About 25 per cent of Atlantic Canadian households currently heat with oil.
The federal government has announced an investment of over $123 million for the oil to heat pump program. (OHPA)
Natural Resources Canada is investing $99.5 million, and Environment and Climate Change Canada is also investing $23.8 million through the Low Carbon Economy Fund.
“Under the program, low- to median-income households in New Brunswick that heat their home with oil can apply through the NB Power website to receive coordinated grants from the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick that fully cover the cost of the average oil to heat pump conversion,” MP Jennica Atwin announced earlier today.
Atwin adds that this program will be delivered in partnership with NB Power.
“Making the switch to more energy-efficient heating systems can help Canadians save thousands on their energy bills, reduce their energy use, and decrease their carbon footprint,” said federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson. “That’s why we are strengthening the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program and ensuring that families are supported in making the switch from heating oil to an efficient heat pump.”
If you currently heat your home with oil, you can now apply to either the Enhanced Energy Savings Program or the Total Home Energy Savings Program, which are delivered by NB Power.
Eligible homeowners can now receive up to $15,000 from the provincial and federal governments to help make the transition.
“Heat pumps are one of the cheapest solutions for home heating. Our government has been working to make heat pumps more accessible across the country through initiatives like the Low Carbon Economy Fund, helping keep up our historic progress: reducing emissions to their lowest level in 27 years while maintaining a growing economy, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault adds.
The government says that on average, a household participating in the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program saves $1,337 on its annual energy costs and reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by 2.78 tonnes.
