Media

For any information or material regarding news and events prior to April 27, 2007, please contact LIEN.

Jul 27, 2022

Ontario Coroner’s Office Must Track Heat-Related Death

The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly, the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, the Canadian Environmental Law Association, and the Low-Income Energy Network strongly encourage the province of Ontario to update its approach to tracking heat-related death during extreme heat events.

To download a Briefing Note on improving Heat-Related Death Tracking in Ontario click here.

Jul 19, 2021

Media Release: Advocates call for Ontario to improve tracking of heat-related deaths

For Immediate Release

Advocates call for Ontario to improve tracking of heat-related deaths as impacts of climate crisis threaten vulnerable populations

Toronto, ON – July 19th, 2021 – Advocates from the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO), The Advocacy Centre for Elderly (ACE), The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), and the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) are raising the alarm about the growing impact of heat-related deaths in Ontario, as the incidence of extreme heat days increase due to the intensifying climate crisis. Dubbed as a “silent killer”, heat waves have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Unlike many other provinces in Canada, including Quebec and British Columbia, Ontario under-reports premature deaths caused by extreme heat. ACTO, ACE, CELA and LIEN are calling for the Office of the Chief Coroner in Ontario to improve its tracking of heat-related deaths in the province during extreme heat events.

Ontario on track for more extreme heat

The incidence of extreme heat waves across Canada has had tragic consequences in the past few weeks, with an estimated 800 heat-related deaths occurring in British Columbia alone. Scientists have emphasized that similar heat waves will become more frequent over time due to climate crisis impacts. In Ontario, the number of days above the threshold for heat-related deaths will increase by 1.5 times by the 2050s, with the province projected to have one of the greatest numbers of potentially deadly hot days nationwide annually by the 2080s. The City of Toronto experienced 20 days throughout the 2000s where temperatures were over 30 degrees Celsius, but between 2040 and 2049 the number of days are predicted to increase to 66.

Currently, Ontario only tracks sudden and unexpected deaths where heat is the direct cause of death. Individuals are not required to report “natural” deaths to the Coroner’s Office, even if extreme heat worsens an individual’s chronic health condition and causes eventual death.

“We are gravely concerned about current rate and the projected increases of extreme heat across Ontario in the coming decades,” says Douglas Kwan, Director of Advocacy and Legal Services at ACTO. “Currently, the way the province tracks heat-related deaths is inadequate, making it impossible to accurately assess the impact extreme heat is already having on low-income tenants and other vulnerable communities across the province. We need more robust data to make sound policy decisions.”

Impacts on vulnerable communities severe

Vulnerable people are more prone to heat-related death – especially the elderly, children, people living with chronic health conditions, individuals without housing, and low-income tenants who do not have adequate means to cool their homes during heat waves. Vulnerable populations need better protection from extreme heat from public health measures and laws.

“Premature death due to incidence of extreme heat is a major concern for our client community,” says Jane Meadus, Staff Lawyer and Institutional Advocate at ACE. “Elderly people are disproportionately impacted by heat waves, for many reasons. Heat waves don’t restrict themselves to provincial borders – if we are seeing higher rates of heat-related deaths in Montreal, why do the numbers in Ontario remain so low?”

With the climate crisis worsening, it is essential that the Coroner’s Office improves its tracking of heat-related deaths to better capture the true impact of extreme heat in Ontario. Doing so will allow for government policy to address the full extent of the problem.

“This is just the first step of many,” says Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of CELA. “We need to take urgent action now to safeguard the health of all Ontarians, and it starts with accurately understanding the scope of the problem. Future generations are counting on us.”

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About ACTO, ACE, CELA & LIEN

The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO) is a specialty community legal clinic with a province-wide mandate to advance and protect the interests of tenants living on lower incomes. ACTO specializes in housing issues related to tenants. The clinic also coordinates the Tenant Duty Counsel Program (TDCP) across Ontario, which provides legal information and assistance to self-represented tenants appearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

The Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE) is a specialty community legal clinic that was established to provide a range of legal services to low-income seniors in Ontario. The legal services include advice and representation to individual and group clients, public legal education, law reform and community development activities.

The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) is a legal aid clinic established in 1970 for the purpose of using and improving existing laws to protect low-income people from environmental harm. As an Ontario legal aid clinic, CELA’s top priority is to represent low-income individuals and communities. CELA is a founding member of LIEN.

LIEN is a joint program of ACTO and CELA and is funded by Legal Aid Ontario. Its vision is an Ontario where everyone has equitable access to conservation and financial assistance programs and services to meet their basic energy needs affordably and sustainably.

For more information including interviews with ACE and CELA representatives:

Genrys Goodchild
Communications and Public Affairs Specialist, (ACTO)
goodchg@lao.on.ca
416.597.5855 ext. 5170

Jul 14, 2021

Heat-related Death Tracking in Ontario

A Letter from CELA and other legal aid clinics was sent to the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario expressing their concern about the increasing impact of extreme heat on our client communities. Vulnerable people are more prone to heat-related death. With the climate crisis worsening, it is essential that the Coroner’s Office improves its tracking of heat-related deaths to better capture the true impact of extreme heat and to allow for government policy to address the full extent of the problem.

Authored by:
Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director, Canadian Environmental Law Association
Douglas Kwan, Director of Advocacy and Legal Services, Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario
Graham Webb, Executive Director, Advocacy Centre for the Elderly
Zeenat Bhanji, Coordinator, Low-Income Energy Network

To download letter click this link:  Letter_Tracking_Heat-Related_Deaths

To see the media release click this link: https://cela.ca/media-release-advocates-call-for-ontario-to-improve-tracking-of-heat-related-deaths/

LIEN Zoom Webinar on July 30, 2020

Title: “Support for residential energy customers impacted by COVID-19 – A webinar from the Low Income Energy Network (LIEN)”

What: On June 1, 2020, the Government of Ontario confirmed that it is making $9 million available for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), to support residential customers struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. Utility companies began accepting applications for CEAP on July 13, 2020. Find out more about this program as well as other supports that are available to electricity and gas customers. 

Jul 22, 2020

Vulnerable Ontarians to see significant reductions in their electricity bills

(Toronto) The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) welcomed the measures announced today in the Ontario Fair Hydro Plan which will provide households with an average 25 per cent reduction on their electricity costs, while low-income, northern and rural households will receive an even bigger reduction.

“Access to electricity is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator. “Ontarians should not be forced to make difficult choices about whether to keep the lights and heat on, or pay for rent, food, medicine, clothing, transportation and other basic necessities.”

Under the enhanced Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP), low-income families will benefit from a 50 per cent increase in the monthly on-bill credits. In addition, the OESP credit will be available to more households. This will make a real difference for these Ontarians struggling to pay their bills.

Energy choices are limited in rural and northern Ontario, where there is a reliance on electricity for space heating and water heating. Access to water is effectively denied when those households have their electricity disconnected since water pumps cannot work without power. The expansion of the Rural and Remote Rate Protection program (RRRP) – the funding for which was doubled by the Ontario government last month – from about 350,000 to over 800,000 consumers will bring much needed relief for those paying very high distribution rates.

On-reserve First Nations residential electricity consumers will have their delivery charge on their bills removed completely.

LIEN has been working for more than 12 years with the provincial government on putting together the components of an energy poverty strategy. The Ontario Fair Hydro Plan builds on what has been achieved to date, ensuring sustained and effective electricity service affordability for low-income and other vulnerable Ontarians.

“These measures, together with the current low-income rate mitigation programs will make a substantial difference in the lives of vulnerable Ontarians,” said Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association and LIEN steering committee member.

LIEN looks forward to further assisting the government, the Ontario Energy Board and other stakeholders on the implementation of the Fair Hydro Plan, which is expected to be in place by this summer.

For more information including interviews with a LIEN representative, please contact:

Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

Mar 02, 2017

New rules for energy retailers in 2017

On January 1, 2017, new rules come into effect regarding energy (electricity and/or natural gas) contracts and how energy retailers deal with residential and small business consumers. The rules include banning contracting with consumers at home. Many of these new rules were recommended by the OEB when it reviewed how well the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010 has worked since 2011 to protect the interests of residential and small business consumers in their dealings with energy retailers.

Feb 01, 2017

Disconnected customers to get winter relief from Hydro One

MEDIA STATEMENT:

Disconnected customers to get winter relief from Hydro One

The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) welcomes Hydro One’s announcement today that it is restoring electricity service to all of its residential customers who are currently living without power due to disconnection for bill payment arrears. Hydro One advises that they will be reaching out to each of these 1,425 customers to assist them in addressing the financial difficulties that led to their loss of service.

This new Winter Relief program is in addition to Hydro One Inc.’s voluntary policy of not disconnecting service for bill payment arrears during the winter season (i.e. usually from Dec. 1 to March 31).

