More residents of Ontario are now eligible for the electricity support program that can allow them to receive monthly credits on their bills.

The provincial government announced that it will increase the income eligibility limit for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) in October 2023.

The changes are scheduled to take effect on March 1.

The Ministry of Energy explained that there are increases in the maximum income limits generally up to 35 percent.

Families of five or more people with a gross income of $71,000 after tax reductions are now eligible for the program.

Before Friday, the minimum was $52,000.

Full details of the income caps, including the number of people who need to reside within the household, can be found on the government’s website.

Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa said in a statement: “This investment in the Ontario Electricity Support Program demonstrates how serious our government is about making life affordable for Ontario residents.”

"Our government will continue to find more ways to lower costs to ensure that no one in our province is left behind."

The OESP provides low-income households with a monthly discount on their electricity bill. The amount depends on a number of factors, including the combined household income and the number of people living in the home.

Most eligible people will receive credits ranging from $35 to $75 per month, although the government says higher discounts are available to Indigenous customers, or those living with Indigenous family members, or using electric heating, or using certain high electricity-consuming medical devices.

Current OESP residents may be eligible for higher credit amounts and should contact the customer service center to find out if they should reapply.

Officials say 212,000 households were eligible for OESP in 2022. Another 100,000 households in Ontario are expected to be eligible with the new minimum.