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Chatham-Kent Hydro program provides assistance to low-income customers Electric utility working with The Salvation Army to deliver LEAP initiative
Working with social service agencies in the Chatham-Kent Region, Chatham-Kent Hydro is providing a comprehensive, year-round emergency financial assistance program to its eligible low-income customers facing challenges in paying their electricity bills.
The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is a province-wide initiative developed by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), based on the "Winter Warmth" program, currently offered by Union Gas. LEAP is intended to supplement other existing Provincial and local financial assistance programs.
LEAP is offered through The Salvation Army and provides for one-time funding of up to $500 annually towards a customer’s electricity bill payment. To ensure the funds support individuals in need, applications are assessed based on criteria established by the OEB. Criteria includes having a pre-tax income at or below Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-off (LICO) plus 15%, as well as confirmation of the applicants billing status with the applicable utility company including proof that the applicant resides at the address for which there are arrears.
Offering LEAP through The Salvation Army will ensure those families who are in crisis and qualify under the program criteria will have access to funding that will help continue electricity services through difficult times.
Chatham-Kent Energy’s CEO Jim Hogan, points out that "we continue to look for ways to assist our customers in managing their utility bills and this program is another option available to those that qualify. We work with all local social service agencies and support many conservation initiatives across the Chatham-Kent region to assist all of our customers".
Customers interested in applying for LEAP can call Rhonda Dickson at The Salvation Army, at 519-354-1430.
In addition to the LEAP initiative, Code Amendments through the OEB such as the Arrears Management Program (AMP) offers customers additional options in managing their hydro arrears. For more information on AMP please visit the FAQ section of www.ckutilityservices.com.
Chatham-Kent Hydro serves more than 30,000 Hydro customers in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. For more information on hydro services, please visit our website at www.ckhydro.com.
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