In order to help relieve some of the pressures that Islanders are facing as a result of high energy costs, the Government of Prince Edward Island is introducing a series of programs aimed at improving the energy efficiency of new and existing homes, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“As every jurisdiction in the world struggles with high energy costs, it’s very important for the Government of Prince Edward Island to assist Islanders in making their homes more fuel efficient,” the Premier said.
Speaking from the Council of the Federation Meeting in Québec City, the Premier said that while government cannot control world oil prices - it can help Islanders use energy more efficiently.
“This past winter saw Islanders paying record high prices for energy. By making homes as efficient as possible we can achieve significant savings and reduce carbon emissions from fossil fuels,” the Premier said.
Beginning August 1, four new or amended programs for existing homes will be available through the Office of Energy Efficiency. The programs are budgeted at
$1 million, with money coming from the Trust Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change. An energy audit will be required to be eligible for all of the programs. The new programs include:
Low Income Loan Relief – Low income clients who wish to take advantage of the Prince Edward Island Energy Efficiency Loans Program, will now be eligible for up to
50 per cent loan relief. Up to $15,000 in income - 50 per cent of loan will be written off; between $15,000 and $30,000 in income - 25 per cent of loan will be written off. The program provides loans for home improvement measures recommended in an ecoEnergy Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report.
Renewable Heating - Renewable heating systems (wood, wood-pellet, solar, etc.) will be eligible under the Prince Edward Island Energy Efficiency Loan Program, to a maximum of $10,000, as long as the client makes efficiency improvements to the home as well.
High-Efficiency Oil-fired Heating Systems - An additional subsidy of $300 will be available for Energy Star Certified oil fired heating systems installed in combination with an indirect water heater or an outdoor temperature reset control. This will be supplemented by an additional $1,200 already available in other incentives and grants.
A successful program from last year will be returning:
Home Energy Low-income Program (HELP) - Reinstatement of this program will provide low-income homeowners with free assistance in completing comprehensive air-sealing, installation of energy saving devices and free furnace cleaning. Homeowners who have previously utilized this program will be eligible for the enhanced HELP program. The 2008-09 program is particularly focused on controlling air
leakages - the major cause of home energy loss.
These programs are in addition to the Prince Edward Island EcoEnergy Audit Assistance Program and the Prince Edward Island Energy Efficiency Loan and Grant Program that were announced in March of this year. Under these programs the province pays half the cost of a home energy audit for households earning more than $30,000 and the full cost of audits for households earning less than $30,000.
Information on these programs is available on the Office of Energy Efficiency web page at www.gov.pe.ca/oee.
Minster of Environment, Energy and Forestry George Webster said the Office of Energy Efficiency is providing advice and assistance to Islanders seeking to reduce the amount of energy that they use.
“We have had great uptake from our existing programs. By extending our programming, our objective is to help Islanders reduce their heating oil costs while reducing emissions,” the Minister said.
The Council of the Federation is holding its annual summer meeting which includes discussions on energy and climate change.