Worried about your power being cut off? Read this first.
In Ontario, your utility can't cut off your power over winter. They can't cut you off without notice either, and they must offer a payment plan first. Here's what's true — and the help that's out there.
Free. No payment to start. We'll point you to bill-help programs too.
In 30 seconds, here's what's true
- Your utility can't cut off your electricity or gas for non-payment during winter. That ban runs November 15 to April 30 every year. This season it's Nov 15, 2025 to Apr 30, 2026.
- Outside winter, they still can't cut you off out of the blue. First you get an overdue notice, at least 7 days ahead. Then you get a disconnection notice, at least 14 days ahead.
- Before disconnecting, the utility must offer you an arrears payment agreement — a plan to pay what you owe over time instead of all at once.
- Once you pay or set up a plan, the utility must turn you back on. This usually takes 2 business days. Low-income customers don't pay the reconnection fee.
- Emergency help exists. LEAP gives up to $650 toward electricity, or $780 if your home is heated by electricity, and up to $650 for gas. OESP adds a monthly bill credit of $35 to $75.
The steps your landlord must follow
Check the calendar first
If it's between November 15 and April 30, your utility can't cut you off for non-payment. Full stop. Your bill still adds up during that time, with interest. But your service stays on.
Read the notice and the clock
Outside winter, disconnection isn't instant. First you get an overdue notice, at least 7 days ahead. Then you get a disconnection notice, at least 14 days ahead. Note the dates.
Ask for a payment plan
Call your utility and ask for an arrears payment agreement. The down payment can be up to 15% of what you owe, or 10% if you're a low-income customer. The rest is spread out. Setting one up stops a disconnection.
Apply for bill help
If you're behind and facing disconnection, LEAP can help. It pays up to $650 toward electricity, or $780 if your home is heated by electricity, and up to $650 toward gas. The money goes straight to the utility. OESP adds a monthly credit. People on Ontario Works or ODSP qualify for OESP automatically.
Get reconnected and get help
Once you've paid or set up a plan, you should be back on within 2 business days. Low-income customers don't pay the reconnect fee. For rules or complaints, contact the Ontario Energy Board. To find a LEAP intake agency, call 2-1-1.
What to do next
- Check whether it's the Nov 15–Apr 30 winter ban period.
- Find your overdue notice and disconnection notice; note the dates.
- Call your utility and ask for an arrears payment agreement.
- Ask whether you qualify for low-income customer rules (lower down payment).
- Apply for LEAP emergency assistance if you're facing disconnection.
- Apply for OESP for an ongoing monthly bill credit.
- Keep records of notices, calls, and any payment arrangement.
- Start a free PLAIN session to check your rights and plan next steps.
Common myths
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| They can shut off my power in January if I don't pay. | No. Electricity and gas utilities can't disconnect residential customers for non-payment from November 15 to April 30. |
| They can cut me off without any warning. | No. Outside winter you get an overdue notice at least 7 days ahead, then at least 14 days' notice before disconnection. |
| There's no help if I can't pay my energy bill. | There is. LEAP emergency grants of up to $650 to $780, and the OESP monthly credit of $35 to $75, both exist for customers who qualify. |
| I can't set up a payment plan. | Your utility must offer an arrears payment agreement before disconnecting you — ask for one. |
| Once I'm cut off, it takes weeks to come back. | Once you pay or set up a plan, the utility should reconnect you within about 2 business days. |
| My bill is frozen during the winter ban. | No. Your charges and interest keep adding up over winter. The ban stops disconnection, not the bill. |
| Everyone has to pay a fee to get reconnected. | Low-income customers who qualify don't pay the reconnection fee. Others who can't pay must be offered a reasonable arrangement. |
| A submeter company in my building follows the same winter rule. | Not always. The winter ban applies to licensed utilities. Some submeter providers only follow it by choice, so ask. |
Last reviewed June 2026
Written and reviewed by the founder of PLAIN, checked against primary government and legal sources. How we research these guides
Sources
PLAIN gives legal information, not legal advice. It is not a substitute for a lawyer or paralegal — and we'll point you to free ones. Laws change; we review these pages regularly, but always confirm current rules with the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Free. No payment to start. We'll point you to bill-help programs too.