Rebates and assistance available to help offset home heating costs

Pictou - Now that the outside temperature is starting to drop, energy cost savings are top of mind for many people.

Did you know that Nova Scotia residents have can apply to several rebate programs that could help reduce their energy costs this winter? The programs are offered through Clean Nova Scotia, Efficiency Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Power, and the Nova Scotia Government.

HomeWarming – This program offers no-charge energy assessments and free home upgrades to eligible Nova Scotians. The plan is open to income-qualified homeowners. If the evaluation proves that draft-proofing, insulation, or other efficiency options can make a difference in heating or cooling your home, it will install the upgrades at no cost to you. Eligible participants must meet the total net income levels; you must own a single-unit home in Nova Scotia and provide proof of ownership, you must live in your home year-round with no plans to sell in the near future and your home must not have already been upgraded through HomeWarming or the Low Income Homeowner Service. More details can be found at www.homewarming.ca

Heating Assistance Rebate Program – This program is provided by the Government of Nova Scotia to help low-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home heating. Rebates range from $100-$200. Applications are accepted until March 31, 2020. To be eligible, participants must pay for their home heat and meet net income guidelines. More information can be found at https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-heating-assistance-rebate-…

Salvation Army Good Neighbour Energy Fund - The Good Neighbour Energy Fund is an emergency heating program available to Nova Scotian families. This program, which is administered by The Salvation Army, receives its funds from Nova Scotia Power Inc., NSP employees and customers, and the Nova Scotia Provincial Government. Applicants can re-apply every 24 months to the program, which runs annually from January through April. If you are in an emergency home heating situation, please download the application form or pick one up from your local Salvation Army church or thrift store, as well as MLA offices. More information can be found at https://salvationarmy.ca/maritime/home/programs/gnef/

Efficiency Nova Scotia has several rebate programs available. A home energy assessment is highly recommended to determine if rebates apply to insulation, heating pumps, wood/pellet burning equipment, solar equipment, and other upgrades. More information can be found at https://www.efficiencyns.ca/…/find-rebates-on-energy-effic…/

Pictou County Fuel Fund – This local program provides short-term assistance to people who don’t have other options and face the prospects of an unheated home environment. Assistance is available once per heating season for urgent fuel needs, but it is an emergency service. More information about this program can be found at http://www.pictoucountyfuelfund.ca/