Low-Income Assistance Strategy Review

Case number
EB-2014-0227
Launched
Sector
Electricity
Natural Gas
Status
Archived
Details

On March 26, 2015, the Minister of Energy announced a proposed support program for low-income electricity consumers in Ontario. At the Minister’s request, (read letter dated April 23, 2014) the OEB provided recommendations on a program design that would offer ongoing, and on-bill, rate assistance and we are pleased that the Minister largely endorsed our plan. Dubbed the Ontario Electricity Support Program, or OESP, it’s one of several programs to help customers with limited financial resources.

The OEB consulted with social service agencies, utilities, low-income advocates, First Nations and Métis communities among others in the design of this new rate program. We also looked at programs in other jurisdictions and then provided our report with recommendations to the Minister (read the Minister’s response letter dated February 17, 2015).

See also: OESP Implementation

Reports
Report of the Board: Developing an Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
Issued
Updates
Updates
Date Issue / Document
March 26, 2015

The Minister of Energy today announced the Ontario Electricity Support Program.

OEB Materials:

Minister’s news release:

* IMPORTANT: The OEB had originally recommended the recovery of costs in the form of a fixed charge applied to low-volume customers, while other customers like businesses and manufacturers would pay a volumetric charge.

The Minister has directed the OEB to implement a fully volumetric charge applied at an equal rate to all rate classes.
November 14, 2014

The Board has received the following comments on the Development of an Ongoing, Ratepayer-Funded, Electricity Bill Assistance Program:
November 10, 2014

The Board has posted the transcript from the November 6, 2014 Stakeholder Forum.
November 5, 2014

The Board has posted materials for the Stakeholder Forum being held on November 6, 2014.
October 23, 2014

The Board has issued a letter announcing a Stakeholder Forum on November 6, 2014. Stakeholders are invited to provide their input about the development of a rate-payer funded bill assistance program for low income electricity customers, referred to as the ‘Ontario Electricity Support Program’.
Cost Award Matters
Cost Award Matters
Date Issue / Document
June 23, 2015

The OEB has issued a Supplementary Decision on Cost Eligibility.
March 20, 2015

The OEB has issued its decision and order on cost awards in relation to this consultation.
February 4, 2015

The OEB has issued a Notice of Hearing for Cost Awards.
November 25, 2014

The OEB has issued a Supplementary Decision on Cost Eligibility in relation to this consultation.
November 10, 2014

The OEB has received a late request for cost eligibility with respect to this consultation:
October 31, 2014

The OEB has issued its Decision on Cost Eligibility.
October 28, 2014

Requests for eligibility for cost awards.