LIEN is encouraged by Hydro One’s promise of a proactive and comprehensive approach to resolving payment difficulties for its vulnerable customers while continuing to provide essential electricity service, particularly for those who heat their home with electricity. Hydro One’s recognition that vulnerable, low-income customers face particular hardships and that they should be assisted rather than penalized is an important step forward in better addressing the energy needs of these Ontarians. Many low-income individuals face difficult financial pressures on a daily basis to meet their basic needs such as paying for rent, utilities, transportation, food, medicine and other necessities. This announcement from Hydro One is a positive step in supporting low-income customers who are unable to pay the rising cost of electricity in the province, as we await the cold winter months ahead.

LIEN looks forward to ongoing work with the government and Ontario utility companies on solutions to energy affordability.

For more information including interviews with a LIEN representative, please contact:

Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

About LIEN

The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) was formed in 2004 by anti-poverty, affordable housing and environmental groups in response to the impact of rising energy prices on low-income Ontarians. LIEN promotes programs and policies which tackle the problems of energy poverty and homelessness, reduce Ontario’s contribution to smog and climate change, and promote a healthy economy through the more efficient use of energy, a transition to renewable sources of energy, education and consumer protection.

Download PDF file

Dec 07, 2016

Ontario Now Has Rules to Protect Energy Consumers from Predatory Sales Practices

In June 2015, the Ministry of Energy introduced Bill 112 – Strengthening Consumer Protection and Electricity System Oversight Act, 2015 in an effort to enhance the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) mandate and organization to ensure that the OEB continues to regulate and protect consumers effectively. The OEB is an independent regulator responsible for setting for electricity and natural gas distributors, licensing market participants including electricity retailers and gas marketers, and protecting the interests of consumers.

Bill 112 also amends the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010 (ECPA) by banning the door-to-door sale of retail energy contracts and requiring all contracts to be subject to a standardized verification process.

Changes to the Energy Consumer Protection Act, 2010

Prohibiting Selling or Offering to Sell at Consumer’s Homes

Starting in January 2017, a supplier or a supplier’s salesperson will be prohibited from selling or offering to sell electricity or gas to a consumer in person at their home. If a contract to sell electricity or gas is entered into, in person, at a consumer’s home, it will not be legally enforceable. This prohibition does not, however, prevent a supplier or a supplier’s salesperson from advertising or marketing to potential consumers at their home.

Restrictions on Advertising at Consumer’s Homes

Commencing in January 2017, the advertising the sale of electricity or gas will be subject to regulation. The regulations can set out rules regarding the manner, time, and circumstances under which a supplier or salesperson may advertise to a consumer at their home. If a contract is entered into as a result of a violation of these rules, it will not be legally enforceable. Certain rules have been introduced to address advertising behaviour at consumer’s homes; these can be found further below under the O. Reg. 389/10 sections.

In addition, a supplier must now withhold wages from a salesperson that advertises, sells, or offers to sell electricity or gas to a consumer in a way that violates the rules in the regulations. This includes behaviour that constitutes “unfair practices”. These can also be found further below under the O. Reg. 389/10 sections.   

All Contracts Will Be Subject to Verification Requirements

As of January 1, 2017, all contracts will be subject to the verification requirements set out in the ECPA and General, O Reg 389/10. This means a person can verify a contract for electricity or gas

• only with the account holder
• only over the telephone or internet, and
• only between the 10th and 45th day after a written copy of the contract is delivered to the account holder

In addition, as of January 1, 2017, contracts must only be verified over a telephone or the internet by an individual who

• is not employed by a party to the contract being verified
• is not compensated by the gas or electricity supplier or on the basis of the number of contracts verified, and
• is properly trained

Gas Marketer Pricing Requirements Now Mirror Those of Electricity Retailers

As of January 1, 2017, gas marketers will be subject to regulatory requirements when determining the price for gas. Previously, these requirements could only be set for electricity retailers. The OEB is also granted the power to determine how an electricity retailer or gas marketer determines the price set for electricity or gas. Gas marketers sell or offer to sell gas while electricity retailers sell or offer to sell electricity.

Changes to O. Reg. 389/10 (General) under the ECPA

Auto-renewal of Gas Contracts is Now Prohibited; Cancellation Fees Are Reduced or Removed

As of January 1, 2017, the auto-renewal of gas contracts will no longer be allowed, the amount that electricity retailers and gas marketers can charge consumers for the cancellation of a contract will be reduced to $50, and consumers will be allowed to cancel an electricity contract without penalty up to 30 days after receiving their second bill.

Rules for Door-to-Door Advertising

Advertising should not be confused with the sale or the offer to sell gas or electricity. While the sale or offer to sell gas or electricity at a consumer’s home is prohibited, the advertising of the sale of gas or electricity is not. Advertising is, however, subject to regulation.

As of January 1, 2017, a supplier or salesperson will no longer be allowed to

• provide consumers with a gift card or incentive for future redemption following entry into an energy contract
• leave a contract with a consumer at their door
• conduct unsolicited door-to-door advertising except during specified days and times
• conduct unsolicited door-to-door advertising if there is a posted sign prohibiting the activity
• make more than one unsolicited visit to a consumer’s home in a 30-day period except for the purposes of contract verification

Repayment of a Gift Card is an Unfair Practice

A consumer may cancel a contract at any time if the supplier engages in what is called an unfair practice listed under the regulations. As of January 1, 2017, the requirement by a supplier for an energy consumer to return or repay a gift card at any time, including upon the cancellation of a contract by the consumer, will be included as an unfair practice.

Sales Commission No Longer Based on the Volume of Sales

As of January 1, 2017, all sales agents will be prohibited from earning a commission based on the volume of sales.

Changes to Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998

Increase in Maximum Administrative Penalty for Offences

The maximum penalty for contravening the Ontario Energy Board Act (OEBA) has been increased. While the penalty cannot exceed the amount a person would have to pay if it were an ‘offence’ under the OEBA, the OEB is able to increase an administrative penalty to equal the amount gained from the violation.

Education of Consumers is an OEBA Objective

The OEBA has a new objective – to promote the education of consumers. This means that while carrying out its responsibilities, the OEB must now be guided by the objective of promoting the education of consumers in addition to its current objective of protecting the interests of consumers with respect to prices and the adequacy, reliability, and quality of electricity services.

Consumer Representation at the OEB

The OEB must now establish processes by which the interests of consumers can be represented in proceedings before the OEB. The OEB is currently in the process of reviewing its intervenor participation process. These amendments would allow the OEB to implement any changes that arise from its review.

Aug 04, 2016

The Impact of Differential Distribution Rates on Rural Residential Electricity Consumers

The OEB issued a new rate design policy on April 2, 2015, that changes the way Hydro One and other local electricity distributors bill residential customers. Currently, distribution rates are a combination of a fixed monthly charge and a usage charge. Under the new policy, all the costs for residential distribution services will be collected through a fixed monthly charge.

Jul 13, 2016

CELA Recommends Significant Changes to the Long-Term Energy Plan In Light of the Climate Change Action Plan

The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), a member of LIEN’s steering committee, and Greenpeace Canada recommend the Province make significant changes to the scope, focus, flexibility, and values of the next Long-Term Energy Plan (LTEP) if it hopes to successfully implement the Climate Change Action Plan.

Jul 05, 2016

$900 Million from Ontario’s Cap and Trade Program to Help with Energy Retrofits and Energy Efficiency

$900 Million from Cap and Trade Program to Help Social Housing with Energy Retrofits and Residential Multi-tenant Buildings with Energy Efficiency Improvements

While Ontario will not begin auctioning greenhouse gas allowances under the new Cap and Trade program until 2017, the Province has committed close to $1 billion of the possible proceeds under the program to redress the burden borne by low-income households and vulnerable communities in mitigating climate change.

On May 25, Ontario announced funding of $900 million over four years for social housing energy retrofits and the improvement of energy efficiency in private residential apartments.  The announcement follows an earlier commitment of $92 million made on February 12.[1]  The initial $92 million will be sourced from the Green Investment Fund,[2] while the additional $900 million will come from proceeds of the Cap and Trade program Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account.  The increased funding came on the heels of the Climate Change and Low-Carbon Economy Act, 2016 (Climate Change Act) receiving Royal Assent on May 19.[3] 

The $92 million commitment came prior to Bill-172 being scrutinised, amended, and enacted as the Climate Change Act.  The amendments introduced requirements to consider the impact the regulatory regime would have on low-income households and vulnerable communities, especially with respect to the Climate Change Action Plan and funding initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The amendments also mandate a public report on how well initiatives that are funded fit with the requirement to consider the interests of low-income households and vulnerable communities.  The submissions and debates that led to the introduction of new provisions under the Climate Change Act illustrated that the support provided by the initial $92 million, though welcome, would be inadequate to address the impact of the cap and trade program on low-income households and vulnerable communities. 

