By the middle of 2011, Hydro One expects to have all of its clients on the new Time of Use billing. The program charges different prices for hydro throughout the day and based on the time of year. Peak hours are the times when hydro is most in demand and the rate is 9.9 cents per kWh. Mid-peak times are 8.1 cents and off-peak times are 5.5 cents. The intention is for consumers to adjust their usage wherever possible in order to save money on each bill, however, most families are reporting an ...
Continue reading ...

The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program is now available in North Hastings. This is great news for the community, especially for low-income families who are struggling to keep up with their monthly bills. The program was created by the Ontario Energy Board with the support of a variety of other agencies and utilities companies including; Hydro One Networks Inc., the Low Income Energy Network (LIEN), and the Ministry of Energy. The program provides emergency financial assistance to qualified ...
Continue reading ...

At this time of year many low-income families start to worry about keeping warm all winter. From the increasing cost of heating and hydro to the expense of new snowsuits and boots for all the children. This year the cost is compounded by the addition of the HST to many of these costs.

Kids In Need is a local program that can help. Registration dates are coming up soon, so if you are or know of a family that would benefit from receiving help with winter clothing please let them know to attend t...
Continue reading ...

Christine Watts was shocked in June when a truck pulled into her yard and threatened to disconnect her hydro. The 51-year-old Cobourg-area woman had no idea she owed $1,100 from an equal-billing underpayment for the past year.

And as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who lives on provincial disability support and a part-time job at her local library, she had no way to pay.

Community agencies and family helped Watts cover all but $240 of the outstanding bill. But she was still s...

Continue reading ...

The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) is pleased that Energy and Infrastructure Minister Brad Duguid issued a letter yesterday to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), requesting it to resume work on a province-wide strategy to help low-income consumers reduce their energy consumption and costs. The Minister also sent a companion letter to the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), directing it to roll out an electricity conservation and demand management program targeted specifically to low-income c...
Continue reading ...