The Government of Prince Edward Island is working on a plan to help Islanders cope with the higher cost of home heating fuel this winter.
“With increases in world oil prices, we’ve seen the cost of furnace oil increase from 60 to 70 cents a litre last winter to 83 cents per litre this month,” said Premier Pat Binns. “We know that increase causes hardship for many Island families so government is looking at ways we might be able to ease the burden, particularly for those who are most in need of help.”
Unlike other jurisdictions, Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said there is no provincial sales tax on home heating fuel or electricity in Prince Edward Island so a provincial sales tax rebate is not an option. However, Minister Ballem said government is looking at other ways it could assist Island families lower their home heating costs.
“What we want to do is help homeowners make long-lasting improvements to reduce energy consumption so they can stretch their home heating budget and make their homes more comfortable. Simple measures like tightening up homes with weather stripping and caulking, or installing a programmable thermostat can save hundreds of dollars in fuel costs,” said Minister Ballem.
Premier Binns said government will finalize its assistance plan in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, government is continuing to identify ways to reduce heating costs in its own buildings. At the current price of oil, it is projected to cost an additional $3.9 million to heat government offices, schools and hospitals this winter.