Province makes announcement on its home heating assistance plans

The province says 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 says government will invest almost $92-million dollars this year in Heat Smart.

The premier, who made announcement Wednesday, Sept. 10, says it will help people deal with rapidly rising oil prices in the short term and, just as importantly, provide a way for people to improve energy efficiency in their homes, and save money in the long term.

This winter, government is providing more money, and helping more people through the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP).

It says it is more than doubling the heating rebate for people who heat their home with oil from $200 to $450 and income thresholds are increasing from $15,000 to $25,000 for single people and from $25,000 to $40,000 for families. It was stated during the announcement that 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 program.

The premier says the rebates mean about 52,000 households will receive an average of more than $700 dollars in heating assistance this year.

The government is also increasing assistance to the Salvation Army's Good Neighbour Program to $800,000 dollars. Once again, the Canadian Oil and Heat Association (COHA) members have stepped up to help Nova Scotians stay warm this winter, matching its donation last year of 70,000 litres of heating oil.

The plan also includes interest-free loans for people who need to make energy-efficiency improvements to their homes. The $5,000, zero-interest loans will be available to every Nova Scotian who has an energy audit performed on their home.

As well, government is investing an additional $2.5-million to support the EnerGuide provincial rebate program.

Nova Scotians who replace their old furnace with a new energy-efficient one can receive a $500 rebate.

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 a practical, easy-to-understand Home Heating Tips brochure, as well as how-to videos, are now available.

For more information call toll free at 1-800-670-4357.