Free and Low-Cost Energy Programs for Income-Qualified Ontario Households

Energy upgrades often save the most for households that can least afford the upfront cost. Ontario has several programs aimed specifically at lower-income households, and unlike general rebates, many of them provide upgrades at no cost to the homeowner or tenant.

This guide summarizes what is available, who generally qualifies, and how to apply. Energy Efficiency Ontario is independent and not affiliated with any program administrator. Eligibility thresholds change, often annually, so always confirm on the official website before applying.

Programs at a glance

Program	Delivered by	What it provides	Typical eligibility
Energy Affordability Program (EAP)	Save on Energy (IESO)	Free energy-saving upgrades: insulation, appliances, smart thermostats and more, depending on the home	Income-eligible households, or those receiving certain social assistance
Home Winterproofing Program	Enbridge Gas	Free insulation, air sealing and thermostats	Income-eligible Enbridge Gas customers
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (Ontario stream)	Canada and Ontario, through Save on Energy	Up to $25,000 ($15,000 federal + $10,000 provincial) plus $250 upfront toward switching from oil heat to a heat pump	Income-qualified, oil-heated households
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)	Administered through the Ontario Energy Board	Ongoing monthly credit on your electricity bill	Lower-income households; credit varies by income and household size
Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)	Through utilities and local agencies	One-time emergency help with overdue bills	Households in arrears facing disconnection or hardship
Canada Greener Homes Affordability Program (CGHAP)	Federal (NRCan) via provincial partners	Upgrades for low-to-median income households	Availability in Ontario is limited and varies; confirm with NRCan

Energy Affordability Program (EAP)

According to Save on Energy, EAP provides free energy-saving upgrades to income-eligible households and to people receiving certain kinds of social assistance. What you receive depends on an in-home assessment of your home's needs. Examples include:

• Insulation and draft-proofing.
• Replacement of old, inefficient fridges or freezers.
• Smart thermostats.
• Energy-efficient lighting and small measures such as power bars and showerheads.

Both homeowners and tenants may be eligible, though tenants may need the landlord's permission for some upgrades. Check saveonenergy.ca for current income thresholds and to apply.

Enbridge Home Winterproofing Program

Enbridge Gas offers free upgrades to income-eligible customers to reduce natural gas use. According to Enbridge, measures can include:

• Attic, wall and basement insulation.
• Air sealing and weatherstripping.
• Smart or programmable thermostats.

An assessment determines which measures your home needs. Visit enbridgegas.com for eligibility and application details.

Tip: If you heat with gas, you may be eligible for both Enbridge and Save on Energy programs, since one focuses on gas savings and the other on electricity. Ask each program how they coordinate so you are not offered the same upgrade twice.

Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (Ontario stream)

Heating oil is one of the most expensive ways to heat a home in Ontario, and households using it are often in rural areas. In September 2025, Canada and Ontario announced a co-delivered Oil to Heat Pump Affordability stream through Save on Energy.

As announced:

• Up to $25,000 toward a heat pump: $15,000 federal plus $10,000 provincial.
• An additional $250 upfront payment.
• For income-qualified households currently heating with oil.

The federal national OHPA intake closed on 31 July 2026. The Ontario stream is delivered by the IESO through Save on Energy and has its own timelines. Confirm whether intake is currently open on saveonenergy.ca before planning around it. Read more in our blog post on the Ontario oil-to-heat-pump program.

Bill support: OESP and LEAP

Upgrades take time. If you are struggling with bills now, two programs can help.

Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP). A monthly credit applied directly to your electricity bill. The amount depends on household income and the number of people living in the home, with higher credits for some households (for example, those with electric heating or certain medical needs). You apply once and renew periodically. The OEB website (oeb.ca) explains how to apply.

Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). One-time emergency financial help for households behind on electricity or natural gas bills. It is delivered through local social service agencies in partnership with utilities. Contact your local distribution company or Enbridge Gas to find your local LEAP agency.

The Ontario Electricity Rebate (15.7% as of 1 November 2026) applies automatically to most residential electricity bills; no application is needed.

How to apply: a practical checklist

• Gather proof of income for everyone in the household, usually your most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.
• If you receive social assistance (such as Ontario Works or ODSP), have your documentation ready; this may qualify you directly for some programs.
• Have recent electricity and gas bills with your account numbers.
• If you rent, ask your landlord for permission in writing for any upgrades to the building.
• Apply through the official websites: saveonenergy.ca, enbridgegas.com, oeb.ca.
• Keep a record of reference numbers and who you spoke to.

What these programs do not do

• They do not usually replace a working furnace or air conditioner, except through specific programs like OHPA.
• They are not delivered by door-to-door salespeople. Legitimate programs are applied for through official channels, and any in-home visit is arranged in advance at your request.

Caution: Scammers sometimes claim to offer "free government upgrades" to lure people into rental contracts or to obtain personal information. Never share your SIN or banking details with someone who contacts you unexpectedly. See our door-to-door scams guide.

If you are just above the income limits

If you do not qualify for these programs, the Home Renovation Savings Program still offers rebates for many upgrades. See our Home Renovation Savings Program guide and stacking rebates guide. Many low-cost steps in our winter savings guide also help immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Can tenants apply for free upgrades?

Often yes, particularly for EAP. Tenants who pay their own energy bills are usually the focus. Some upgrades (like insulation) need the landlord's consent.

Will accepting these upgrades affect my social assistance?

We cannot advise on individual benefit rules. If you receive social assistance, ask your caseworker before accepting upgrades or credits so you know exactly how they are treated.

Do I have to pay anything back?

These programs provide upgrades or credits, not loans. Read any agreement you are asked to sign, and be suspicious of anyone who asks for payment for a "free" program.

How long is the wait?

It varies by region and season, and demand is often highest in the fall. Apply early.