Low-income Nova Scotians will be able to get free heat pumps and other home upgrades thanks to a $140-million provincial investment in energy efficiency programs over four years. The funding will help all Nova Scotians move away from oil heat faster, with extra support for low- and middle-income households.
When combined with federal contributions, the funding will help about 13,500 low-income households and 30,000 middle-income households. The funding will start rolling out in the new year to improve and expand Efficiency Nova Scotia programs.
Low-income households can apply now to the HomeWarming program for free heat pumps and any electrical panel upgrades needed to install them. People who have already received energy efficiency upgrades through this program can apply again for this new support.
All Nova Scotians can continue getting help with a variety of energy efficiency upgrades through the Home Energy Assessment program. It is the first step to accessing rebates or loans through the federal Greener Homes program. With the new funding, there will be extra support for middle-income households to get rebates when they install energy efficient heating systems and other upgrades that reduce reliance on oil.