Without the amendments to Bill 172, the Climate Change Act would have contained provisions ameliorating the concerns of trade-exposed industries[4] but remained silent on low-income households and vulnerable communities.  The amendments that oriented the Climate Change Act towards the interests of low-income households and vulnerable communities were introduced, in no small part, because of the advocacy of organizations such as the members of the Low-income Energy Network (LIEN) including the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and the Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC), the members of the Clean Economy Alliance (CEA), the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO), the Housing Services Corporation, and a number of other public interest organisations.

Of the $900 million, $500 million is earmarked for the retrofit of social housing apartments with energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and up to $400 million will be held as part of an incentive program that will offer rebates or grants for the utilisation of energy-efficient technologies in multi-residential rental buildings.  The province has also promised to look into making it illegal to pass these costs onto tenants.

Even though Bill 172 did not specify a minimum percentage of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account to be directed to low-income Ontarians, LIEN is encouraged by the steps that have been taken to date to assuage the disproportionate impact of carbon pricing on low-income households and vulnerable communities during Ontario’s transition to a carbon free economy. This policy alone, however, will not be enough to effectively mitigate the impact of cap and trade on all low-income households and vulnerable communities, other policies and commitments will be needed. It is imperative that the Province continue to ensure that the most vulnerable members of our society are treated equitably when policies of significant impact are being formulated and implemented.  

LIEN looks forward to working with the provincial government as the Climate Change Action Plan is implemented and the Minister makes recommendations to the treasury board for the expenditure of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account under the Climate Change Act.

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[1] The initial investment of $92 million is hoped will help lower GHG emissions by about 3,600 tonnes over a 20-year period and create approximately 1,650 jobs. The first $82 million will go toward energy retrofits for high-rise social housing towers of 150 units or more. At an estimated average cost of $3.5 – $5.5 million for each high-rise, the funding would help between 16 and 23 buildings. The final $10 million will go towards improving electricity efficiency in approximately 1,300 single social housing homes often found in smaller communities.

[2] A $325 million down payment on the newly passed Cap and Trade program.

[3] The impression of a number organisations on the initial allocation of $92 million For energy retrofits can be found here.

[4] Industries that generate significant greenhouse gas emissions whose competitors may face lower costs in jurisdictions that do not have carbon pricing.

Jun 10, 2016

Advocates working to reduce energy poverty in Ontario welcome new electricity bill affordability program for low-income consumers

(Toronto) The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) welcomed Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli’s announcement today that the provincial government is moving forward to establish an Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) for eligible low-income consumers to be in place by January 1, 2016.

A home energy rate affordability program has been a key component of LIEN’s proposal for a comprehensive energy poverty strategy since its inception over ten years ago. Many of the essential components of that strategy have since been introduced by the Ontario Energy Board in their Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and by the provincial government. These include:

• energy conservation/efficiency programs at no-cost to low-income participants,
• specific low-income customer service rules such as extended arrears repayment terms, and
• emergency energy assistance to help low-income households in financial crisis.

All of these measures have been significant improvements to alleviate the energy burden on low- income households. Now, with the introduction of the OESP, the last key plank in a complete energy poverty strategy has been installed.

“Reduction in energy consumption can make bills more affordable, but those households with the lowest incomes still struggle to pay for home energy costs alongside other basic needs such as rent, food, transportation and medications”, said Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), one of LIEN’s founding members. “LIEN looks forward to working on the implementation of the OESP, and on Phase Two of the program which will include additional financial assistance for those who heat their homes with electricity.”

“The OESP will help prevent vulnerable households from falling into arrears and defaulting on their electricity bill payments,” said Jennifer Lopinski, LIEN steering committee member and LEAP Intake Worker for Hydro One & Enbridge Gas at A Place Called Home in the City of Kawartha Lakes. “This rate affordability program will complement the still-needed emergency assistance program for those low-income consumers who face short-term financial hardship.”

LIEN is a network of anti-poverty, affordable housing, environmental and social justice organizations that works to address the needs of Ontario’s low-income households by ensuring the implementation of effective energy assistance and conservation programs and policies.

For further information:

Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

Additional materials:
LIEN media release

OEB report to the Energy Minister re OESP

Mar 26, 2015

Advocacy group applauds Energy Minister’s proactive move to help vulnerable consumers pay their bills

(Toronto)The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) commends the government’s commitment to ensuring ongoing affordability of electricity bills for Ontario’s low-income households. The Ontario Electricity Support Program, which was announced by Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli today, is an important component of a comprehensive approach to reducing energy poverty in Ontario – for which LIEN has been advocating since 2004.

“We are pleased that Minister Chiarelli has directed the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to develop an electricity rate affordability program which will help low-income consumers pay for their essential electricity service and other basic needs such as rent, food, transportation and medications,” said Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), one of LIEN’s founding members. “We look forward to participating in the OEB’s consultation hearings to provide input into the program’s design.”

The Ontario Electricity Support Program will build on the OEB’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and is scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2016.

LEAP has been in place since 2011 and has three components: more flexible customer service rules on matters such as arrears payment plans and disconnection notice periods; emergency energy assistance, and energy conservation programs targeted specifically to low-income consumers.

LIEN is a network of anti-poverty, affordable housing, environmental and social justice organizations that works to address the needs of Ontario’s low-income households by ensuring the implementation of effective energy assistance and conservation programs and policies.

For further information:

Zee Bhanji

LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

Apr 23, 2014

Time for Energy Rate Affordability Program in Ontario

(Toronto) As the Low-Income Energy Network celebrates its 10th anniversary today at its annual symposium, the top line message from the conference is the need for an energy rate affordability program in Ontario.

LIEN has been advocating a comprehensive solution to energy poverty in Ontario over the last ten years. From emergency energy assistance, to low-income energy conservation programs, to better terms of service for low-income consumers, there has been great progress in the province. But the missing link is an Energy Rate Affordability Program to make sure that electricity bills are within reach for low income consumers. LIEN advocates a province wide program that sets a threshold of 6% of total household income as the maximum amount that low-income consumers should have to pay for their total energy bills – for heating and non-heating energy uses. Above that threshold, difficult choices have to be made between food, rent, electricity, medication and other essentials.

The work LIEN has done demonstrates that low-income energy affordability programs are good for utilities and their ratepayers too, because bills become much more manageable for the lowest income consumers.

Today, LIEN has sent a letter to all of Ontario’s provincial party leaders, urging them to support a low-income energy rate affordability program for Ontario.

Letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne

Letter to Hon. Tim Hudak

Letter to Hon. Andrea Horwath

Letter to Mike Schreiner 

For further information, please contact:

Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director & Counsel, Canadian Environmental Law Association

Tel: 416.662.8341

E-mail: theresa@cela.ca

Zee Bhanji, Coordinator, Low-Income Energy Network

Tel: 416.597.5855 ext. 5167

E-mail: bhanjiz@lao.on.ca

Mary Todorow, Policy Analyst, Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario

Tel: 416-597-5855 ext. 5173

E-mail: todorom@lao.on.ca

Download PDF file

Mar 25, 2014

Long-Term Energy Plan a positive move, but affordable energy rate program needed to protect the vulnerable

(Toronto)The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) strongly supports the government’s commitment to energy conservation and renewable energy in the updated Long-Term Energy Plan which was unveiled by Energy Minister Bob Chiarelli yesterday.

“Conservation and efficiency is the fastest and easiest way to meet our energy needs, and cheaper than building new generation. It also reduces our environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions,” noted Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association, a founding member of LIEN. “We welcome the government’s effort to develop a culture of conservation, and trust that low-income consumers will have equal opportunities to participate.”

While the announcement of on-bill financing for energy efficiency retrofits in the new plan is encouraging news for homeowners wishing to undertake renovations, special considerations must be made to ensure that low-income consumers are protected from disconnection in the event that they default on their utility bill.

Despite aggressive conservation, electricity rates are expected to rise. This is especially troubling for low-income consumers who are vulnerable to increases in shelter and utility costs and will be forced to make difficult choices between heating, eating and paying the rent.

“What is required is a long-term, proactive solution that will help keep the lights on for low-income households in the province,” said Zee Bhanji, Coordinator of LIEN. “We have been advocating for a permanent, province-wide low-income electricity rate assistance program since 2006.”

The Ontario government has shown leadership in greening the electricity system and spurring a healthy renewable energy sector. We hope they continue this leadership by ensuring that progress is made on establishing a rate affordability program targeted to low-income consumers.

LIEN is a network of anti-poverty, affordable housing, environmental and social justice organizations that works to address the needs of Ontario’s low-income households by ensuring the implementation of effective energy assistance and conservation programs and policies.

