Prince Edward Island’s office of energy efficiency is launching new programs aimed at assisting Islanders to reduce their home energy consumption.
The programs, designed to complement existing federal energy efficiency programs, will be available through the OEE’s Charlottetown office or on-line at www.gov.pe.ca/oee.
“This office helps Islanders deal with rising energy costs by curbing their energy consumption. Financial assistance will help homeowners at all income levels take advantage of the energy savings that can be achieved through home improvements,” said George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry.
The first program, PEI EcoEnergy Audit Assistance Program, pays half the cost of an energy audit, up to $250. For households with income below a $30,000 threshold, the program will pay all the costs of an audit to a maximum of $500.
Once their property has been audited, clients can participate in one of two programs.
The PEI Energy Efficiency Loan Program provides financing for the implementation of the recommended upgrades up to $10,000 at an annual interest rate of 6 per cent. Clients below the income threshold are eligible for financing up to $10,000, interest free.
The PEI Energy Efficiency Grant Program provides a subsidy to Island homeowners equivalent to the amount the client paid in GST and PST to implement recommended upgrades to a maximum of $1500.
Minister Webster said he hoped to see a continuing interest from homeowners taking advantage of assistance that could lower their energy bills.
“Every litre of heating oil or kilowatt-hour of electricity that is saved puts money in the homeowner’s pocket. It also helps fight climate change and reduce the Island’s dependence on imported energy,” said the Minister.