Utility Bill Help

If you are behind on utility bills or need ongoing financial assistance to make hydro affordable, there are several programs you can apply for. These grants or reductions on your bill can alleviate stress, prevent disconnection, and even prevent the loss of a home. 

Did you know? Heat and hydro are the second biggest expenses for households, after rent.

Ongoing reduction on your hydro bill - Ontario Electricity Support Program
If you are a customer of a utility and live in a lower-income home, you may qualify for an ongoing reduction on your electricity bill. Speak to your Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program caseworker to apply for the Ontario Electricity Support Program.
Financial Assistance for Gas/Heating Bill - Low Income Energy Assistance Program

If you are a Union Gas or Enbridge Gas customer and you have received a disconnection notice, you may be eligible for a one-time grant through the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Call 1-855-487-5327 to apply. If you are a Kitchener Utilities customer, please call 519-883-2100 for assistance.  
Financial Assistance for Electricity Bill - Waterloo Region Energy Assistance Program and the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)

Funding provided through Ontario Works and by local utilities through the low-income energy assistance program (LEAP) – Waterloo North Hydro, Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro, and Energy Plus. If you are behind on electricity bills and you receive social assistance or live in a low-income home, you may qualify for a one-time grant through the Waterloo Region Energy Assistance Program (WREAP).

Who is eligible

You may be eligible if you receive social assistance or live in a low-income home and your total household income (after tax) is:

  • Less than $28,000
  • $28,001 to $39,000 if three or more people live in the household
  • $39,001 to $48,000 if five or more people live in the household
  • $48,001 to 52,000 if seven or more people live in the household

Before applying for WREAP, you will need to talk to your utility provider about a payment plan for your bill.

How to apply

Call 519-883-2100 and select option 1 or you can drop in to one of our offices at 20 Weber St. E., Kitchener, 99 Regina St. S., Waterloo, or 150 Main St. in Cambridge. Our offices are open between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. We ask that you try to have one or two of these documents with you when you call:

  • Social insurance number (SIN)
  • Health card number
  • Banking information
  • Information on assets and income
  • Rent or mortgage amount

If you don't have a health card or SIN, there are Outreach Services that can help you get one.

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