Updated October 28, 2026 · Ontario and Ottawa
What this post covers:
1. What the Ontario LEAP grant pays for, and why it isn't the monthly rebate many people expect
2. How much you could receive in 2026 and how to apply as a Hydro Ottawa or Enbridge customer
3. OESP, the separate program that takes a credit off every electricity bill
1. What the Ontario LEAP grant pays for, and why it isn't the monthly rebate many people expect
2. How much you could receive in 2026 and how to apply as a Hydro Ottawa or Enbridge customer
3. OESP, the separate program that takes a credit off every electricity bill
The Ontario LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program) is a one-time emergency grant for households that are behind on their electricity or natural gas bill. In 2026 it pays up to $650 toward an overdue electricity bill, or up to $780 if your home is electrically heated. If what you really want is a smaller credit on every bill, that's OESP, and this guide covers both.
Which one do you need?
"I got a disconnection notice."
Apply for LEAP now, and ask your utility about a payment arrangement.
Apply for LEAP now, and ask your utility about a payment arrangement.
"I'm behind, but not in danger yet."
LEAP can still help with arrears. Apply before the balance grows.
LEAP can still help with arrears. Apply before the balance grows.
"I'm up to date but money is tight."
LEAP isn't for you yet. Apply for OESP for a monthly credit.
LEAP isn't for you yet. Apply for OESP for a monthly credit.
$650–780LEAP grant for electricity (one-time)
$35–75OESP credit per month (ongoing)
1×/yrLEAP grant per calendar year
Nov 15–Apr 30Winter ban on hydro disconnections
LEAP Is a One-Time Grant. OESP Is a Monthly Credit.
LEAP (Low-income Energy Assistance Program): a one-time emergency grant, paid directly to your utility, for households that are behind on their bill or at risk of disconnection.
OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program): an ongoing monthly credit on every electricity bill for as long as you stay approved. This is the "bill credit" many people searching for LEAP are actually looking for.
You can receive both. Approval for one doesn't stop you from getting the other.
OESP (Ontario Electricity Support Program): an ongoing monthly credit on every electricity bill for as long as you stay approved. This is the "bill credit" many people searching for LEAP are actually looking for.
You can receive both. Approval for one doesn't stop you from getting the other.
How Much LEAP Pays in 2026
| Bill type | Maximum LEAP grant |
|---|---|
| Electricity | Up to $650 |
| Electricity, home is electrically heated | Up to $780 |
| Natural gas | Separate grant through your gas utility; ask the intake agency for the current amount |
The grant never exceeds what you owe, and it is paid straight to your utility, not to you. Grants are limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply as soon as you fall behind.
Who Qualifies for LEAP
Behind on your billYou have arrears on your electricity or natural gas account, or you're facing disconnection.
Under the income limitYour household's income is under the Ontario Energy Board limit for your household size.
Ontario utility customerYou're a residential customer of a licensed Ontario utility, such as Hydro Ottawa or Enbridge Gas.
Checked by an agencyEligibility isn't self-declared. An intake agency reviews your documents.
Income limits rise with household size and are set by the Ontario Energy Board. Check the current table on the OEB's LEAP page before you apply, and if you're close to the limit, ask the intake agency anyway.
Check the current income limits
Ontario Energy Board: LEAP eligibility and intake agencies.
How to Apply for LEAP in Ottawa
You don't apply through Hydro Ottawa itself. For Hydro Ottawa customers, LEAP applications go through a central intake run by United Way Simcoe Muskoka.
1
Start online or by phone. Use the self-serve portal at uwsimcoemuskoka.ca/leap, or call 1-855-487-5327.
2
Send your documents. If you start by phone, you'll submit documents by email or mail. If you'd rather go in person, the phone screening books an appointment.
3
Watch your next bill. If approved, the grant is credited to your utility account. Your application is only considered once every required document is in.
Gas bill instead? Enbridge Gas customers apply through a LEAP intake agency for their area. The OEB keeps the current list, or you can call 211 to be connected.
Documents You'll Need
LEAP document checklist
▸Your most recent utility bill, plus the disconnection notice if you received one
▸One piece of valid ID for each household member, and two for the applicant
▸Proof of income for every adult in the household
▸Rental agreement or mortgage statement (if you don't have one, ask whether a landlord letter or similar document is accepted)
▸A recent bank statement
Want an Ongoing Credit Instead? Apply for OESP
OESP takes $35 to $75 a month ($420 to $900 a year) off your electricity bill, depending on your household size and income. Electrically heated homes, households that use certain medical devices and households with Indigenous members can qualify for a higher credit.
