Utility Assistance Program

The United Way of Bruce Grey’s Utility Assistance Program provides grants, of up to $500 or $700 per funding source or utility, to low-income residents.  The accounts need to be in arrears or are at risk of disconnection, or are already disconnected. Full details on how each individual program works is below.

To apply:

  • call 211 for furnace oil, propane, or cordwood
  • call 1-855-487-5327 for the LEAP Program for Hydro One, Wyse Meters (other apartment metering companies), and Enbridge Gas

Westario customers looking for assistance regarding their Westario arrears can do the following,

  • Contact Bruce County directly – 1-800-265-3022
  • Fax or drop off an application (Bruce County Human Services, P.O. Box 399, 30 Park St Walkerton ON N0G 2V0)
  • Fax: 519-881-4324
  • Westario application is on the Bruce County website
  • You must be in the arrears (not to be used as a budgeting tool)

Applicants must meet strict income guidelines to be eligible for this program.  The United Way has also implemented a policy that, when possible, applicants receive financial literacy counseling to address other issues that may present during the application process.  This ensures that basic needs are addressed rather than outstanding issues with consumer debt etc.  It is hoped that the one time help will provide the clients with the ability to maintain their utility needs moving forward.

Income and other parameters for subsections of this program are set by the Ontario Energy Board and can be viewed on their website.

Community Supports and Programs

211 is a terrific resource for finding programs in our community to help with the day to day challenges.

However, just to lend a little insight into what you might be missing, here is a start on some of the more vital and most used programs in Grey Bruce.

MOST OF THESE PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLY TO HOUSEHOLDS WITHIN THE LOW INCOME CRITERIA.

This guide is packed with local resources that can help—whether it’s catching up on bills, fixing up your home, or getting back on your feet. Call 2-1-1 or reach out to any of the amazing programs listed here.

Beware of energy scams

There are a growing number of scams aimed at energy consumers. The OEB and OESP are not affiliated with any private energy services companies. They do not deliver heating, cooling or any other home energy services.

No home energy assessment, audit, inspection or home visit is required to apply for the OESP.

Utility Assistance

Electricity Help

  • Westario Power:
    • Up to $650 if you heat with Enbridge Gas, propane, or oil
    • Up to $780 if you heat with electricity
    • Available once every 12 months
    • Start with Bruce County Housing: 1-800-265-3022
  • LEAP – Low Energy Assistance Program (Hydro One or any other electricity company BUT Westario):
    • One-time support per calendar year (January–December)
    • $650 if you heat with gas, propane, or oil
    • $780 if you heat with electricity
    • Call 1-855-487-5327 to register
  • Ontario Energy Support Program (OESP):
    • Ongoing monthly credit starting at $45 for eligible low-income households
    • Apply online at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca
    • Or call United Way of Bruce Grey: 519-376-1560 for help with the application if taxes not filed, or income has changed since tax filing

Natural Gas Help

  • LEAP (Enbridge):
    • Up to $650 per year to help with your Enbridge gas bill
    • Call 1-855-487-5327 to apply

United Way Utility Assistance

  • Up to $700 for heating assistance (wood, oil, propane)
    • Available once per calendar year (July–June)
    • Apply by calling 2-1-1

Home Energy & Repairs

  • SaveOnEnergy:
    • Offers programs: Energy Affordability, Winterproofing, and Greener Homes Grant
    • No-cost Heat Pump switch from oil furnaces or electric heat for income-qualifying households
    • Visit https://www.saveonenergy.ca/ or call 1-844-770-3148
  • Enbridge Home Winterproofing Program:

Home Repairs & Accessibility

Housing Stability Grants

  • Grey County SHB: Helps with rent, utility arrears, last month’s rent, and crisis repairs
    • Call 519-376-5744
  • Bruce County Housing Fund: Helps with rent and utility arrears
    • Call 1-800-265-3022

Financial Help & Legal Support

United Way Financial Literacy

  • Free, confidential help with budgeting, credit, referrals
    • Call or text Caroline: 519-378-4773
    • Email: advice@unitedwaybg.com

Free Income Tax Clinics

  • File taxes for free and access additional benefits
    • Call 2-1-1 to find a clinic near you

Grey Bruce Legal Clinic

  • Free legal services for low-income residents (housing, family, criminal law, and more)
    • Call: 519-370-2200 or 1-877-832-1435

Backpacks: A fully loaded backpack for September.  Be sure to register first by calling 211 between June 15th and the last Friday of August.

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Reports and History

High-med-low density Hydro One data Dec 2017 YTD

Bruce Grey Utility Assistance report – 2015-2016 (web)

2014 – 2015 UWBG Utility Program Report

2014 UWBG utility report

Utility Report 2013