Budget to promote electricity rebate was well below program’s total spend, ministry says

Government spending on a program that offers electricity bill rebates to low-income families is being misrepresented by the Progressive Conservatives, Ontario’s Ministry of Energy says in a statement issued this afternoon.

Media outlets earlier today jumped on a statement from the Ontario Tories that accused the province of mismanaging a rebate program aimed at helping low-income families cover the cost of electricity.

The Tories said the province had spent most of the program’s budget — nearly $12 million — on consultants and promotion.

It’s true, the Energy Ministry said in a statement this afternoon, that nearly $12 million was spent on promotion, but that represented five per cent of the $225-million budget for the Ontario Electricity Support Program.

“$12 million – just 5% - was allocated to initial start-up costs to administer, design, run and promote the program to make sure that Ontarians get the help they need,” the statement reads. “It is not uncommon for governments at all three levels to set aside a one-time payment to promote and raise awareness of a new program.”

The ministry said the budget funded online sites where people could apply for the rebate, funded the design of an application process for First Nations communities and ensured electricity utilities could implement the program as applications were approved.

The budget also funded an advertising campaign to promote the program.

After 10 months, the ministry said “145,000 families are receiving a credit between $30 to $50 on their monthly electricity bills and even more for those with unique needs.”

The program is open to households making less than $28,000 a year up to those making $52,000 a year, but is tied to the number of people living in a household.

In other electricity news, those fighting to keep Hydro One public get ready to rally on World Energy Day on Oct. 22.

Rallies are planned across Ontario for this Saturday.

In Greater Sudbury, the rally will begin at noon at Downe Playground (1299 Gemmell St.) with speakers that include Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, representatives of the unions OPSEU and CUPE, and representatives of the Sudbury District Labour Council.

Those who attend are encouraged to bring donations for local food banks.

After the speakers, ralliers plan on marching to Thibeault’s office (555 Barydowne Road) to demonstrate outside the MPP’s Sudbury headquarters.