A program that has helped low-income Islanders save money on their home heating bills by making their homes more energy efficient is being extended for another year.
Government will invest $379,000 in the Residential Energy Assistance Program in 2006/2007. Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem highlighted the investment when outlining his department’s budget in the Legislative Assembly today. The program, announced last fall, helped a total of 1,853 low-income Islanders over the past several months.
“Initial estimates indicate that the average home should save approximately 20 per cent or $500 each year,” said Minister Ballem. “The extension of the program will allow more Island families to take advantage of these savings.”
Under the Residential Energy Assistance Program, tradespeople go into homes and carry out as much as $200 worth of basic energy-saving measures such as weather stripping and caulking windows, and installing a programmable thermostat and low-flow showerhead. Applications are now being accepted and the work will be carried out in the fall. Islanders eligible for assistance under the program include: individuals or families with a gross household income of less than $30,000; families who qualify for the National Child Benefit; and seniors who qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Minister Ballem said his department is also working in cooperation with other Atlantic provinces on a three-year energy efficiency campaign. SAVE – A Shared Atlantic Vision for Energy Efficiency – is designed to help Atlantic Canadians reduce energy consumption – at home, on the road, and at work. This will help individuals reduce their energy costs; defer the need for new, more expensive energy generation; and contribute to a healthier environment.
The Minister said the 2006-2007 budget will allow the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry to continue to invest in the many worthwhile community projects which Islanders undertake to protect and enhance our environment. Funding support of $120,000 will be available under the Watershed Management Fund. As well, watershed coordinators will work closely with community groups, providing technical assistance. The Greening Spaces Program will provide support for schools and community groups to plant native trees and shrubs to create greener, healthier places to live, work, and learn. This year’s budget includes $68,000 for materials and planting, and once again, department staff provide technical assistance. $160,000 will be invested this year in the Environment Futures Program. This program provides meaningful employment for 42 Island students who provide assistance for community-led environmental protection and enhancement projects.
$175,000 will be turned over to the Wildlife Conservation Fund Committee in 2006-2007, to help support wildlife and habitat conservation projects throughout the province. This money is contributed by hunters, anglers and trappers to ensure the future of these resources.
Through this year’s budget, Minister Ballem said Government will also continue to provide financial incentives for landowners to prepare forest management plans and undertake alternative, non-clearcut treatments. Funding of $100,000 is available under the Forest Enhancement Program. As well, $830,000 is budgeted under the Forest Renewal Program to encourage landowners to replant cut-overs with high quality tree seedlings.
In other budget highlights, $200,000 will be invested in 2006-2007 to restore fish and wildlife habitat at several sites and allow for the completion of major structural repairs at others. This is part of a five-year capital budget for impoundment management approved last fall.
The Minister noted that this year will also see development of several major projects which the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry is involved with. Construction of the Eastern Kings Wind Farm is expected to start in early summer; the Wind Energy Institute of Canada will open at North Cape later this year; and components of the PEI Wind-Hydrogen Village will be put in place.
“I look forward to watching progress on these important initiatives,” said Minister Ballem. “They will significantly enhance Prince Edward Island’s reputation as a leader in renewable energy research and development.”