Glenn Thibeault, Minister of Energy

“This program is welcome news for electricity consumers in Hamilton who need extra help with their electricity bills. I’m pleased that our government is taking action to support those that don’t have the means to pay for these household upgrades.” — Ted McMeekin, MPP for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale

“Alectra Utilities welcomes the implementation of programs that help our customers become more energy efficient, reduce their bills and their carbon footprint. The Affordability Fund aligns perfectly with our corporate values and our ongoing commitment to help our customers better manage their electricity costs. We commend the Ontario government for bringing forward this initiative.” — Brian Bentz, President, and CEO, Alectra Inc.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased that the Affordability Fund is now operational and we are ready to assist individuals and families needing help with their electricity bills. We are looking forward to continuing to raise awareness about the Affordability Fund to reach people in need of assistance in order to improve their overall well-being.” — Michael Allen, Chair, Board of Trustees, Affordability Fund Trust

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