For further information:

Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

Dec 03, 2013

LIEN webinar: Exploring an Electricity Rate Affordability Program for Ontario’s Low-Income Consumers

When: Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Online (webinar)

What: With electricity bills projected to increase by 46% from 2010-2015, low-income residential consumers in Ontario (about 733,000 households) may face housing affordability problems and could be forced to make difficult spending decisions such as paying for heat or food. To proactively address this looming crisis, the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) is working with a consultant Roger Colton, a U.S. based expert on low-income energy issues, to develop a ratepayer-funded electricity rate affordability program along with a cost estimate for delivering it to Ontario’s low-income consumers. LIEN has renewed its efforts to advocate for such a program and is working to build public awareness about, and support for, this proposal. The webinar will begin with an overview of LIEN’s advocacy activities and culminate with a detailed presentation of the electricity rate affordability program.

Who: Presentations by Roger Colton, Mary Todorow and Zee Bhanji

Feb 12, 2013

LIEN Currents, Winter 2013 issue

LIEN currents – Winter 2013

Feb 11, 2013

LIEN Energy Poverty Toolkit

The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) has designed an energy poverty toolkit. Inside the manual you will find:

• a backgrounder on energy poverty that outlines the problem
• a summary of existing low-income energy programs in the province and the current landscape
• a list of barriers and common issues facing low-income energy consumers
• examples of how to work locally to end energy poverty in your community
• tips for dealing with your local media, including a sample opinion piece that can be tailored
• helpful conservation tips
• other resources, such as statistics

LIEN’s energy poverty toolkit is intended to be a “living document” which will continue to be altered, amended and updated by either a limited or unrestricted group. This is to ensure that it is both relevant and current. We will continue to update the toolkit and we invite you to provide feedback and share your own ideas and resources so that all community members can benefit from your knowledge and experience. Comments as to how it might be improved or additional material added would therefore be welcomed.

Click to open document:

LIEN energy poverty toolkit (updated January 2013)

Disclaimer: Much of the information contained in the toolkit is a compilation of existing resources (e.g. Ontario Energy Board website). However, it has been developed and arranged in a manner that should facilitate easy use. The reader is encouraged to follow web links to other documents in order to obtain additional information about specific areas.

Feb 01, 2013

LIEN Currents, Fall 2012 issue

LIEN currents – Fall 2012 issue

Nov 21, 2012

LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance Manual for 2012

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has posted an updated LEAP Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) Manual for 2012, which includes an updated Income Eligibility Chart. The updated LEAP EFA Program Manual is effective starting September 19, 2012.

LEAP manual

Sep 21, 2012

Act Now to Save Housing Supports for people on OW and ODSP!

The Community Start-up and Maintenance Benefit (CSUMB) and the Home Repairs Benefit were both eliminated in the 2012 budget. The cuts will come into force in January 2013.

CSUMB can be used to prevent disconnection of utilities (gas, electricity, water) or to restore utility services if there has been a disconnection of service. It can also be used for utility deposits. The Home Repairs Benefit can be used to repair or replace unsafe electrical wiring, and furnaces or wood stoves.

Cutting these benefits is the wrong decision!

This campaign is a joint project of two of LIEN’s steering committee members, ACTO (Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario), and ISAC (Income Security Advocacy Centre).  

Jun 04, 2012

LIEN regional workshop – Windsor 2012

LIEN is offering a workshop on low-income energy poverty issues! The workshop will be hosted by the Homeless Coalition of Windsor-Essex County.

This FREE workshop offers great networking opportunities and will provide participants with information on available energy assistance and conservation/efficiency programs in Ontario.

Who is this workshop for?

Workshop participants may come from a wide range of experience and organizations. Ideally they will include:

• Staff or community members who want to be better able to assist low-income consumers in their own communities
• Individuals who are actively involved in energy awareness and conservation campaigns and want to explore certain topics in greater depth
• Low-income individuals who, having experienced energy poverty, can offer insight into what kind of information might be beneficial to them

Mar 14, 2012

LIEN webinars on Ontario’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) is pleased to present a two-part webinar series on the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), which has been rolling out in stages this year. LEAP was established as a result of the OEB’s consultation on low-income energy consumer issues in which LIEN actively participated.

LEAP has three components:

– Emergency financial assistance (rolled out in January 1, 2011)

– More flexible customer service rules for low-income consumers (came into force on October 1, 2011)

– Targeted energy conservation programs offered by gas and electric utilities (staggered rollout)

The webinar presentations will be given by staff at the Ontario Energy Board, Ontario Power Authority, Enbridge Gas, Union Gas and LIEN.

Webinar 1: Thursday, November 10, from noon – 1pm

– LIEN’s energy poverty strategy

– LEAP emergency financial assistance, new customer service rules, compliance & enforcement issues

Presenters: Zee Bhanji/Mary Todorow, Lenore Dougan, Donna Kinapen

Facilitator: Barb De Ruyter

Webinar 2: Tuesday, November 15, from noon – 1pm

– LIEN’s energy poverty strategy

– OPA low-income conservation programs

– Gas utilities’ low-income conservation programs

Presenters: Zee Bhanji/Mary Todorow, Nicole Hynum, Erika Lontoc, Tracey Brooks

Facilitator: Barb De Ruyter

Nov 02, 2011

LIEN open letter to the Premier re: Ontario Energy Board decision to deny approval for Toronto Hydro conservation programs

OPEN LETTER

The Honourable Dalton McGuinty,

Premier of Ontario

Legislative Building

Queen’s Park

Toronto ON M7A 1A1

Dear Premier,

RE: OEB decision to deny approval for Toronto Hydro energy conservation programs

I am writing on behalf of the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) to share our serious concerns about the pullback on funding for energy efficiency and conservation programs in Ontario.

Low-income energy conservation programs play a vital role in assisting vulnerable consumers to lower their energy bills, maintain healthier and more affordable housing, and therefore reduce the risk of homelessness. These programs enable low-income consumers to participate in the “Culture of Conservation” to reduce energy use and related greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change.

Recent decisions by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) have forced both electricity and natural gas distributors to restrict cost-effective conservation programs they offer to consumers. This is a great setback for consumers and the environment. It was also surprising since, in a Directive issued on July 5, 2010, the Minister of Energy urged the OEB (and the Ontario Power Authority) to take on an expanded policy-making role in conservation and consider increasing current conservation budgets for natural gas and electric utilities.

Ontario Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller also criticized the OEB for putting up barriers to increased energy conservation in his Annual Energy Conservation Progress Report – 2010 (Volume One), Managing a Complex Energy System, released last month. Miller says that the OEB has established rules that could hinder the Conservation and Demand Management (CDM) programs offered by the province’s electricity utilities. “The OEB has given utilities all of the responsibility but none of the freedom to modify or improve programs if necessary.”

Energy conservation is cheaper and more environmentally sound than building new power generation facilities. LIEN encourages the Premier and all Parties, as part of their election platforms, to commit to strong and robust low-income energy conservation programs in which vulnerable Ontarians can participate. Furthermore, we urge your government to issue a strong, clear Directive to the OEB, instructing them to approve all cost-effective energy conservation and efficiency programs that are proposed by local distribution companies. If legislative changes are necessary to ensure compliance with this Directive, we also urge you to make them.

We appreciate your urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Per: Low-Income Energy Network

Original signed by

Zee Bhanji

LIEN Coordinator

cc: Rosemarie Leclair, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Energy Board

Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Energy

Mike Schreiner, Leader, Green Party of Ontario

Andrea Horwath, Leader, Ontario New Democratic Party

Tim Hudak, Leader, Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario

LIEN member organizations

Jul 26, 2011

OEB improvements to electricity customer service rules will help keep lights on for low-income people

(Toronto) The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) welcomes the long-awaited release of the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) customer service rules that are specifically designed to help financially-strapped low-income households maintain their residential electricity service.

The rules released this week are part of the OEB’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) – a comprehensive plan consisting of: emergency relief for consumers in short-term payment crisis; targeted energy conservation and demand management programs to reduce energy consumption and costs, and the new flexible rules on matters such as security deposit and fee waivers, arrears payment plans and disconnection notice periods.

“This is good news for low-income consumers who struggle to pay for rent, food, transportation and their basic energy needs,” said Jennifer Lopinski, LIEN steering committee member and the Emergency Home Energy program administrator with A Place Called Home in the Municipality of Kawartha Lakes. “When attempting to resolve their electricity arrears, low-income consumers will have real options to reduce financial hardship. We’re also pleased that the OEB is consulting on implementing similar conditions of service rules for low-income natural gas customers.”

LIEN actively participated in the OEB’s proceeding which was initiated three years ago to develop the new customer service rules, and continues to advocate for the establishment of a permanent energy rate affordability program for low-income consumers that would proactively prevent households from falling into arrears.

The new low-income customer service rules will come into effect on October 1, 2011.

