Accessing COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program

Small business/registered charity customers can receive up to $1,500—for electricity and natural gas bills, respectively.   Funds are limited with applications processed on a first-come, first-serve basis so consumers who may be in need are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

You must apply for CEAP-SB through your utility or USMP. Contact your utility or USMP directly as each may have a unique approach for application in-take.

CEAP-SB Eligibility Criteria

Small business and registered charity electricity or natural gas customers are now eligible for CEAP-SB if they meet all of the following criteria:

• The customer has an active account with an electricity distributor, a USMP or a natural gas distributor. 
• The customer’s account falls within the following class:
  • For customers of an electricity distributor, the General Service less than 50 kW rate class
  • For customers of a USMP, the relevant commercial class that uses less than 150,000 kWh of electricity annually
  • For customers of a natural gas distributor, is a non-residential customer that uses less than 50,000 cubic meters of gas annually
  • Customers can find information about their class on their bill, or they can contact their utility or USMP.  
• The customer has a registered business number or charitable registration number for the small business or registered charity operating out of the premises.
• The customer has overdue amounts owing on the day they apply from one or more electricity or gas bills since March 17, 2020.

CEAP-SB Benefit Amounts

CEAP-SB funding is limited, and utilities and USMPs are expected to process applications in the order in which they are received. 

Submitting an application for CEAP-SB to your utility or USMP does not guarantee funding.

Eligible small business and registered charity customers may qualify for CEAP-SB credits for the electricity or natural gas charges that are overdue on the date of their application for CEAP-SB, up to a maximum of $1,500.