The Government of Prince Edward Island is launching a brand-new service – and two assistance programs – aimed at helping Islanders make the most of their energy spending.
“Unfortunately, government does not control the global price of oil. Petroleum reserves are finite, demand for oil and gasoline is growing. But government can and will take steps to help Islanders protect themselves from the impact of rising oil costs,” said Premier Robert Ghiz.
The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry’s new Office of Energy Efficiency will offer advice on energy conservation measures available to the ordinary consumer, and will offer programs to help Islanders make their homes as energy efficient as possible.
George Webster, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry, said Government recognizes that efficient use of energy will benefit ordinary Islanders, reduce the impact energy use has on Prince Edward Island’s environment and will lessen the province’s reliance on fossil fuels imported from off-Island.
“Energy costs, especially home heating, are one of the major expenses most Islanders face this time of year. Luckily, home heating is also an area where the individual can reduce costs by investing in efficiency,” said Minister Webster.
The office will be located at the Sherwood Business Centre on St. Peters Road in Charlottetown. The new office will be open to the general public and will offer advice on energy-efficient decisions consumers and homeowners can make. Islanders can also get help by calling 1-877-PEI-OEE-6 (1-877-734-6336) or 620-3690.
“The people in this office will be able to look at the individual’s energy spending and offer advice on steps that can bring that spending down. Through fairly low-cost measures like weatherstripping, furnace maintenance or installation of programmable thermostats, the cost of heating a home can be reduced substantially,” said Minister Webster.
The office will also advise Islanders on a range of programs, both provincial and federal, that can assist individuals who are investing in efficiency.
Two new provincial programs, available immediately, should help many Islanders looking to reduce their energy appetite and protect themselves from rising fuel costs.
– Home Energy Low-income Program – Available to households with annual incomes of $30,000 or less, this program pays for a tradesperson to come to the customer’s home and carry out basic energy-efficiency improvements such as installing thermostats and caulking around windows and doors. The program also provides the homeowner with a voucher to pay for a furnace-cleaning, one of the most effective ways to improve fuel use.
– Renewable Heat Loan Program – Available to all homeowners, this program provides loans to assist in the installation of renewable energy equipment in Island homes. Eligible systems include biomass heating systems (including wood and wood pellet stoves), solar air and water systems, geothermal heating systems that are Energy Star certified, and drain water heat recovery systems. This assistance is available in addition to the PST exemption that applies to small scale renewable energy equipment (100 kilowatts or less.) The Renewable Energy Loan Program provides loans up to $5,000 at an interest rate of six per cent – the money is paid back at a rate of $90 per month regardless of the loan balance.
Minister Webster said he expects to see many Islanders take an interest in energy efficiency and in the programs that can help homeowners curb their energy use.
“No one wants to spend more than they have to on home heating but the cost of fuel, especially petroleum, is not something the provincial government can control. While the price of energy is beyond our control, the Office of Energy Efficiency can help Islanders control their energy costs.
“Beyond that, everybody knows that fossil fuels create greenhouse gases and contribute to the pollution of P.E.I.’s air. If we can help people keep their homes warm in winter, can slow the flow of greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere and can reduce the average Islander’s exposure to rising world oil prices, that’s a good investment for this government to be making,” he said.