For further information:

Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

Apr 01, 2011

LIEN regional workshop – Kingston 2010

LIEN is focusing on building the capacity of its network members and other organizations to become “experts” or “resource people” on low-income energy issues in their communities. To facilitate this, LIEN is in the process of developing an Energy Poverty Training Manual/Toolkit.

This FREE workshop offers great networking opportunities, activities, and an opportunity to provide feedback on LIEN’s draft manual.

The LIEN workshop will be facilitated by Barb De Ruyter and hosted by the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul.

Who is this workshop for?

Workshop participants may come from a wide range of experience and organizations. Ideally they will include:

• Staff or community members who are well-positioned to train others in using the toolkit and who also want to be better able to assist low-income consumers in their own communities
• Individuals who are actively involved in energy awareness and conservation campaigns and want to explore certain topics in greater depth

The workshop and subsequent manual will enable you to:

• Provide up-to-date and targeted advice on energy poverty to low-income households, groups and agencies across Ontario in order to raise awareness
• Provide energy efficiency advice and conservation tips to encourage the reduction in energy consumption (and therefore a reduction in energy bills)
• Support groups and agencies that provide advice to low-income energy consumers so as to ensure maximum take-up of available programs

Oct 13, 2010

LIEN webinar 2010

Background:

LIEN is focusing on building the capacity of its network members and other organizations to become “experts” or “resource people” on low-income energy issues in their communities. To facilitate this, LIEN is in the process of developing an Energy Poverty Training Manual/Toolkit.

The aim of the webinar will be to:

1. Introduce key concepts of the manual so as to enable us to develop a draft based on feedback

2. Enable participants to highlight issues relevant to their organizations or communities so that they are reflected in the manual

Oct 08, 2010

LIEN Currents, Summer 2010 issue

LIEN currents – Summer 2010 issue

Aug 21, 2010

Energy Minister gives “green” light to low-income energy programs

(Toronto)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 consumers.

“This is good news for low-income consumers who have been waiting too long for a solution to energy poverty. They do not have the resources to pay for energy-savings retrofits, and are seriously challenged in meeting their basic energy needs, including healthy home temperatures during dangerously hot summer days and freezing winter nights,” said Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA), a LIEN steering committee member.  “We’re also pleased that the OEB and OPA have been asked to coordinate on the delivery of the conservation programs by gas and electricity distributors.”

The OEB was planning to move forward with new support programs under their Low-Income Energy Program (LEAP) initiative by early 2010, but put those plans on hold last September pending expected ministerial direction.  LEAP had three components: more flexible customer service rules, emergency financial assistance, and conservation.  LIEN participated in the two LEAP implementation working groups and anticipates that the OEB will build on the guiding principles developed for effective programs.   

“The need for an adequately funded emergency energy assistance program is critical to avoid homelessness for vulnerable households facing short-term financial crises”, said Jennifer Lopinski, LIEN steering committee member and the Emergency Home Energy program administrator with A Place Called Home in the Municipality of Kawartha Lakes.  “It’s encouraging that the Energy Minister has asked the OEB to consider increasing the original funding allocation for the assistance program previously announced under LEAP.”  

The new programs are expected to be in place by January 2011, but LIEN believes some protections, such as improved customer service rules and emergency assistance for the upcoming heating season, should be implemented earlier.   

For further information:

Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

Jul 06, 2010

Cooling government enthusiasm for low-income energy consumers’ programs?

(Toronto)The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) is calling for a permanent energy rate affordability program for Ontario’s poorest households as members from across the province gather tomorrow for their annual conference.

“Low-income consumers have been waiting too long for an energy poverty solution. They do not have the resources to reduce their energy use or meet their basic energy needs, including healthy home temperatures during dangerously hot summer days and freezing winter nights,” said Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA).  “We urge the Energy Minister to build on the significant progress made at the OEB’s LEAP Conservation Working Group and put into place a province-wide multi-fuel low-income conservation program.”  

In September 2009 the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure advised the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) that the provincial government was developing a new integrated program for low-income energy consumers.  The OEB was planning to move forward with new support programs under their Low-Income Energy Program (LEAP) initiative by early 2010, but put those plans on hold pending expected ministerial direction.  

As energy costs continue to rise and looming summer temperatures threaten to impact the health of people who cannot afford to escape the heat, LIEN’s members are concerned that low-income consumers are still waiting for the sustainable supports needed to help manage their utility bills and pay for other basic essentials such as rent, food, transportation and medicine.

“The need for an effective, adequately funded emergency energy assistance program is critical to avoid homelessness for vulnerable households facing short-term financial crises”, said Jennifer Lopinski, the Emergency Home Energy program administrator with A Place Called Home in the Municipality of Kawartha Lakes.  “Many existing low-income financial assistance programs are not available province-wide and funds are often insufficient to meet the need.”

With the province now taking the lead on developing an integrated low-income program, LIEN asks that the Energy Minister seriously review the need to include a low-income energy rate affordability program as an important component of a comprehensive approach to reducing energy poverty in Ontario.   

For further information:

Zee Bhanji, LIEN Coordinator

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

May 25, 2010

LIEN Currents, Spring 2010 issue

LIEN currents – Spring 2010 issue

Apr 21, 2010

OEB LEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program) initiative halted!

The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure is in the process of developing a province-wide integrated program for low-income energy consumers. As a result, the Minister has requested that the OEB not proceed with the LEAP implementation in advance of a ministerial direction. The Minister further indicated that the MEI, in the development of its program, would build upon the work the OEB has undertaken to date.

Sep 28, 2009

There has Never Been a Better Time Not to Buy a Reactor

Conditions have changed and the McGuinty government should support its own Green Energy Act by deciding against buying new nuclear reactors this summer, say thirteen prominent environmental organizations in an open letter to the Premier.

The groups say there has never been a better time not to buy a nuclear reactor, and they urge the Premier to forgo spending billions on new nuclear and instead put his Green Energy Act to work by replacing the aging Pickering B nuclear station with green energy.

“Nuclear costs are increasing, electricity demand is falling and the province has put in place the conditions for green power to play an increased role in Ontario’s electricity sector,” said Cherise Burda, Policy Director for the Pembina Institute. “It’s a perfect storm in favour of green power rather than nuclear.”

The groups say that the Premier should delay the decision to buy new reactors until the province’s plan for electricity is reviewed again in three years. Groups signing the letter include the Canadian Environmental Law Association, Council of Canadians, Ecojustice, Environmental Defence, Great Lakes United, Greenpeace, Low-Income Energy Network, Ontario Clean Air Alliance, Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, Pembina Institute, Sierra Club Ontario, Toronto Environmental Alliance and WWF-Canada.

“Investments in green energy and nuclear power are competing for limited space on the electricity grid of the future,” added Keith Stewart, Climate Change Campaign Manager for WWF-Canada. “The Green Energy Act points us toward a sustainable energy future, but to get there we now need to make more space for green power within the province’s electricity plan.”

The province’s current electricity plan caps the long-term development of new renewable power by reserving at least 50 per cent of the electricity grid for nuclear generation. For the Green Energy Act to be successful, say the groups, the government must remove the long-term cap on green power development.

The next and best opportunity to do this would be a decision to replace the Pickering B nuclear station with green energy when it reaches the end of its operational life beginning in 2013. The government is expected to decide Pickering B’s fate later this summer.

“New reactors are neither needed nor economical today. What is needed, however, is more space on the electricity grid for Green Energy Act to be put to work. Committing to replace Pickering with green power is the next positive step the government must take toward expanding green energy and jobs,” said Shawn-Patrick Stensil, Energy and Climate Campaigner for Greenpeace.

The groups highlighted the assumptions used by the Ontario Power Authority in 2005 to limit green energy and plan for the expansion of nuclear generation that are no longer valid in 2009. The expansion of nuclear power should be reconsidered because:

• Electricity demand has continued to fall since 2005, eliminating the need for additional reactors.
• Nuclear costs are more than double what they were estimated to be in 2005 and nuclear vendors are unwilling to assume the risks of cost over-runs.
• The Independent Electricity System Operator has warned that excess and inflexible nuclear supply is a threat to system stability.
• The passage of the Green Energy Act creates the conditions for green power to thrive if green power is provided additional space on the electricity grid.

Last September, Minister Smitherman directed the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) to revise its targets for green power and conservation. The OPA is expected to submit its revised plan later this summer, after assessing the impact of the Green Energy Act.

