LEAP: emergency help when you're behind on your energy bill in Ontario (2026)
If you owe your hydro or gas company and you're worried about being cut off, here's how the Low-income Energy Assistance Program works and how to apply.
Quick answer
LEAP, the Low-income Energy Assistance Program, is a one-time emergency grant for income-eligible Ontario households that are behind on their energy bill. It pays up to $650 toward an electricity bill, or $780 if your home is heated with electricity, and up to $650 toward a natural gas bill. The money goes straight to your utility. You apply through a local LEAP agency, which can also ask your utility to pause a disconnection.
Falling behind on a hydro or gas bill is stressful, especially with a disconnection notice in hand. LEAP exists for exactly that moment. It won't lower your future bills, but it can clear some or all of what you owe now, and applying gives you time.
Independent guide. Not affiliated with any program. Canadian Energy Standard is a private, independent company. We are not a government agency, utility or program provider, and we are not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, the Ontario Energy Board, the IESO, Save on Energy, Home Renovation Savings, Enbridge Gas, Hydro Ottawa or any other utility, agency or program provider. We can't apply for these programs for you or decide who qualifies. Apply only through the official channels named on this page. Details are as published by those sources on October 18, 2026.
How much LEAP pays
| If you're behind on | LEAP can pay up to |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $650 |
| Electricity, in a home heated with electricity | $780 |
| Natural gas | $650 |
LEAP can't pay more than you owe, and the grant is paid directly to your utility, not to you. It's emergency help, not an ongoing credit.
Example: $750 behind on your bill
- $750 behind on hydro, in a home heated with electricity: LEAP can pay up to $780, so it can cover the full $750.
- $750 behind on hydro, in a home heated with gas: LEAP can pay up to $650. The remaining $100 can go on an arrears payment plan with your utility.
- $750 behind on your Enbridge gas bill: LEAP can pay up to $650, leaving $100 to repay over time.
If you're behind on both electricity and gas, ask the agency about applying for each.
Who qualifies for LEAP
You must be behind on your bill (in arrears) and at risk of disconnection, and your household's after-tax income must be within these limits:
| People in your home | Combined after-tax income |
|---|---|
| 1 | Less than $38,000 |
| 2 | Up to $54,000 |
| 3 or 4 | Up to $65,000 |
| 5 to 7 | Up to $71,000 |
How to apply for LEAP
- Find a LEAP agency near you. The Ontario Energy Board keeps a list of intake agencies, usually community or social service organizations. You can also call 2-1-1 to be pointed to one.
- Bring your documents to the interview. Photo ID, your current bills, any disconnection notice, proof of where you live, proof of income and a recent bank statement.
- The agency decides. It confirms whether you qualify and asks your utility to hold off on disconnection while your application is reviewed.
- The grant goes to your utility. It's credited to your account.
Your protections if you're behind
If you've received LEAP in the past two years, or you're on OESP, Ontario Energy Board rules give you extra protections:
- Disconnection on hold. Your utility must suspend disconnection for up to 21 days once a LEAP agency contacts it.
- Longer payment plans. You get at least this long to repay what's left:
| What you owe | Minimum time to repay |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 times your average monthly bill | 8 months |
| 2 to 5 times your average monthly bill | 12 months |
| More than 5 times your average monthly bill | 16 months |
- No security deposit. You can ask for it to be waived, and a deposit you already paid may be returned once your arrears are paid.
- No reconnection fee if your utility disconnected you.
After LEAP: keeping bills down
- Apply for OESP for a monthly credit of $35 to $113 on your electricity bill.
- Households that got LEAP in the past 12 months can qualify for free upgrades through the Energy Affordability Program.
- Gas customers can ask Enbridge Gas about its free Home Winterproofing Program for income-eligible homes.
See every option side by side in Ontario energy rebate and bill support programs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does LEAP give in Ontario?
Up to $650 for an electricity bill, or $780 if your home is heated with electricity, and up to $650 for a natural gas bill. It can't be more than you owe.
I'm $750 behind on my hydro bill. Will LEAP cover it?
If your home is heated with electricity, LEAP can pay up to $780, enough to cover $750. Otherwise it can pay up to $650, and the remaining $100 can go on an arrears payment plan with your utility.
How do I apply for LEAP?
Through a local LEAP intake agency. The Ontario Energy Board lists them on its website, or call 2-1-1. Bring ID, your bills, any disconnection notice, proof of address and income, and a recent bank statement.
Does LEAP money go to me?
No. The grant is paid directly to your utility and credited to your account.
Can LEAP stop my power or gas from being disconnected?
Once a LEAP agency contacts your utility, the utility must suspend disconnection for up to 21 days while your application is handled.
Is LEAP the same as OESP?
No. LEAP is a one-time emergency grant for money you already owe. OESP is an ongoing monthly credit that lowers future electricity bills. You can apply for both.
Is Canadian Energy Standard part of LEAP, the Ontario Energy Board or any LEAP agency?
No. Canadian Energy Standard is a private, independent company. It is not a government agency, utility or program provider, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting on behalf of LEAP, the Ontario Energy Board or any LEAP agency. To apply, use a LEAP intake agency listed by the Ontario Energy Board.
Sources
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