Lower hydro bills and more financial support for students has been announced in Ontario.
In January, students aged 13 to Grade 12 will be eligible for funding under the Support for Learners program. Parents will receive a one-time payment of $200.
The Ontario government will also hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate for all time-of-use and tiered customers starting January 1, 2021. This low rate will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for a 28-day period.
ADDITIONAL INFO ON SUPPORT FOR LEARNERS:
- Application instructions will be available on the Support for Learners web page starting in January 2021. Secondary school student applications will be open from January 11, 2021 to February 8, 2021.
- The application deadline for Support for Learners for children or youth aged 0 to 12 and for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs is being extended to February 8, 2021.
ADDITIONAL INFO ON LOWERED HYDRO BILLS:
- The province is also making it easier for families and businesses to get the support they need to help pay their energy bills through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).
- Any residential, small business, or registered charity customer with an overdue electricity or natural gas bill will now be eligible to apply.
- A residential customer can receive up to $750 to help cover their electricity bill and an additional $750 for their natural gas bill.
- Small businesses can receive up to $1500 for each. Newly eligible customers can apply for these enhanced benefits through their local utility, starting in January 2021.