For more information, contact:

Cherise Burda, Ontario Policy Director, Pembina Institute: (416) 824-0256

Keith Stewart, Climate Change Campaign Manager, WWF-Canada: (416) 985-5936

Shawn-Patrick Stensil, Energy and Climate Change Campaigner, Greenpeace-Canada: (416) 884-7053

Jack Gibbons, Chair, Ontario Clean Air Alliance: (416) 926-1907 ext. 240

Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director, Canadian Environmental Law Association: (416) 960-2284 ext. 219

Hugh Wilkins, Coordinating Lawyer, Ecojustice Canada: (416) 368-7533 ext. 34

Dan McDermott, Sierra Club Ontario: (416) 960-9606

Related Information: Give Green Energy Time to Grow

June 3, 2009

LIEN Currents, Winter 2008/2009 issue

Winter 2008/2009 issue

Apr 15, 2009

New OEB program to protect low-income consumers from rising energy costs: Board’s comprehensive, province-wide approach commended by advocates

TORONTO – The Low-Income Energy Network today commended the Ontario Energy Board for establishing the new Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and recognizing the needs of low-income energy consumers in Ontario. LIEN was responding to an OEB report released today following consultations held last fall.

The OEB instituted its consultation on low-income energy issues after LIEN secured a ruling from Divisional Court which found that the OEB has the jurisdiction to take affordability into account as part of its statutory mandate to set just and reasonable rates. This sets an important context for future proceedings before the OEB and for the successful operation of LEAP.

“LIEN is pleased that the OEB has recognized that energy poverty is an important issue requiring urgent action,” said Sarah Blackstock, Research and Policy Analyst with the Income Security Advocacy Centre, a founding LIEN member. “And that the OEB will target significant funds to improve energy security in the province for the most financially vulnerable households.”

“We have been advocating for a comprehensive energy poverty strategy for Ontario since LIEN’s inception in 2004,” noted Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association, another founding member of LIEN. “The OEB’s report recognizes that a comprehensive approach is required and puts several necessary building blocks in place.”

The LEAP emergency energy fund totalling about $5 million annually will be available year round on a consistent basis across the province, and will be provided by both electricity and gas energy providers together with social service agencies in each community. This will ensure that the program is available to low-income energy consumers in need all across Ontario.

Despite these improvements, the OEB declined to provide the permanent energy rate assistance program for low-income consumers that LIEN had recommended. The Board did recognize that LEAP will not in itself address broader problems of energy poverty. “We still have a long way to go to ensure that that all Ontarians have access to green, affordable energy, and we will continue to engage in broader discussions with the Ontario government, the Board and others in this respect going forward,” said Blackstock.

Low-income consumers have difficulty accessing energy conservation and demand management programs, and the OEB report noted that there is a need for those programs to be targeted to low-income consumers. “LIEN looks forward to providing input as these new programs are designed,” said McClenaghan. “Conservation programs are important to ensure low-income consumers can both reduce energy use and participate in the culture of conservation in the province.”

An area of special concern to low-income consumers is that of terms of service imposed by energy providers on their customers. “The impacts of security deposits, disconnection and reconnection fees, late payment charges, imposition of smart meters and much else can be very devastating for individual families in need”, stated Mary Todorow, Research/Policy Analyst with the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, another LIEN founding member. “The Board has signalled significant improvements to these terms which would result in alleviating some real hardship.”

“We are also pleased that the Board is putting a strong emphasis on improving outreach and education, especially around the LEAP program. This has been a real deficiency in the available programs to date,” noted Todorow, “with uneven access to programs and to information about programs.”

Equitable access to basic energy needs is fundamental to families’ and individuals’ well being. LIEN is, therefore, very happy to note that the Board report indicates that the new LEAP program should be fully in place by November 2009, the next heating season in Ontario.

For more information:

Theresa McClenaghan, Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA)

416-960-2284 ext. 219

Sarah Blackstock, Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC)

416-523-5228 (cell)

Mar 10, 2009

Green Energy Act holds promise of affordable utility bills for poor – but conservation measures must be coupled with rate assistance

(Toronto) The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) is encouraged by provisions in the proposed Green Energy Act (GEA) that could fund conservation programs targeted to low-income Ontarians to help reduce their household energy use and bills.  Such programs can ensure that our most financially disadvantaged citizens will not be left behind as Ontario develops a robust conservation culture.

The province’s poorest households, struggling to pay for their housing, food, transportation, medicine and other basic necessities, simply do not have the money to invest in effective measures for deep energy savings, such as weatherization, insulation, and energy efficient heating equipment and appliances.  Low-income tenants face additional barriers to conserving energy since they depend on landlords taking initiatives to retrofit their buildings, for example, by replacing old fridges with energy efficient models.

“We anticipate that the Green Energy Act can make real progress on conservation programs targeted to low-income consumers.  Programs to date have been limited to pilots, involved short-term funding commitments or have focused on less extensive measures such as low-flow showerheads, aerators, pipe wrap, programmable thermostats and CFL bulbs,” said Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and a LIEN steering committee member. “Reduction in energy consumption can make bills more affordable. However, for significant impact for low-income consumers and the environment, we need permanent, adequately funded, fuel-neutral programs with a wide suite of measures available province-wide that are tailored to homeowners, tenants in private rental housing and tenants in social housing.”

“Equitable access to energy conservation programs is the foundation of our comprehensive strategy to reduce energy poverty in Ontario,” said Zee Bhanji, LIEN’s Coordinator, “But conservation programs alone are not the solution to affordable energy for low-income consumers. They must be offered in tandem with a low-income energy rate assistance program.”

LIEN is participating in the Ontario Energy Board’s current consultation on issues affecting low-income consumers and recommending that the Board establish a ratepayer-funded energy affordability program.

For further information:

Zee Bhanji, Low-Income Energy Network

416-597-5855 ext. 5167

Feb 25, 2009

LIEN Currents, January/February 2008 issue

January/February 2008 issue

LIEN regional workshop – Windsor

SAVING ENERGY: A TENANT ACTION WORKSHOP

This free workshop offers great networking opportunities, activities, and an inside peek at how tenants can take the lead to save energy, money, and make their neighbourhoods a better place to live! The workshop is led by Toronto Environmental Alliance, supported by LIEN, and hosted by hosted by Homeless Coalition Windsor-Essex.

What to expect

• Get inspired by real-life examples of how tenants have successfully run their own energy conservation programs.
• Learn step-by-step how you could kick-start your own energy conservation program.
• Collect ideas, advice, tools, and resources to help you along the way.
• Participate in breakout sessions and activities.
• Relate what you’ve been learning to your own neighbourhood.
• Network with fellow tenant advocates and activists.

Oct 01, 2008

Ontario Energy Board stakeholder consultation on low-income energy issues

Due in part to the May 16th decision in LIEN’s Divisional Court appeal that found the OEB does have jurisdiction to implement rate affordability programs for low-income residential consumers, the Board announced on July 2nd that it was starting a consultation process to examine energy issues associated with low-income consumers, such as rate assistance, arrears management, disconnection procedures, emergency assistance, service charges (i.e. late payment fees, reconnection charges), and low-income conservation and demand management programs. Despite the Divisional Court appeal decision, however, the Board still has not decided about whether or how they should exercise their jurisdiction to consider the ability to pay when setting utility rates.

From September 22nd – 25th, LIEN attended the OEB Consultation on Energy Issues Relating to Low-Income Consumers. The consultation provided an opportunity for interested stakeholder to make presentations on low-income energy issues relating to rate assistance, arrears management, disconnection procedures, emergency assistance, service charges (i.e. late payment fees, reconnection charges), and low-income conservation and demand management programs.

Sep 30, 2008

LIEN regional workshop – Ottawa

SAVING ENERGY: A TENANT ACTION WORKSHOP

This free workshop offers great networking opportunities, activities, and an inside peek at how tenants can take the lead to save energy, money, and make their neighbourhoods a better place to live! The workshop is led by Toronto Environmental Alliance, supported by LIEN, and hosted by Nepean, Rideau and Osgoode Community Resource Centre

What to expect

• Get inspired by real-life examples of how tenants have successfully run their own energy conservation programs.
• Learn step-by-step how you could kick-start your own energy conservation program.
• Collect ideas, advice, tools, and resources to help you along the way.
• Participate in breakout sessions and activities.
• Relate what you’ve been learning to your own neighbourhood.
• Network with fellow tenant advocates and activists.

Sep 22, 2008

The impact of smart sub-metering on low-income tenants

LIEN is very concerned about the impact of smart submetering on housing affordability for low-income tenants who right now pay for electricity in their rent and already struggle to pay for other basic necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medicine.

Having utilities included in rent is a fundamental and valuable term in residential rental contracts, providing tenants with some degree of certainty with respect to expected costs in order to make crucial household budget decisions.

People on social assistance, single-parent families, the elderly, visible minorities, immigrants and persons with disabilities are all over-represented in the population of low-income tenants. They are particularly vulnerable to increases in shelter and utility costs – increases which are difficult to absorb and which could put their housing in jeopardy.

