Low-income Islanders get help with energy costs
Supporting Island Families -
Low-income Islanders have another way to save money on their energy costs.
The provincial government has re-launched Home Energy Low-income Program (HELP) which provides free home weatherization including the installation of caulking, weather-stripping and other air-sealing measures, a free programmable thermostat, a low-flow shower head, LED light bulbs and a voucher for furnace cleaning. All low-income Islanders who pay for heat and lights - including renters - are eligible.
“We are continuing to work with all Islanders to help save energy and put money back into their pockets,” said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar. “Changes to the HELP program will improve its effectiveness and make it easier to access so it is available to every Islander who needs it.”
The program is now open to all households with incomes of less than $50,000, up from the previous level of $35,000. More than 3,800 Island households have been assisted in reducing their energy costs since the program began in 2008; with the increase in eligibility, approximately 9,000 more households will be able to access the program.
Through the program, the average household can save up to $250 annually, while improving the comfort of their home and reducing environmental impacts.
For more details on the program, visit Home Energy Low-income Program (HELP).
Media contact:
Wayne MacKinnon
(902) 314-3407
wemackinnon@gov.pe.ca