The Government of New Brunswick announced additional financial support for low- and medium- income residents who would like to switch from oil to heat pumps.
Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy, who is also the minister responsible for energy, said the province is committed to making life more affordable for New Brunswickers.
“Switching to heat pumps can help New Brunswickers heat and cool their homes more efficiently, and more affordably, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Legacy said.
Eligible homeowners can receive up to $15,000 from the federal and provincial governments to pay for the transitions, said a news release from the province.
Jonathan Wilkinson is the federal Energy and Natural Resources minister. He said switching to more efficient heating systems will save Canadians thousands of dollars and reduce their carbon footprint.
“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,” Wilkinson said.
Residents who heat their homes with oil can apply to either the Enhanced Energy Savings Program or the Total Home Energy Savings Program. Both programs are delivered by NB Power.
Lori Clark, CEO of NB Power, said the increased investment will help New Brunswickers reduce their energy bills.
“Our customers have told us they’re looking to us for supports to help them manage their energy use,” Clark said.
Close to 25 per cent of Atlantic Canadian households are heated by oil, compared to an average of approximately six per cent across the rest of the country.
Heat pumps reduce energy use and save homeowners money because they are two-to-four times more efficient than oil furnaces, said the release.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
