Before you start
Check eligibility with the program. Rules, income limits, dates and funding change and differ by area. This site is a directory of official and major nonprofit help. It is not legal or financial advice, and we are not connected to any program. Official programs don’t charge a fee to apply.
Province by province
Energy help is mostly run by provinces and utilities. Below are examples from Ontario and British Columbia. In other provinces, ask your utility and call 211.
Official programs and free help
211 Canada
211 Canada (nonprofit)
Free help finding local community, social, health and government services.
How to get it: Call or text 211, or search online.
Ontario LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance
Ontario Energy Board Ontario only
A one-time grant if you’re behind on your electricity or natural gas bill and could be disconnected: up to $650 for electricity ($780 if your home is electrically heated) or $650 for natural gas.
How to get it: Apply through a LEAP intake agency in your area.
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
Ontario Energy Board Ontario only
An ongoing monthly credit on electricity bills for lower-income households, based on household size and income.
How to get it: Apply online or through an intake agency.
BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund
BC Hydro British Columbia only
Grants for BC Hydro residential customers facing disconnection after a temporary crisis.
How to get it: Check eligibility and apply online.
Benefits Finder
Government of Canada
Answer questions to see federal, provincial and territorial benefits you may be able to get.
How to get it: Use the online tool.
Credit Counselling Canada
Nonprofit association
Find a nonprofit credit counselling agency for help with bills and debt.
How to get it: Search for a member agency.
Get ready to apply
Programs usually ask you to prove who you are, where you live and what your household earns. Before you call, it helps to have:
- ID for the person applying
- Recent proof of income for everyone in the home (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Your latest bill, and any past-due or shut-off notice
- Your lease or rental agreement (for rent help)
- Your account numbers
Call your utility or landlord early. Many will agree a payment plan if you ask before you fall far behind.
Make a plan for next month
Once the urgent bill is covered, a simple budget can help stop it happening again. Our free Budget Planner helps you plan your money each month, the debt payoff calculator shows how to clear what you owe, and the rent affordability calculator checks what rent fits your income.
Find help that fits you
Pick your country and what you need help with to see official programs.
Open the bill help finderFrequently asked questions
How much is Ontario LEAP?
Up to $650 for electricity ($780 if your home is electrically heated) or $650 for natural gas, as a one-time grant if you’re behind and could be disconnected.
Where can I find all benefits I qualify for?
The Government of Canada Benefits Finder lists federal, provincial and territorial benefits.
Last reviewed: October 2026. General information only — check providers' official sites for current features and pricing.