Your Energy Rebate Regulation Change Will Help Small Business

Small oil distributors will get cash flow relief after government changes that allow weekly tax reimbursements.

Jamie Muir, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, announced today, Dec. 18, that the Your Energy Rebate regulations have been changed to allow for quicker claims by energy vendors. The original rules permitted only monthly claims, which caused cash flow difficulties for smaller businesses.

"Our government is listening to the concerns brought forward by these hard-working small-business people who are helping deliver savings at home for Nova Scotians with the Your Energy Rebate program," said Mr. Muir. "This change will allow greater flexibility to these operators."

Your Energy Rebate, part of the 2006-07 budget that was passed unanimously by the legislature in July, provides a tax rebate to households, equivalent to the eight per cent provincial portion of the Harmonized Sales Tax on energy bills. It took effect for household oil-heat customers on Dec. 1, and will take effect for household electricity or natural gas customers Jan. 1, 2007.

Information on the program is available at any Access Nova Scotia centre, by calling toll-free 1-800-670-4357 or online at www.yourenergyrebate.ns.ca.