Good Neighbour Energy Fund Available

The Good Neighbour Energy Fund is available again this winter to provide financial assistance to low income Nova Scotians needing help with emergency home heating. The Fund is possible through a partnership between government, Nova Scotia Power and the Salvation Army.

“As the days get colder, people facing financial difficulty are forced to make tough decisions concerning basic needs,” said Maj. Wade Budgell, divisional commander, The Salvation Army. “Because of this partnership with government and Nova Scotia Power, the Salvation Army is able to provide much needed home heating assistance to Nova Scotians who find themselves in these challenging situations.”

Last year, income thresholds for eligibility were increased from $16,000 to $21,000 for one-person households and from $24,000 to $39,000 for households of four or more people. As a result, 2,518 households were supported. This was 34 per cent more households than were supported in 2017.

“Emergencies can happen to anyone at any time,” said Minister of Service Nova Scotia, Geoff MacLellan. “We want Nova Scotians to know that we are here to help them with their home heating costs at a time when they dealing with a crisis."

The Salvation Army administers the program while government and Nova Scotia Power contribute the funds. Government is contributing up to $800,000 and Nova Scotia Power is providing $150,000.

“At Nova Scotia Power, our focus is on our customers and serving our communities,” says Karen Hutt, president and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. “The Good Neighbour Energy Fund is a shining example of the great work that can be done when the private sector, the government, and not-for-profit organizations come together to assist Nova Scotians in need.”

The fund runs until April 30. The maximum assistance amount is $400. For more information, visit http://www.salvationarmy.ca/maritime/gnef/ .

People may also be eligible for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program to help with up to $200 toward home heating costs. Go to http://www.novascotia.ca/heatinghelp for more information.