Heating Assistance Program Deadline Approaching

Nova Scotians are reminded that the deadline to apply for the Keep the Heat program is Friday, March 31.

The Keep the Heat program will provide a cash rebate of $250 for eligible applicants who heat their homes with oil or propane. For those who heat with electricity, wood, coal, wood pellets or natural gas, a $100 rebate is available.

Everyone eligible for a rebate will receive a free energy savings kit, valued at $50, to help them achieve long-term energy savings. Oil users may also be eligible for a furnace tune-up voucher. Also, as part of a Keep the Heat pilot program, 3,000 electricity users will qualify to have thermostats in their homes replaced with more accurate models that reduce electricity use.

To be eligible for the Keep the Heat program, applicants must pay for their heating source, have a family income of $25,000 or less, or if single, an income of $15,000 or less.

Seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement and persons receiving income assistance from the Department of Community Services are eligible if they pay for their heating source. In all cases, applications must include a heating bill or a receipt, dated within the past twelve months, in the applicant's name.

About 40,000 Nova Scotians will benefit from this year's program. This is a 50 per cent increase in program uptake from last year.

Applications for the Keep the Heat program can be obtained by calling 424-5200 in the Halifax area, or toll-free 1-800-670-4357. The form is also available on the Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations website at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr .