Winter is getting here, and for many households, that means relying on the winter disconnection ban to keep the lights and heat on. That ban is an important protection — but it’s not a free pass.

Even though utility providers can’t disconnect most electrical or natural gas services due to nonpayment during the ban, the bills do keep accumulating. When the ban lifts in spring, many households could face a large bill — one that’s hard to manage all at once, and one too large for social programs to pay off.

So today, let’s talk about what you can do right now to help your future self.

This is really important if you are being billed by a “suite meter” company. They are NOT under the disconnection ban. In our region, if you are not with Hydro One or Westario Power, you are most likely with a suite meter company.

Tips and Tricks

Apply for the OESP

The OESP is a monthly rebate for your electricity bill, regardless of supplier. It is based on income and if your taxes are up-to-date and your income is within the guidelines you can do the application yourself www.ontarioelectricitysupport.ca If you income has changed since you filed your taxes and you NOW qualify, call 211 to find an agency near you who can help you make an application with your current income.

Use equal billing
Equalizing payments helps you know what your bill is going to be. You don’t get those huge January and February bills, it’s always the same.  

Avoids extra fees and interest
If you are already carrying a balance, chip away at what you owe. Rather than facing a steep lump sum, you’ll enter spring with less to worry about. Some utilities may add late fees or interest charges on unpaid balances. Paying now can reduce or prevent some of those costs.

Go pay direct for Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program

If you are in rent-geared to income and you haven’t maxed out your shelter allowance, ask your worker to direct pay the utility companies with the balance of your shelter allowance.

Keeps your options open
If you reach out to your utility provider early, you may qualify for payment plans or assistance programs. Being proactive gives you more room to negotiate. Ghosting them just makes it worse.

Less stress later
Having a smaller balance in spring means fewer sleepless nights, and more flexibility to budget and recover.

Postal strike? Pay at the bank (or electronically)

With the postal strike affecting mail delivery, relying on the post to deliver your payment is risky. A delayed cheque or envelope might mean your payment arrives late — or not at all.

Here are some alternatives:

Call the utility – find out what you owe each month, or use the equal billing and just keep paying

If you use email – sign up for e-billing. You do not HAVE to, they may say it’s mandatory, it’s not. We do encounter people who have an email, but they don’t use it and don’t know how to log-on to their utility account. Library staff are great for walking through the ‘how to’ of it all

Pay in person at your bank — most banks allow you to make utility payments at a teller.

Use online banking or your bank’s bill-payment options — many utility providers are listed as payees.

Set up pre-authorized payments (if offered) — this automates what you can afford each month. These are payments YOU make, don’t let the utility TAKE funds out of your account, you pay them.

Confirm receipt with your utility provider — once paid give it a week, make sure it’s been applied to your account.

These routes bypass postal delays altogether, giving you peace of mind that your payment gets where it needs to go.

Tips to make “pay-what-you-can” work

• Sit down and review your budget. Even $20 or $30 per week adds up over the season.
• Prioritize essential bills (heat, hydro) first.
• Contact your utility provider or the United Way’s Financial Literacy Program early if you’re struggling.
• Call 211 to find ALL the programs that might be able to help.
• Make a habit: set a calendar reminder each payday to consider what extra you can send.
• Monitor your account regularly — keeping an eye on your balance helps you adjust your payments.

You’re not alone — and help is available

We understand that many households are under pressure. What matters is taking small, deliberate steps now. Paying what you can, using secure payment channels, and reaching out for support can prevent a crisis when warmer weather arrives.

If you’d like help assessing your budget, exploring assistance options, or setting up a repayment plan, the United Way Bruce Grey Financial Literacy Program is here to help. Call us or email to set up a free consultation.

Let’s face winter head-on — wisely, intentionally, and with support.

Stay warm. Stay steady.

United Way Bruce Grey
#FinancialFridays