The mild weather in recent weeks has many Islanders more concerned with keeping the basement dry than heating the house. But with several weeks of winter still ahead, those eligible for the Province’s energy assistance program are reminded to get their application in.
Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry Jamie Ballem said the Residential Energy Assistance Program provides direct assistance to low-income Islanders in the form of a home energy efficiency upgrade that includes measures such as weatherstripping, caulking, a furnace tune-up and installing a programmable thermostat.
“Many of the improvements such as caulking around windows and doors and installing a programmable thermostat will save energy and save money not only this winter, but for many years to come,” said Minister Ballem. “Average savings are estimated to be 15-20 per cent or $400-500 each year. And there is no cost, so I encourage those eligible to take advantage of the program.”
This is the second year the Residential Energy Assistance Program has been offered. About 1,900 Island households benefited from the program last winter. So far this winter, there have been 550 applications. The program runs until March 31, 2007. However, people are encouraged to apply early to get full advantage of the savings this heating season. Islanders eligible for assistance under the program include:
- individuals or families with a household income of less than $30,000;
- families who qualify for the National Child Benefit; and
- seniors who qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
The program is open to both homeowners and those who rent a house or apartment and pay the heating costs. Those who received a home energy efficiency upgrade in 2005/06 cannot apply to the program in 2006/07 unless they are living in a different house or apartment.
The Alternate Heating Loan Program also continues to March 31, 2007. The low-interest loan program helps homeowners install alternate heating systems such as wood or pellet stoves, solar air or water heating systems, groundwater heat pumps, and drain water heat recovery systems. In 2005/06, 133 loans were approved for a total of more than $530,000. So far in 2006/07, 126 loans have been approved, totalling $516,000.
Loans of a maximum $5,000 per household are available to Island homeowners at a rate of 6% interest. The loan can be used to purchase an alternative heating system, install the system, and purchase any accessories that are needed for the safe and efficient operation of the system. For example, if you are installing a wood stove and need a new chimney to operate it, you may apply for the loan to purchase the stove and build the chimney. Loan applications are available at Access PEI sites and online at www.gov.pe.ca/go/saveenergy.
As an added incentive for homeowners to consider installing small-scale renewable energy equipment, there is a provincial sales tax exemption on items such as ground-source heat pumps, drain water heat recovery systems, and solar panels for domestic hot water heating systems.
For further information on any of PEI’s energy assistance programs, call the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry at 368-5990 or toll free 1-888-893-4333, or visit the website at www.gov.pe.ca/go/saveenergy.