United Way Bruce Grey (UWGB) says a growing number of local households are entering winter already in arrears in their utility bills.
Using new data from its Utility Assistance Program, the organization says families are falling behind at an earlier rate, thanks to rising costs of energy.
Requests for assistance this past January rose 27 per cent year-over-year, and nearly doubled in February compared to 2024.
"The numbers show people are falling behind earlier and staying behind longer," said Francesca Dobbyn, UWGB Executive Director. "More kids and seniors are being affected, and households are entering winter already in crisis. This program reveals the real affordability pressures facing our community."
This past year, the program supported 302 households, helping 751 people stay connected to heat and electricity. United Way said that number includes 106 seniors, a figure that doubled compared to the previous winter.
Over the year, the program delivered $183,973 in emergency utility grants to households with an average income of just $22,557.
The program offers grants of up to $500 or $700 to low-income residents with utility accounts in arrears, at risk of disconnection, or already disconnected.
Anyone who needs information about the Utility Assistance Program or other local supports can call 211.
The United Way news comes on the same day that the province announced new rebates and incentives that it says will help families save money on energy.
However, the rebates don't offer much in the way of savings for low-income families, offering just $50 back on energy-efficient refrigerators starting at $590, and $75 back on washing machines that start at $700.
