HEAT Program Prvoides Energy-saving Tips

SERVICE N.S./Municipal Relations; NATURAL RESOURCES--HEAT Program Provides Energy-saving Tips

SERVICE N.S./Municipal Relations; NATURAL RESOURCES

Is the cost of heating your home getting you hot under the collar? The province, in partnership with the Clean Nova Scotia Foundation, today launched a new program designed to help you control energy costs.

The Home Energy Action Tips (HEAT) program was developed by Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and the Department of Natural Resources. The new program provides consumers with easy and inexpensive ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. The Clean Nova Scotia Foundation will carry out the program on behalf of the province over the next four months.

"Experts suggest that high home-heating costs could be with us for a while," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "Market forces beyond our control are driving up the cost of fuels, so the best way for us to reduce our heating bill is to use less energy. Our HEAT program will give Nova Scotians the information they need to better control their heating costs. Simple changes can generate savings for years to come."

Working together, the province and Clean Nova Scotia will offer advice and ideas on reducing heating expenses, from installing programmable thermostats to sealing leaks and drafts.

"We're emphasizing the easy, inexpensive things people can do to save energy," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage. "For instance, a little bit of caulking around door and window frames can save big heating dollars over the course of a winter. There are literally hundreds of small to medium projects that a homeowner can do in a few hours that will save them money in the long run."

Peter Geddes of Clean Nova Scotia said many Nova Scotians could reduce their heating costs by as much as 20 to 40 per cent if they call the HEAT line and follow-up with improvements.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to call the toll-free line at 1-866- 488-4328 (HEAT) to request publications and written information or to speak to one of Clean Nova Scotia's energy efficiency experts. Consumers can also visit the HEAT Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/natr for helpful links, publications, and tips on improving home energy efficiency.

Making home energy efficiency information more available is one part of government's plan to help Nova Scotians weather the high price of home heating oil and propane.

"We're glad that we could help low-income Nova Scotians for the last two winters," said Mr. MacIsaac. "But regardless of income, we can all help all Nova Scotians by reducing our energy consumption -- and by doing so, our heating expenses. Beyond the pocketbook, it's also better for the environment.