Free Electric Hot Water Heater Program

 Islanders with a low-income may be eligible for a free electric hot water heater for their homes. To be eligible, you must have an annual household income of $55,000 or less, you must own your home, it must be your principle residence, and the property must be valued at $300,000 or less (tax assessed value). Your water must currently be heated by fossil fuels (heating oil or propane) to be eligible.

How do I apply?

You can apply for a free electric hot water heater online by clicking the blue button at the bottom of this page. You will be redirected to an application form that is used to apply for free heat pumps, free insulation and free electric hot water heaters. Simply select the equipment you're interested in.

If you would like help with your application, you can book an appointment to visit your local Access PEI where staff will help verify your income and help you submit your application. Book an appointment online or by calling 1-833-734-1873. 

Getting ready to apply - proof of income

You will need to provide proof of your household income at your appointment or when you apply online. 

Your proof of income is your July GST Credit document showing your net family income, marital status and province of residence. This information is contained in the first two pages of your GST Credit document. We need both pages. 

Please note – the GST Credit document is different than your Notice of Assessment for your taxes.  You can’t use the Notice of Assessment to apply for a free hot water heater.

Visit the Canada Revenue Agency's web page for a sample GST Credit Document. If you don’t have a July GST Credit Document, you can contact the Canada Revenue Agency for assistance at 1-800-387-1193.

Getting ready to apply - property value

Your property must be valued at $300,000 or less (tax assessed value) to be eligible. Your tax assessed value may be different than the market value of your house, so if you are unsure, we can check your tax assessed property value for you at your appointment.

If you choose to apply online, you will need to know your taxed assessed property value before you apply. A property tax bill will contain this information. This bill is mailed to property owners in May of each year. If you are a property owner and you do not receive a property tax bill in May contact Taxation and Property Records.

What happens after I apply?

After you apply, staff will review your application to make sure it is complete and you are eligible for the program. If there is any missing information, staff will contact you directly. If you are eligible, you will receive an approval email outlining the next steps.

Staff will then connect you with a contractor who install the hot water heater. Staff will notify you when this happens and they will provide you with the contractor's name and contact information. 

After the installation is complete, government may conduct a quality assurance inspection to make sure an eligible hot water heater was installed. If this inspection is required, government will contact you to arrange a time for this inspection.

What about other free energy efficient equipment?

This application form may also be used to apply for a free heat pump, free insulation and a free electric hot water heater. Simply check off which upgrades you are interested in. There is no need to apply more than once.