Ontario’s Fair Hydro Plan

In a province-wide effort to help reduce your electricity bill, the Ontario government has initiated a program to support a variety of energy efficiency upgrades. The aim is to assist homeowners in improving home energy efficiency, thus reducing electricity bills, and reducing personal carbon footprints. Simply put, a more energy efficient home will help to reduce your electricity bill.

Ontario’s Fair Hydro Plan is an “affordability fund” that helps residential homeowners to reduce energy consumption by providing free energy-saving components – such things as LED lights; energy-saving power bars; improved home insulation; and high efficiency appliances. Reducing energy consumption will reduce your electricity bill substantially, and almost immediately.

For many, reduced electricity bills make life more affordable

The Fair Hydro Plan helps Ontario residents who are unable to make energy efficiency upgrades without some financial support. And while every energy upgrade will make a difference, the cost savings over the year will clearly depend on the type of improvements made. Needless to say, the more extensive the upgrade, the more you can reduce your electricity bill.

The fact is, everyone can reduce energy consumption and therefore reduce their electricity costs. The “affordability fund” simply encourages more participation. By example, a few LED light bulbs and one or two energy saving power bars will measurably reduce electricity use. On a big scale, an ENERGY STAR® fridge can save $100 every year on your electricity bill.

Eligibility for free energy efficiency upgrades

For some, the cost of energy-saving upgrades may not be an immediate financial priority. As such, the province is providing incentive opportunities to help. Where eligible, homeowners can take advantage of several free energy-saving upgrades, each of which will reduce energy consumption.

•  installing ENERGY STAR® certified LED lamps/lights
•  purchasing ENERGY STAR® certified electric appliances
•  improvements like insulation, air sealing, weatherizing

The bottom line, of course, is to measurably reduce your electricity bill. To be eligible, Ontario residents must rent or own a property, and live in a house, condo, or apartment. Most important, residents must qualify according to their total household income and averaged electric bill.

Three options for improving home energy efficiency

1. Residents receive a Home Energy Kit with easy self-installation components, including ENERGY STAR® light bulbs, energy-saving power bar, and water faucet aerators.
2. A professional Home Energy Advisor arranges a home visit, where the home is assessed, and energy upgrades are recommended (may include ENERGY STAR® appliances).
3. When homes are electrically heated, a Home Energy Advisor formulates a plan with upgrades that may include high performance insulation or a high efficiency heat pump.

Ontario residents who wish to qualify for funding are assessed according to a number of criteria:  net family income; frequency of income; average monthly electricity bills; late payment fees; and disconnection charges. For more specifics on the program, residents can contact the Affordability Fund directly by phone, by email, or by visiting the program website. The online application process makes it easy to submit a personal request, and receive answers immediately.