Rebate Helps Nova Scotians Save on Energy Costs

Nova Scotia households continue to save on their energy bills through the province's successful energy rebate program.

About 400,000 households in Nova Scotia will collectively save more than $100 million in 2012-13 through the Your Energy Rebate Program (YERP).

"Energy costs can take up a big part of a family's budget. The Your Energy Rebate Program helps Nova Scotia families offset those costs," said Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Minister John MacDonell. "For the most part, the rebate comes automatically off our energy bills, and the savings to Nova Scotians are significant."

The program is equivalent to the provincial portion of the HST and is designed to help all Nova Scotians with the rising cost of home energy. For most households, the rebate is automatically credited on the bill by the power company or fuel distributor (oil, propane, firewood and natural gas). For other energy sources, like kerosene, coal and wood pellets, Nova Scotians are able to apply for the rebate.

Bill VanGorder, president of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons, said rebates like YERP can make a big difference, especially for seniors on fixed incomes and those on tight budgets who are struggling to pay bills and make ends meet.

"We appreciate government's support in helping to make life more affordable for our seniors in Nova Scotia," said Mr. VanGorder.

Since October 2009, the province has issued more than $285 million in energy rebates.

In addition to YERP, the province helps low-income Nova Scotia families with the high cost of home heating through the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, an application-based program that provides applicants with rebates of up to $200.