Barrie 
Ontario is expanding the Energy Affordability Program eligibility criteria to offer free home-efficiency upgrades to more Ontarians looking to reduce their energy bills.
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The income eligibility threshold has been increased by $11,715 for a four-person household and by $8,285 for a couple, allowing more households to benefit from the program.
The 16 per cent increase compared to the previous income threshold means a four-person household with a before-tax income of $84,872, or a couple with a before-tax income of $60,014, is now eligible for support through the Energy Affordability Program.
The Energy Affordability Program offers tailored energy-saving measures such as insulation, smart thermostats, energy-efficient refrigerators and air conditioners, depending on the household’s needs. These upgrades can help households manage their energy use and reduce electricity costs by up to $750 per year.
The Energy Affordability Program offers two types of support: Comprehensive Support and Energy Saving Kits.
Comprehensive Support includes an energy-efficiency expert visiting the home to conduct a free energy needs assessment, identifying opportunities to help save energy, and receiving upgrades and replacing eligible appliances.
Eligible households can also receive a free energy-saving kit with easy-to-install products to help manage energy costs and improve home comfort. Each kit includes simple, energy-saving products such as LED light bulbs, weather stripping, handheld showerheads, and faucet aerators.
According to the news release, the Ontario government is also providing other critical programs to support low-income households, including the Ontario Electricity Support Program that offers an on-bill credit of up to $75 per month and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program that provides emergency assistance of up to $600 to customers facing electricity or natural gas service disconnection.
