North Bay Hydro is involved in the Ontario Government’s launch of the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Businesses which begins today.
CEAP-SB is providing $8 Million in funding to support small business customers struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of COVID-19, in addition to the previous $9 Million that was offered through the residential version of CEAP.
The program will be administered and delivered directly by North Bay Hydro to provide a one time, on-bill credit to eligible small business electricity customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments.
Small businesses may be eligible for CEAP-SB funding if they meet the following criteria:
- The small business had no overdue amount on their bill with respect to electricity charges on March 17, and the account was not enrolled in payment plans for amounts owing to charges prior to March 17, 2020.
- The small business has, as of the day of the application, overdue amounts owing for electricity charges from at least 2 bills.
- The small business was required to close for at least 15 business days as a result of a government order or an inability to adapt their business to comply with public health recommendations;
Examples of eligible closures might include:
- Personal services (e.g. hair salon, chiropractor) that had to fully close.
- A restaurant or coffee shop that had to close regular dining operations and provided only takeaway or delivery service.
- A small fashion retailer or pet store whose premises were closed to the public but were able to provide contactless curbside pick for customers.
- A non-publicly funded registered charity whose premises were closed to the public but were able to adapt to provide limited services remotely.
NBHDL will provide the CEAP-SB application form on its website.
CEAP-SB funding is limited.
Additional information regarding the CEAP program can be found here.
