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From Ministry of Revenue web site 

A new, permanent Northern Ontario Energy Credit to help low- to middle-income families and individuals in the north who face higher energy costs than residents in southern parts of the province.

People living in the north tend to pay more for energy. Energy costs are often higher in the north because the winters are more severe and there is heavier reliance on more expensive home heating fuels.

Everyone must apply for the credit. For 2010, the province will process applications and deliver the credit in two instalments. For subsequent years, the application will be part of the personal income tax return.

Complete the Application for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit [PDF - 119 KB] and mail the form to:

Ministry of Revenue
33 King St W
PO Box 642
Oshawa ON  L1H 8T1

If you live in Northern Ontario and have not received an application in the mail by the first week of September, you can pick one up at a Northern Ontario ServiceOntario location.

To receive the first instalment on a timely basis, eligible residents must apply to the Ontario Ministry of Revenue no later than November 15, 2010. However, the final deadline to apply for the 2010 credit is June 30, 2011.

An individual will be eligible for the first two instalments of the credit if they meet all of the following conditions:

• An application is received by the Ontario Ministry of Revenue by June 30, 2011
• The individual is a resident of 'northern Ontario' on December 31, 2009
• The individual is a resident of 'northern Ontario' on November 15, 2010 and February 15, 2011
• If they are single with no children they must be 18 years of age or older as of November 15, 2010 for the first instalment, or by February 15, 2011 for the second instalment
• The individual filed a 2009 personal income tax return, and
• The individual (or their spouse or common-law partner) paid property taxes, rent or other amounts that qualify as Occupancy Cost for the purpose of the Ontario Property Credit in respect of their principal residence in the north in 2009, or if they lived on reserve in the north in 2009, must have paid energy costs for their principal residence.

For 2010, the credit will be paid in two instalments – one in November 2010 and one in February 2011. You can choose to receive payment by cheque or direct deposit when you complete the application.

For the 2011 taxation year and beyond, the permanent credit would be paid quarterly, along with the government's proposed Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, and the application would be part of the personal income tax return.