Government Works with First Nations to Create Home Efficiency Program

Some First Nations homes will have lower energy bills as government and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia work together to create a new home efficiency program.

Energy Minister Michel Samson announced today, March 31, that government is investing $1.5 million to create a program that will perform full efficiency upgrades for First Nations homes and offer training to community members.

“I’m so pleased that First Nations communities will be able to improve their homes, save money on energy and participate in our cleaner energy future,” said Mr. Samson. “By offering training options, the impact of this program has the potential to last for many years ahead by creating jobs and helping small local businesses expand.”

Eligible homes will receive a home energy assessment and energy efficiency upgrades at no charge. Upgrades can include draft-proofing, insulation and other efficiency options.

Homeowners who participate in this program, and heat with a source other than electricity, can expect to save up to $965 on their energy bills every year.

“Taking care of the environment has always been important for the Mi’kmaq,” said Chief Paul Prosper, lead chief of energy for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. “Working with the province on this new home efficiency program will not only help our own community members, but also all Nova Scotians, create a greener and more environmentally responsible future.”

Efficiency Nova Scotia will deliver the program on behalf of government.

“This support for energy efficiency will help improve the lives of First Nations people by making their homes more comfortable and more affordable places to live,” said EfficiencyOne CEO Stephen MacDonald. “We look forward to working with our government and First Nations partners in the coming months to bring these benefits to even more families.”

Since the launch of the HomeWarming program in 2015, about 3,500 low income, electric and non-electric homes have received full energy efficiency upgrades.

For more information about the HomeWarming program visit http://homewarming.ca/.