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Community / NonprofitUtility / energy bill SarniaVerified June 2026

Inn of the Good Shepherd - LEAP (Energy Bill Emergency Help)

The Inn of the Good Shepherd is the official LEAP intake agency for Bluewater Power customers in the Sarnia area. LEAP gives a one-time emergency grant to help pay an overdue electricity or natural gas bill if you have a low income and risk being shut off. The grant is paid straight to your utility, not to you.

What you get

Up to $780

Who it's for

People with a low income who are behind on their electricity or natural gas bill and at risk of being shut off, and who meet the Ontario Energy Board income limits (roughly under about $38,000 for one person, up to about $65,000 for a four-person household; the exact limit depends on household size).

Start your application

This takes you to the official website

What to have ready

Documents they may ask for

  • Government ID for everyone in your household, if available
  • A copy of your lease or rent agreement
  • Recent rent receipt, ledger, or proof of what you owe
  • Recent pay stubs, benefit statement, or income proof
  • ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP, OAS, or other benefit statement if you have one
  • Recent bank statement, if the program asks for it

What to say when you call

Hi, I found your housing support program and I want to check if I can apply. Can you tell me the current rules, documents needed, and the next step?

If no one answers, leave your name and number slowly, then try 211 while you wait.

What to do next

Check off each step as you go — we'll remember where you are.

Checkmarks are saved only on this device. We collect nothing.

The fine print

More details about the money

Up to $650 toward electricity (or up to $780 if your home is heated by electricity), and up to $650 toward natural gas, set by the Ontario Energy Board.

Amounts and eligibility change. Confirm the current figure with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on it.

The full eligibility rules

People with a low income who are behind on their electricity or natural gas bill and at risk of being shut off, and who meet the Ontario Energy Board income limits (roughly under about $38,000 for one person, up to about $65,000 for a four-person household; the exact limit depends on household size).

Good to know

Confirmed on the OEB LEAP agencies list: Inn of the Good Shepherd (115 John Street, Sarnia N7T 1Z3, 519-344-1746) is the LEAP intake agency for Bluewater Power Distribution Corporation. Grant maximums ($650 electricity / $780 if electrically heated / $650 natural gas) confirmed on the OEB LEAP page. NOTE: the Inn's own programs page shows a different LEAP region (United Way Simcoe-Muskoka, 1-855-487-5327, Enbridge/Hydro One) which appears to be a content error; OEB is authoritative and confirms the Inn serves Bluewater Power. Income thresholds change yearly; confirm at intake. Slug prefixed with city.

Official sources we checked
Official program page
This is a summary to get you started — the official page always has the final say. Spot something wrong? Tell us.
This guide is published by Mithulan Perinpanayagam, CPA, CA, who also co-founds Foundation Capital, a private real-estate firm that operates rental housing. Foundation Capital does not set its rents based on anything on this site. This guide is information only — not financial, legal, tax, or benefits advice, and using it does not create a professional relationship. Always confirm current details with the program administrator through the official link before you rely on them.

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