News release

Applications Available for 2012-13 Heating Rebate Program

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

Nova Scotians who need help with home heating costs will continue to benefit from the province's heating rebate program.

Last winter, more than 51,000 Nova Scotians received the rebate. They will receive a filled-in application form to encourage them to re-apply, but must continue to meet program requirements to receive the rebate.

"We've heard from Nova Scotians who say that they appreciate the program and that every little bit helps," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell. "I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply for the rebate."

Applications for the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP), which offers eligible applicants a rebate of up to $200, are now available for the 2012-13 winter season.

Households with net annual incomes of less than $42,000, and people who make less than $27,000, who purchase oil, natural gas, wood, wood pellets, propane, electricity, or coal qualify.

"Many Nova Scotians, including seniors on fixed incomes, struggle to heat their homes during the colder months," said Bill VanGorder, board member and past president of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons. "We appreciate government's ongoing help with home heating costs."

Applications are available at all Access Nova Scotia centres, MLA offices, Community Services' offices, online at www.homeheatinghelp.ca, or by calling 1-800-670-4357.

It may take up to six weeks for completed applications to be processed and eligible Nova Scotians to receive the rebate.

In addition to HARP, the province helps all Nova Scotians with the high costs of home heating by automatically removing the provincial portion of the HST from home heating bills and by helping low-income homeowners with energy saving upgrades. The Good Neighbour Energy Fund helps low-income Nova Scotians heat their homes in emergency situations.

This fall, the province will take further steps to ensure fairer power rates for all Nova Scotians.