-Hub staff

If you heat with electricity, January and February can be the most brutally expensive months of the year. The provincial government has replaced a province-wide electricity rebate with a higher benefit to assist low-income households. But although an estimated 500,000 homes qualify, fewer than 7% of those have applied for the rebate.

The Ontario Electricity Support Program, worth as much as $900 a year per household based on income, will not be applied retroactively. Applications should be completed as soon as possible to allow time for processing before January billing. Applications can be made online, or you can make an appointment to get help with the

application at MPP Bill Walker's office 519-371-2421, Y Housing 519- 371-9230, or the United Way 519- 376-1560.

Before you commiserate with your Facebook friend or sign an on-line petition of outrage, be sure you and your neighbours have applied for the programs to which you are fully entitled.