When a building moves to submetering, many residents love the fairness. A smaller group worries about affordability, especially if they are already stretched. Ontario has targeted bill assistance programs for exactly this situation.
OESP is a monthly on-bill credit for eligible low-income households. If approved, the credit is applied directly to the household's electricity bill each month, reducing the amount they have to pay.
Credits vary by household income and household size. The OEB also notes that customers may receive higher monthly credits between $52 and $113 based on certain eligibility categories.
To apply, residents gather basic information (income, household size, and bill or account information), then apply through the official OESP channel at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca. Once approved, the credit is applied automatically.
Property managers and boards do not need to manage applications, but can remove friction: include an OESP one-pager in every submetering welcome package, post OESP information in the lobby during go-live months, and train staff on one simple line about how to apply.
OESP is monthly support. LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program) is emergency assistance that can help eligible customers who are behind on bills. It is helpful to mention both programs in building communications.