Utilities Kingston details Energy Assistance Program available to avoid disruptions
CEAP – the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program – is being delivered across Ontario by natural gas and electrical utilities. This program is funded by the Government of Ontario and provides a one-time, on-bill credit to eligible residential electricity and natural gas customers who have experienced hardships as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible residential electricity customers may qualify for a one-time CEAP credit for half of the electricity charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP, up to a maximum of $115. The credit can be higher under special circumstances.
Eligible residential natural gas customers may qualify for a one-time CEAP credit for half of the natural gas charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP, up to a maximum of $160.
“We understand that this has been a very difficult time for our community. For customers who are struggling to pay their bills due to the pandemic, we encourage you to apply to the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program,” says Jim Keech, President and CEO of Utilities Kingston. “The program is intended to help you catch up on energy bills and resume regular payments. We really want to get these funds into the hands of our customers who need them most.”
Residents are urged to apply to the correct utility provider for relief:
Utilities Kingston electricity and gas customers can learn more and apply at UtilitiesKingston.com.
Hydro One electricity customers can learn more and apply at HydroOne.com.
Enbridge gas customers can learn more and apply at EnbridgeGas.com.
Funding for this program is limited and applications will be processed in the order received. Available credit will be applied to the resident’s next bill.
Utilities Kingston natural gas and electricity customers can apply online at https://UtilitiesKingston.com/Accounts/CEAP.
For more details about benefit amounts and eligibility criteria, and for answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Ontario Energy Board website at https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/covid-19-energy-assistance-program-ceap.
Help for small businesses:
The Government of Ontario is currently developing CEAB for Small Businesses. This program will provide on-bill assistance to small businesses and charitable organizations that are struggling to pay their energy bills because of COVID-19. The Province has suggested this program will be available in August.
Utilities Kingston extended the winter ban on utility disconnections for non-payment of all residential and small business customers to Friday, Jul. 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As this date nears, Utilities Kingston reminds customers of the support available during this difficult time and help avoid a potential disruption in service.
Customers who are struggling to pay their bills are encouraged to contact Utilities Kingston before Friday. Call 613-546-1181, ext. 2278, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to access assistance programs and avoid service disruptions.
Other programs available:
A number of special programs are available in Ontario to help low-income energy consumers. Visit our previous coverage of assistance programs available to Kingston residents here: https://www.kingstonist.com/news/utilities-kingston-financial-assistance-programs/