Program To Benefit Low Income Nova Scotians

SERVICE N.S./MUNICIPAL RELATIONS--Program To Benefit Low Income Nova Scotians

Financial help and long-term energy savings are features of an assistance program for low-income Nova Scotians who heat their homes with oil or propane.

The Keep the Heat program features a one-time payment of up to $200 and a furnace maintenance tune-up for eligible Nova Scotians. In addition, the province will distribute 6,000 do-it- yourself energy savings kits.

"The payments will directly help low-income Nova Scotians with the increasing cost of heating oil and propane," said Premier John Hamm. "The furnace tune-ups and the kits will help produce long-term energy savings in these homes."

Coupons valued at $80.50 can be exchanged for a furnace maintenance tune-up by a certified furnace technician. Sears Canada and Irving will provide the tune-up in return for the coupon. Recipients may also check with local heating oil suppliers or certified furnace technicians to find out if they will accept the coupon.

"A properly maintained furnace is essential to getting the most out of an oil fired home heating system," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister Barry Barnet, whose department is administering the program.

The energy saving kits are being introduced as a pilot project. Each will contain about $50 worth of items to help produce long- term energy savings, such as energy efficient light bulbs, weatherstripping and low-flow shower heads. These items are relatively easy to install and if used properly, could produce savings of up to $100 a year.

"Given the activity in world oil markets, we expect fuel prices to remain high for some time. The long-term solution is energy efficiency -- we all need to look at ways to reduce our energy use and costs," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "The kits will be tied to a broader energy efficiency campaign to be rolled out in the new year."

Energy savings kits will be available starting in early 2005. Since demand for the kits is expected to exceed supply, the province will hold random draws in January, February and March from among the names of eligible applicants who indicate in their application that they wish to receive a kit.

To be eligible for the Keep the Heat program, applicants must heat their home with oil or propane and be paying for it themselves, have a family income of $22,200 or less, or if single, an income of $13,400 or less. Families with income levels up to $22,000 will get the full payment of $200. There are different payments for applicants with incomes between $22,000 and $22,200, with the amount being reduced by $25 for every $25 of additional income.

Seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement and persons receiving income assistance from the Department of Community Services are eligible if they heat their home with oil or propane. In all cases, applications must include a fuel bill, dated within the past six months, in the applicant's name.

By the end of November, the province will mail application forms to the 17,000 recipients of last winter's heating assistance program and begin provincewide advertising.