Low-income households in Ontario will receive discounts on their hydro bills starting in 2016, while everyone else will see their bills rise to pay for the program, CTV Toronto has learned.
Starting January 1, 2016, the Ontario Electricity Support Program will offer households earning roughly $50,000 an estimated $30-a-month cut on electricity bills, which currently average around $140 to $160 per month. Households that earn even less will receive bigger discounts.
The program will be paid for by the remaining customers, who will see their bills rise by about 70 cents per month, according to a government source.
Theresa McClenaghan, a poverty advocate with the Low Income Energy Network, says she is pleased.
"That would make the difference for those families who are struggling to not have to choose between food in their fridge and keeping the lights on,” she said.
John Yakabuski, Progressive Conservative Energy Critic, criticized the Liberal government Wednesday for giving discounts to low-income earners at the expense of everyone else.
About 500,000 low-income hydro customers are expected to be eligible for the program.
