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Are you having trouble fitting your electricity bills into your monthly budget? Many homes are stressing about higher electricity or natural gas bills, and you may need to put some thoughtful strategies into place to restore your financial security.
In this short guide, you’ll learn what to do if you can’t afford your electric bill. You’ll learn about some of the programs in Canada that may be able to help you, and how you may be able to find relief with different payment options.
If you can’t afford your electric bill, you need to take action immediately. A lot of solutions are possible and you want to try them before you get a disconnection notice.
No matter which province you live in, your best first move is to contact your provider. Nearly every power utility company in Canada has policies for customers who are struggling with their bills.
The best way to learn about any of the options is to contact the company directly. When you contact your electric company, you should ask about all of the following options:
Your utility may allow you to defer a payment. That means delaying the payment date to a later date. This does not reduce the amount you owe at all, but it can be helpful if you’ll have the funds you need later in the month.
Remember that this is not a permanent solution for the amount you owe. Deferred amounts or payment extensions often continue to accrue standard late fees or interest.
You can often set up a payment arrangement or arrears plan by contacting your specific provincial or local power utility provider in Canada before a service disconnection occurs.
An arrangement usually takes the form of an agreement between you and the power company to settle the debt over a certain time period.
Some utilities offer special programs designed to meet the community's affordability needs. To qualify for these programs, you may need to meet certain conditions (for example, age or household income).
If your provider does not want to work with you, you may be eligible for provincial programs that can help you. Next, you’ll learn about some of the ones that may help you.
Yes, Canada has programs that may help you, but there isn’t a national program that targets power bills. Instead, a range of financial assistance programs are administered at the provincial level. Here are some resources you may be able to use depending on your province.
Under Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) rules, disconnections are restricted during severe winter conditions or extreme cold.
Apply for emergency financial benefits with Alberta Supports if disconnection is pending within five days by calling 1-877-644-9992.
Find more resources through the Winter Utility Reconnection Program.
The Customer Crisis Fund is a program that provides support to residential customers facing disconnection of their BC Hydro service, even after attempting to make payments.
If you want to cut your energy costs over time, Efficiency Manitoba offers free or subsidized home energy upgrades for qualifying low-income households.
The New Brunswick Department of Social Development offers up to $550 CAD once per calendar year for eligible households facing heating emergencies (call 1-833-733-7835). Eligible low-income seniors can receive an annual benefit of $400 CAD.
Residents receiving provincial assistance can consult a Client Service Officer for help managing utility bills or arranging direct payment redirection.
Call 211 Nova Scotia for an initial eligibility screening to get matched funding grants applied to your bill.
The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) provides an ongoing monthly credit directly on your bill based on household size and income.
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) offers emergency grants up to $650 ($780 for electrically heated homes) if you are behind on bills.
Home Energy Low-income Program (HELP), which provides free home weatherization, including the installation of caulking, weatherstripping, and other air-sealing measures; a free programmable thermostat; a low-flow showerhead; LED light bulbs; and a voucher for furnace cleaning.
ACEF (Association coopérative d'économie familiale) offers budget and debt mediation services.
Reach out to provincial support programs, such as Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS), via 211 Saskatchewan for utility benefit allocations. Dial 211 to connect with local charities or community groups offering emergency financial relief.
Now you understand that you have some options if you’re struggling to afford your electric bill. You know about some of the steps you can take, and some of the government programs that can help. You also have some advice on how to stop a potential shutoff.
Do you need short-term loan options to help cover late electric bills? Personal loans can help you get the breathing room you need. Check out the assortment of personal loans available from My Canada Payday today.