Apply online at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca or call 1-855-831-8151. Processing takes about four to six weeks, and the credit starts appearing on your bill within six to eight weeks. You reapply every two years (every five years for seniors and pensioners), and again if you move. You don't need to be behind on your bill.
Apply online at ontarioelectricitysupport.ca or call 1-855-831-8151. Processing takes about four to six weeks, and the credit starts appearing on your bill within six to eight weeks. You reapply every two years (every five years for seniors and pensioners), and again if you move. You don't need to be behind on your bill.
Apply for the monthly OESP credit
Online application, no arrears needed.
Approved for LEAP? You May Also Get Free Insulation from Enbridge
From our familyWe heat our home with Enbridge gas, and this fall a flyer for the Enbridge Home Winterproofing Program arrived in our mailbox. It's a different program from LEAP: instead of paying down a bill, it offers free insulation and draft proofing. What caught my eye is that receiving a LEAP grant or OESP is one of the ways to qualify.
According to the flyer, you're eligible if you have an Enbridge Gas account in your name, heat with a natural gas furnace or boiler, and own your home (or have written permission from your landlord). You also need to meet one of these:
| Household size | Before-tax income below |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $48,220 |
| 2 people | $68,193 |
| 3 people | $83,518 |
| 4 people | $96,439 |
| 5 people | $107,823 |
| 6 people | $118,113 |
| 7+ people | $127,576 |
…or you receive one of theseOntario Works · ODSP · LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance Grant · Guaranteed Income Supplement · Allowance for Seniors · Allowance for Survivors · Healthy Smiles · Ontario Electricity Support Program · Energy Affordability Program (EAP)
These income limits are much higher than most people expect, so it's worth checking even if you don't qualify for LEAP. To check your income, use line 26000 of your most recent tax return. Apply at enbridgegas.com/winterproofing or call 1-844-770-3148.
Source: Enbridge Gas Home Winterproofing Program mailer (ENB-26-3539, 09/2026). Limits can change, so confirm with Enbridge.
LEAP vs OESP: Value Over a Year
LEAP (electricity)
LEAP (electric heat)
OESP (maximum)
Standard OESP range is $420 to $900 a year. Higher-credit households can receive more. Source: Hydro Ottawa financial assistance pages, checked October 28, 2026.
Winter rule to know: Ontario Energy Board rules stop electricity distributors from disconnecting homes for non-payment from November 15 to April 30. Your balance still grows during that time, so apply for LEAP early and ask your utility about an arrears payment agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for LEAP directly through Hydro Ottawa?
No. Hydro Ottawa customers apply through the central intake run by United Way Simcoe Muskoka, online at uwsimcoemuskoka.ca/leap or by calling 1-855-487-5327.
How much is the LEAP grant in 2026?
Up to $650 toward an overdue electricity bill, or up to $780 if your home is electrically heated. It never exceeds what you owe.
Can I get LEAP more than once a year?
No. LEAP is a once-per-calendar-year emergency grant.
Do I have to be behind on my bill to get OESP?
No. OESP is based on income and household size, so you can apply even if your account is in good standing.
Does LEAP cover water bills or rent?
No. LEAP only covers electricity and natural gas arrears. For rent or other emergencies, call 211 to find programs in your area.
Is Enbridge's Home Winterproofing Program the same as LEAP?
No. LEAP pays down an overdue bill. Home Winterproofing gives free insulation and draft proofing to Enbridge Gas customers. Getting a LEAP grant or OESP is one of the ways to qualify for it.
Can my hydro be cut off in winter?
Electricity distributors can't disconnect homes for non-payment from November 15 to April 30, but the unpaid balance keeps growing.
Key Takeaways
LEAP = one-timeemergency grant for arrears
$650 / $780electricity / electric heat
1-855-487-5327LEAP intake for Hydro Ottawa
OESP = monthly$35–75 off every bill
Your turnHave you applied for LEAP or OESP in Ottawa? Share how it went in the comments. It helps other readers know what to expect.
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Updated October 28, 2026. Grant amounts, OESP credits and application details are from Hydro Ottawa's financial assistance pages, checked October 28, 2026. Income limits, grant amounts and intake agencies can change, so confirm with the Ontario Energy Board or your utility before you apply. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.