Toronto resident Virginia King felt something had to be done when it came to her $400-a-month electric bills. So she called Toronto Hydro and found out she qualified to participate in the low-income energy efficiency home assistance program funded by the Ontario Power Authority.

King's home is one of 270 homes heated by electricity in Toronto and Peel that qualify for the program operated by Green$aver, a non-profit organization that runs energy audits of homes and then implements its recommendations. Ontario Power Authority has provided $2.9 million in funding.

It's all part of a pilot project that provides energy assessments, customized energy efficiency tips and upgrades, as well as the replacement of inefficient refrigerators with an Energy Star rated unit. The non-profit organization is also doing a similar project with Enbridge.

To qualify for the program, the total household income, including EI benefits, must not exceed between $32,000 and $45,000, depending on the number of people in the household. Residents can also qualify if a member of the household participates in low-income support programs such as Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program or Guaranteed Income Supplement for Seniors. Residents must also live in a privately owned house. They can be homeowners or tenants, but must also pay their own electrical or gas bill.

Surprisingly, 30.7 per cent of the lowest-income households in Ontario use electrical energy to heat their homes compared to 14.4 per cent for average-income households. According to Green$aver, those on low incomes often spend 11 per cent of annual income on heat and electricity compared to 4 per cent in average households.

When it came time for King's energy assessment, she was surprised by the results. She was already using mostly energy efficient light bulbs and it was recommended that she get four more. The house was tested for leaks and drafts and found to be pretty tight, but a new fridge, which would save her about $80 a year, was in order.

The energy auditor also suggested her landlord repair the way the dryer vented exhaust fumes in her basement and that an electrician check the wiring. Other suggestions included the use of a power bar for major appliances like a computer and television. She was told to turn off the power bar when she wasn't using the equipment to save energy. The big plus for King was a new energy-saving fridge provided by the Low Income Energy Efficiency Program at no cost to her.

While King, her husband and family were hoping for bigger savings, she believes every little bit counts when it comes to the environment and her bank account. "I think it's great. It was the only program that was willing to come in and help."

For more information on the program go to www.greensaver.org