Pictou County launches residential green energy financing program, Switch MOPC
PICTOU – The Municipality of Pictou County is thrilled to announce the launch of Switch MOPC. This program was created with the goal of addressing the climate crisis, all while helping homeowners live more affordably and efficiently.
The municipality has partnered with SwitchPACE, a community interest corporation, who will help administrate and finance the program. Switch MOPC builds off the success of numerous other Switch programs that exist throughout the Maritimes. In Pictou County, the program will provide easy and financially viable opportunities for homeowners to make green energy upgrades to their properties.
The Switch MOPC program currently offers financing exclusively for solar projects, however, the program may expand to support other types of energy upgrades soon.
Through Switch MOPC participants are offered fixed interest rates, with financing for up to 10 years with no upfront costs for installed equipment. Homeowners can finance up to $40,000 or 15 percent of their property’s assessed value.
The municipality will pay the contractor, with the homeowner paying back the loan from energy savings.
The Switch MOPC program, also features a team of Energy Concierges who will guide homeowners through the entire upgrade process including home energy assessments, project and contractor selection, and access to generous rebates and incentives available through Provincial and Federal programs.
Municipality of Pictou County Warden Robert Parker said the council recognizes the need of doing its part to limit the release of greenhouse gases.
“Our residents can each play a part in this effort, but oftentimes the capital dollars needed to make necessary changes in their own home are insurmountable, even though it would lead to significant savings in the long run,” Warden Parker said. “For that reason, the Municipality of Pictou County is initiating the Switch MOPC program that will allow County residents to borrow the capital costs from their local government for improvements to their personal home that will lead to energy savings, including solar installations and payback over several years. Together, we can all do our part to reverse the negative effects of climate change and save money at the same time.”
Interested homeowners can contact the Switch MOPC program directly by phone (902-334-4227), email (info@switchmopc.ca) or by visiting the program website switchmopc.ca.
There are two upcoming homeowner sessions to provide more information on the program.
- 6 p.m. Oct. 24 at the MOPC Administration Building, 46 Municipal Drive, Pictou. To get a free ticket click here.
- 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Pictou County Wellness Centre
Media contacts
Julian Boyle, P. Eng., President
SwitchPACE CIC
(902) 802-0924
Brian Cullen, Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Pictou County