WATCH: Province freezing electricity rates during 28-day shutdown

The Ontario government announced that they will be freezing electricity rates at the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour starting Jan. 1.

This rate will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a 28-day period; there is no need to apply for this rate as it will automatically be applied to bills of all residential, small business, and farm customers who pay regulated rates. 

"As we enter a provincewide shutdown, our government is ensuring that all households have stable and predictable electricity bills when they need it most," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. 

"Staying home means using more electricity, especially during the day when electricity prices are usually higher. We will continue to support hardworking families and small businesses doing their part by staying home."

The province is also making it easier for families and businesses to get the support they need to help pay their energy bills through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). 

Any residential, small business, or registered charity customer with an overdue electricity or natural gas bill will now be eligible to apply. A residential customer can receive up to $750 to help cover their electricity bill and an additional $750 for their natural gas bill. Small businesses can receive up to $1,500 for each. 

Additionally, the province is expanding the Support for Learners program to include secondary school students. Application instructions will be available on the Support for Learners web page starting in January 2021. 

Secondary school student applications will be open from Jan. 11, 2021 to Feb. 8, 2021. The application deadline for Support for Learners for children or youth aged 0 to 12 and for children or youth aged 0 to 21 with special needs is being extended to Feb. 8, 2021.

This support is part of over $900 million in direct financial support that the Ministry of Education has provided to parents since the start of the pandemic.

"While Ontario schools remain safe, we won't take any chances following the holidays — we will pivot to teacher-led online learning to help protect against the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," said Minister Lecce.

"We are providing direct financial support to parents of elementary and now high school children to help them get through this pandemic."

In January 2021, students aged 13 through Grade 12 will be eligible for funding under an expanded Support for Learners program. Parents or guardians will receive a one-time payment of $200 per eligible student to help offset education expenses. Support will be available for those who attend a public or private school or who are homeschooled.

As part of the provincewide shutdown, elementary students will be studying virtually until Jan. 11, 2021. Secondary students in Northern Ontario will be studying virtually until Jan. 11, 2021 and secondary students in Southern Ontario will be studying virtually until Jan. 25, 2021.