TORONTO, Jun 22, 2006 -- Canada NewsWire

The Ontario government passed legislation that will provide $100 million in assistance to low-income Ontarians to help them with rising electricity costs, Finance Minister Greg Sorbara said today.

"We are providing this one-time assistance to help low-income families adjust to higher electricity costs," said Sorbara. "We are proud this new program will get money into the hands of those who need it most, as quickly as possible."

The Ontario Home Electricity Relief program will provide $100 million in assistance to low-income individuals and families in the form of a one-time payment, which is based on family type and net income. Single people may receive up to $60, and families may receive up to $120. The following chart shows the amount of the relief payment based on family type and net income:

To qualify, those eligible must file their 2005 tax returns by December 31, 2006. Relief payments could begin as early as the fall of 2006.

"We recognize that low-income Ontarians spend a disproportionate amount of their incomes on electricity costs," Sorbara said. "This program is part of a package of measures to ensure that supports and opportunities are available to those in our province with the greatest need."

The program would build on initiatives proposed in the 2006 Budget, including:

In addition, the government is doubling the provincial Emergency Energy Fund to $4.2 million, including $500,000 for First Nations members living on reserve. The fund helps social assistance recipients and other low-income households pay for utility arrears, security deposits and reconnection costs for electricity, natural gas, oil and other forms of energy.

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Finance

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