Province Delivers Immediate and Long-term Heating Help

More Nova Scotians will receive home heating assistance this winter, along with help to save energy and money for years to come through government's Heat Smart program.

Premier Rodney MacDonald said government will invest almost $92 million this year in Heat Smart.

"This is about helping people deal with rapidly rising oil prices in the short term," the premier said. "But just as importantly, it provides a way for people to improve energy efficiency in their homes, and save money in the long term."

Heat Smart offers a range of programs to help this winter, for years to come, and to help Nova Scotians help themselves.

This winter, government is providing more money, and helping more people through the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP). Under HARP, government is more than doubling the heating rebate for people who heat their home with oil from $200 to $450. The income thresholds are increasing from $15,000 to $25,000 for single people and from $25,000 to $40,000 for families.

The province already provides an eight per cent rebate to lower home heating costs. On average, a Nova Scotia homeowner receives a $260 benefit from the Your Energy Rebate Program.

"These rebates mean about 52,000 households will receive an average of more than $700 in heating assistance this year," said the premier. "I said earlier this year that home heating was the number one issue for the people of our province, and I sincerely hope that these programs illustrate how strongly I feel about it."

The government is also increasing assistance to the Salvation Army's Good Neighbour Program. This started with a $200,000 donation last February. It was doubled to $400,000 in this year's budget, and is now being doubled to $800,000.

Once again, the Canadian Oil and Heat Association (COHA) members have stepped up to help Nova Scotians stay warm this winter. COHA intends to match its donation of 70,000 litres of heating oil last heating season again this year. Members of the COHA have been helping families in need through the Share the Fuel program since the 1980s.

"We are grateful to the province for this donation," said Diane van der Horden of the Salvation Army. "We know that even with the extra help being announced today, this donation is much needed within the community. We are pleased to be the agency of choice by which this resource will find its way to those in greatest need."

The plan also includes interest-free loans for people who are making energy-efficiency improvements through the EnerGuide for Houses Program.

The $5,000, zero-interest loans will be available to every Nova Scotian who has an energy audit performed on their home. This will help participants cut their annual home energy bills by 30 per cent, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by five tonnes every year.

As well, the Residential Energy Affordability Program is being expanded to benefit 450 homeowners this year. This program enables low-income homeowners to get home repairs at no cost.

Government is investing an additional $2.5 million to support the EnerGuide program. With this additional investment, up to 9,000 homeowners will be able to participate in the increasingly popular program.

Nova Scotians who replace their old furnace with a new energy-efficient one can receive a $500 rebate. A new furnace can save homeowners about 20 to 25 per cent, or about another $500, on their home heating bills annually.

"This is a clear signal that we are concerned about this winter, and many heating seasons to come," said Richard Hurlburt, the Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "The short-term help is very important, but the real answer over the long term is to help people cut down on the amount of energy they use so they can pay less to heat their homes."

"This plan will make seniors' homes more comfortable and heating them more affordable, especially during the winter months," said Bernie LaRusic, chair of the Group of IX Nova Scotia Seniors' Organizations. "On top of that, these programs make it easier for seniors who want to improve their homes to save energy and help the environment."

Applications for the expanded Heating Assistance Rebate Program and the No Interest Loan Program will be available before the end of October.

Government is also providing more information to help Nova Scotians help themselves. A practical, easy-to-understand Home Heating Tips brochure, as well as how-to videos, are now available.

For more information, call 424-5200 or toll free at 1-800-670-4357.