Aug 29, 2008

Affordable energy and the Ontario Poverty Reduction Strategy

The Ontario government has committed to developing a Poverty Reduction Strategy by the end of 2008. A series of government consultations were held across the province in May and June, and Ontarians were invited to submit ideas and comments either through the government’s website at www.growingstronger.ca or by fax or regular mail.

LIEN believes that the province’s poverty reduction plan and its long-term affordable housing strategy must both address energy poverty. The LIEN submission to the Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction recommended that the following changes be made to help low-income people who are finding it increasingly difficult to afford their energy bills: (1) establish permanent, adequately-funded energy conservation programs for low-income consumers, with targets for the number of homes to be retrofitted annually. Such programs should be available at no cost to eligible participants and be equitably accessible province-wide; and (2) establish a permanent Ontario Home Energy Affordability Program for low-income consumers.

Jul 30, 2008

Saving Energy: The 6-Step Guide to Tenant Action

LIEN is pleased to announce a great new resource called “Saving Energy: The 6-Step Guide to Tenant Action”!  This Guide was written for people like you who want to help tenants save energy and money. Offering a simple 6-step approach to get neighbourhoods organized and working towards common goals, the Guide can help kick start tenant-led energy conservation activities and more.  In this Guide you will find key advice every ‘Step’ of the way, examples and tips based on lessons learned from real-world experiences, and a helpful ‘Info & Ideas’ resource section at the end.

This Guide, written by the Toronto Environmental Alliance, is part of a 3-part project in partnership with LIEN to provide resources, workshops, and program opportunities for low-income tenant neighbourhoods to work together, take action and save energy! We hope you will benefit from this Guide and share it with others!

Jul 30, 2008

Energy Poverty Fact Sheet

June 2008

LIEN Currents, Summer 2008 issue

Summer 2008 issue

LIEN Currents, Spring 2008 issue

Spring 2008 issue

May 31, 2008

Victory at Divisional Court – But low-income energy consumers still face fight for affordable rates

Today, the Divisional Court sided with low-income Ontarians to rule that “the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has the jurisdiction to establish a rate affordability assistance program for low-income consumers.”

The Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN)’s representatives Mary Truemner, Acting Director of Legal Services with the legal aid clinic the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, and co-counsel Paul Manning of Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP were pleased that the Court declared that “to further the objective of protecting ‘the interests of consumers’ this could mean taking into account income levels and pricing to achieve the delivery of affordable energy to low income consumers ½”.  They were cautious, however, in responding to the Court’s determinations.

“While the Court ruled the OEB has jurisdiction, they did not also determine that the Board must exercise their discretion to set affordable rates for low-income consumers,” said Mary Truemner. “It is for this reason that we urge the Minister of Energy to issue a directive that the Ontario Energy Board must design a rate affordability program to minimize the effects of rising energy costs on low-income Ontarians facing choices between heating, eating and paying the rent.  The Court noted that “the Minister has not issued any policy statement directing the board to base rates on considerations of the ability to pay.”

The Income Security Advocacy Centre, a LIEN member and legal aid clinic, is asking that the government address energy poverty in its Poverty Reduction Strategy.

For more information:

Mary Truemner, ACTO, 416-597-5855 ext. 5163, cell: 416-996-1021

(Toll free in Ontario: 1-866-245-4182 ext. 5163)

May 16, 2008

2006 Ontario statistics on heating equipment by income quintile

Custom tabulation for the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario and the Income Security Advocacy Centre from SURVEY OF HOUSEHOLD SPENDING 2006; DWELLING CHARACTERISTICS AND HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT BY HOUSEHOLD INCOME QUINTILE, ONTARIO, 2006. STATISTICS CANADA, INCOME STATISTICS DIVISION, CUSTOM TABULATION* (FEBRUARY 26, 2008)

May 01, 2008

2006 Ontario statistics on appliances by income quintile

Custom tabulation for the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario and the Income Security Advocacy Centre from SURVEY OF HOUSEHOLD SPENDING 2006; DWELLING CHARACTERISTICS AND HOUSEHOLD EQUIPMENT BY HOUSEHOLD INCOME QUINTILE, ONTARIO, 2006. STATISTICS CANADA, INCOME STATISTICS DIVISION, CUSTOM TABULATION* (FEBRUARY 26, 2008)

May 01, 2008

LIEN Workshop in Toronto

LIEN/TEA regional workshop

“Low-Income Tenants’ Step-by-Step Guide to Energy Savings and Neighbourhood Action”

Where: Oakham Lounge, Oakham House, Ryerson University Campus
Date: Wednesday, June 11th, 2008
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

What can you expect?

This will be a full-day workshop run by the Toronto Environmental Alliance (TEA), a LIEN steering committee member. The workshop lays out the steps for tenants to start a custom-made energy saving program in their own apartment building.

This is how the day will look:

• To start off, we’ll use real-life examples of how tenants have successfully run their own energy conservation programs.

• Then we’ll outline how you can do this in your own building or neighbourhood using a number of simple steps.

• You’ll be given lots of examples and advice on how to follow each of the steps, including special tools or tactics that can help you along the way.

• Since every neighbourhood and building is different, there will be some time near the end to break out into groups and apply what you’ve been learning to your own neighbourhood situation.

Who should attend?

• Anyone who lives in Ontario – this is not just for Torontonians!

• Active tenants living in apartment buildings

• Neighbourhood and community groups working with or for tenants

• People looking to find new ways to save energy in their apartment building

Why you should attend?

• It’s free and you’ll have a chance to talk with other tenant activists

• You’ll feel refreshed and motivated to try out some new ways to bring tenants together and take action on an important issue.

• You’ll gain an impressive ‘tool kit’ to kick start energy conservation activities in your neighbourhood

• What you learn at the workshop can be used time and time again to take action on other neighbourhood concerns

May 01, 2008

Fight for lower energy bills for poor goes to Divisional Court

Today, the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) is appearing before a Divisional Court panel at 10:00 a.m. at Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West, Courtroom #3. LIEN is arguing that the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) has the authority to set affordable gas rates for low-income energy consumers.

In April 2007, the OEB released a decision that it had no jurisdiction to implement rate affordability programs for low-income residential consumers. The Board decision was not unanimous. In a strongly worded dissent, OEB Vice Chair Gordon Kaiser argued, “I believe the Act gives the Ontario Energy Board broad powers and discretion to consider issues of public policy and the necessary jurisdiction to enact low-income rates.”  Mr. Kaiser continued, “Put simply, just and reasonable rates do not result from the application of a purely mechanical process of rate review and design.”

LIEN is appealing the OEB’s decision to Divisional Court because a permanent rate assistance program is a crucial component of its strategy to address energy poverty in Ontario.

LIEN’s representatives Mary Truemner, Acting Director of Legal Services with the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, and co-counsel Paul Manning of Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP said, “Low-income consumers struggle to manage their energy bills and pay for other essentials such as rent, food, transportation and medicine. The OEB should take this daily reality into account in order to set rates that are reasonable and just .

“We are hoping to convince the Court that the OEB is failing to protect the interests of low-income consumers whose only access to the vital service of energy is through a narrowly regulated utility currently allowed to set inequitable rates.”

For more information:

Mary Truemner, ACTO, 416-597-5855 ext. 5163

(Toll free in Ontario: 1-866-245-4182 ext. 5163)

Feb 25, 2008

LIEN Currents, August/September 2007 issue

August/September 2007 issue

LIEN Currents, June/July 2007 issue

June/July 2007 issue

LIEN Currents, April/May 2007 issue

April/May 2007 issue

LIEN Currents, February/March 2007 issue

February/March 2007 issue

LIEN Currents, December/January 2007 issue

December/January 2007 issue

LIEN Currents, October/November 2007 issue

October/November 2007 issue

LIEN Lobby Tool Kit

LIEN has been working hard to ensure that low-income people have affordable energy bills and access to conservation programs. LIEN has designed a Lobby Kit that offers an introduction to the problem of energy poverty and some simple templates which you can use locally in your advocacy work with politicians and your community. Pay special attention to page 19 which outlines how you can help advocate in the provincial election for commitments from the political parties to address energy poverty, particularly for energy conservation and rate assistance programs for low-income households.

