Rebate Money Available for Wood Stove Purchasers

It's money in the pocket, not up in smoke, for Nova Scotians who are purchasing environmentally certified wood stoves.

The Department of Energy is offering a $200 rebate to Nova Scotians who purchase Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified wood or wood pellet stoves between Oct. 12, 2005, and Aug. 31, 2007.

"We are helping Nova Scotians make smart energy choices that will help the environment and help their pocketbook," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "This rebate helps Nova Scotians make a smart and renewable energy choice."

EPA-certified wood stoves burn about 25 per cent less wood than traditional wood stoves and burn much cleaner, producing as much as 90 per cent less smoke than regular wood stoves, added Mr. Clarke.

The wood appliance rebate program is being administered by the Wood Energy Technicians of Nova Scotia (WET-NS). Mr. Clarke said the organization has the technical expertise and industry connections to help as many Nova Scotians take part in the program as possible.

"We want to ensure Nova Scotians have cleaner energy options to heat their homes. WET-NS will help us reach homeowners in the market for new wood heating appliances," said Mr. Clarke.

Under the rebate program, applicants must be the registered owner of the household where the appliance is installed and include the original receipt with the application. The appliance must be installed according to the manufacturers instructions and Canadian Standards Association code B-365. Homes equipped with EPA-certified wood appliances and/or wood pellet appliances purchased before Oct. 12, 2005 do not qualify for the rebate.

Applications are available at all Access Nova Scotia centres, at most wood heating appliance dealers, or by calling 1-800-670-4636. Applications are also available online at www.gov.ns.ca/energy .