Sep 20, 2007

LIEN letter to Premier McGuinty and 4 key cabinet ministers urging them to address energy poverty in Ontario

August 31, 2007

The Honourable Dalton McGuinty

Ontario Premier

Room 281, Main Legislative Building,

Queen’s Park

Toronto, ON M7A 1A1

The Honourable Dwight Duncan

Minister of Energy

900 Bay Street, Hearst Block, 4th Floor

Toronto, ON M7A 2E1

The Honourable Laurel Broten

Minister of the Environment

135 St. Clair Avenue West, 12th Floor

Toronto, ON M4V 1P5

The Honourable John Gerretsen

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

777 Bay Street, 17th Floor

Toronto, ON M5G 2E5

The Honourable Madeleine Meilleur

Minister of Community and Social Services

80 Grosvenor Street, Hepburn Block, 6th Floor

Toronto, ON M7A 1E9

Dear Premier and Ministers,

Re: Addressing energy poverty in Ontario

I am writing on behalf of the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) regarding the pressing need for your government to implement a permanent energy rate affordability program and energy conservation programs for low-income residential consumers. A rate affordability program is one of the key components in the comprehensive strategy that LIEN has been recommending since 2004 to address energy poverty in our province, along with:

• targeted low-income energy conservation/efficiency programs at no-cost to participants, and with as extensive measures as practicable to provide deep reductions in energy use,

• extensive consumer education about energy conservation and available programs to support conservation activities, and

• adequately funded emergency energy assistance to help low-income households in short-term financial crisis.

We have been encouraged by the Ontario Premier’s indications that tackling climate change and improving the lives of low-income people are two of his top priorities. Reducing low-income consumers’ energy use not only benefits the environment, it also benefits low-income consumers, many of whom struggle to manage their energy bills and often face difficult choices such as whether to pay for electricity service or buy groceries or pay the rent.

LIEN acknowledges that some energy poverty reduction initiatives have been launched and that there has been some movement on conservation programs with pilots targeted to low-income consumers, but the progress has been painfully slow. This was made particularly evident to us with respect to the circumstances currently being investigated in the possibly heat-related deaths in early August of two Sarnia tenants who were in receipt of social assistance, one of whom reportedly could not afford the $50 monthly fee to air-condition her apartment.

We welcomed Minister John Gerretsen’s quick response to this tragic event, expressed in correspondence with Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley. The Minister committed to review ways to help tenants, including both vulnerable and low-income tenants, to stay cool in the rental housing in the summer. The Minister also said he would consider changes to the Residential Tenancies Act regarding rules about landlords imposing extra charges on tenants for providing air-conditioning and electricity for air-conditioning. We look forward to the results and recommendations from that review.

The government established a “one-time” $2 million Emergency Energy Fund (EEF) in 2004 to assist low-income consumers with energy utility arrears, security deposits and reconnection costs. The Ministry of Community and Social Services subsequently was assured that the fund would be annualized at $2.1 million until 2008/09 – and there was a one-time increase in 2006/07 of the EEF to $4.2 million. However, the varying eligibility criteria, application processes and funding allocations among the municipal service managers that are the delivery agents means inequitable access for low-income households. In addition, the Emergency Energy Fund does not address the ongoing energy affordability problem facing Ontario’s low-income consumers who are vulnerable to increases in shelter and utility costs.

LIEN wrote to Energy Minister Dwight Duncan on May 9, 2007, requesting that he issue a Ministerial Directive to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to hold a generic hearing on the impact of energy prices on low-income and vulnerable consumers. At such a generic hearing, LIEN wants the OEB to consider and implement solutions that would include a low-income energy rate assistance program. We would very much appreciate a response to this request, and would be happy to meet with Ministry of Energy staff.

Low-income consumers are eager to participate in provincial efforts to reduce energy consumption. However, low-income consumers do not have the financial resources to make the investments required to produce significant energy savings. Measures such as insulating and upgrading heating equipment and other appliances are out of the financial reach of most low-income consumers. In addition to financial barriers, the majority of low-income consumers are also faced with the dilemma that they are tenants and as a result have little, if any, control over their physical home. Typically, landlords are responsible for appliances, heating equipment, fuel type and the general state of the unit.

Through the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), pilot energy conservation programs are underway to reduce energy demand and consumption in the low-income residential and social housing sectors. The OPA is currently involved in developing a Multifamily Buildings Program to be launched in 2008. LIEN has been working with the OPA on these pilot programs that we anticipate will lay the groundwork for a permanent, ongoing program that will be available and delivered in all communities across Ontario to eligible low-income households. However, funding allocations beyond 2010 for these types of programs is still to be determined.

On April 27, 2007, we met with Minister Laurel Broten’s policy advisor regarding the impending Ontario climate change plan announcements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We advocated for the inclusion of funding for low-income energy conservation programs with a firm time-frame for retrofitting a targeted number of homes of Ontario’s low-income households annually. Your government’s climate change plan assumes that 40% of housing in the province will be retrofitted by 2020, with an average savings of 30%. Achieving this savings rate has to involve tackling a significant portion of low-income housing, generally the least energy-efficient and ripe for cost-effective reductions. These reductions in energy use/greenhouse gas emissions in the low-income residential sector will not happen without significant financial investment – yet, to date, there has not been a specific announcement related to low-income energy conservation in the climate change announcements.

A long-term, comprehensive plan does require significant government commitment and funding. However, the costs of failing to address energy poverty are serious. We will see greater depths of poverty (and the associated costs), more homeless people (and the associated costs) and more pollution (and associated costs). Now is the time for action to ensure all people have access to affordable energy and the opportunity to fully participate in the province’s “Culture of Conservation”.

As Ontarians go to the polls in the next provincial election, the issues of energy, poverty and health are of critical importance. We are asking for your immediate response to the issues raised in this letter with your commitments and comments. We will be sharing this letter, and your response, with our colleagues who are working on housing, environment, energy, poverty and health issues, and with others in the lead-up to the October vote. We would be pleased to meet with you to discuss this in more detail.

Yours truly,

Low-Income Energy Network

Per:

Original signed by,

Mary Todorow

Research/Policy Analyst

ACTO

cc: Gerald Butts, Principal Secretary, Office of the Premier

Aaron Dobbin, Finance & Economic Policy, Policy and Research, Office of the Premier

Marion Fraser, Senior Policy Advisor (Energy) to the Minister of Energy

Lois Corbett, Senior Policy Advisor (Air) to the Minister of the Environment

Mark Mascarenhas, Special Policy Advisor (Housing and Infrastructure) to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Gurpreet Malhotra, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Community and Social Services

Sep 04, 2007

Legal appeal of Ontario Energy Board decision on low-income energy consumers

(Toronto) – Today, the Low-Income Energy Network (LIEN) announced it will not be giving up the fight for fair energy prices for low-income consumers in Ontario, despite a recent decision by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) that thwarted the group’s efforts. LIEN served notice of its appeal to Divisional Court of the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) decision issued April 26, 2007 that it does not have the jurisdiction to implement rate affordability programs for low-income residential consumers. There was a very strong dissenting decision in this matter by Gordon Kaiser, Chair of the three-member Board panel, who found that the OEB does have the “jurisdiction to approve special rates for low-income consumers in appropriate cases.”

“If LIEN does not appeal this decision, the OEB will continue to fix rates without assessing whether they are affordable to low-income consumers,” says Paul Manning, a lawyer with Willms & Shier Environmental Lawyers LLP who argued LIEN’s case for a rate affordability program at the Board.

“We need a permanent rate assistance program in place for Ontario’s low-income consumers who are vulnerable to increases in shelter and utility costs and may be forced to make difficult choices between heating, eating and paying for their housing,” says Mary Truemner, a member of the LIEN steering committee and Staff Lawyer for the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO).

LIEN has also asked Ontario’s Energy Minister to issue a directive to the OEB to hold a generic hearing on the impact of energy prices on low-income and vulnerable consumers. LIEN wants the OEB at such a generic hearing to consider and implement solutions including low-income rate assistance. The Quebec government issued a similar directive in August 2006 to the Régie de l’énergie (Quebec’s OEB equivalent).

For more information:

Mary Truemner, Staff Lawyer, ACTO

416-597-5855 x 5163

May 29, 2007

Ontario Energy Board claims no jurisdiction to create a rate class for low-income consumers

(Toronto) – The Ontario Energy Board released a decision yesterday in which the majority of the Board decided they have no jurisdiction to establish a rate group for low-income consumers.

In its submissions, LIEN had argued “Unaffordable gas and electricity rates cause great hardship to poor consumers in Ontario. Sometimes they are forced to choose between heating or eating.”

“We are extremely disappointed that the majority decision sidestepped the opportunity to establish protections for low-income people,” says Mary Truemner, a member of the LIEN steering committee and Staff Lawyer for the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO). “We were heartened that Gordon Kaiser, a Vice-Chair of the Ontario Energy Board, provided a dissenting opinion to the contrary.”

In his dissenting decision, Mr. Kaiser argued, “I believe the Act gives the Ontario Energy Board broad powers and discretion to consider issues of public policy and the necessary jurisdiction to enact low-income rates.” Mr. Kaiser continued, “Put simply, just and reasonable rates do not result from the application of a purely mechanical process of rate review and design. A Board can, and should, take into account a variety of considerations beyond costs in determining rates.”

The Low-Income Energy Network is considering its legal options.

For more information:

Mary Truemner, Staff Lawyer, ACTO 416-597-5855 x 5163

Apr 27, 2007