ANTIGONISH, N.S. — ANTIGONISH, N.S. - Homeowners across Nova Scotia, including in the Quad Counties, have options when it comes to cutting their energy costs.
Sonia Smith, Clean Nova Scotia specialist-outreach, outlined the Home Warming program – a partnership of Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) and the province of Nova Scotia – during a visit to the Jan. 13 monthly meeting of Municipality of the County of Antigonish council.
“I am concerned that we are missing a good chunk of residents in our rural communities,” she said.
Home Warming has helped more than 10,000 Nova Scotians save on heating costs and live in more comfortable homes by providing free home energy assessments and upgrades.
Nevertheless, Smith added, they are always working on ways in which to get the message out to eligible homeowners, especially seniors. She noted they are often “not out as much,” where they can get the information about the program, while many seniors are “not as trusting,” considering the mindset there is no way the program would be free.
With that in mind, Smith said she sometimes goes door-to-door, along with attending community events, to get the message out and outline the program.
“It is pretty amazing, so we want to let people know about it,” she added.
Smith said they are “struggling to find homeowners” to access the service, particularly because they do not realize everything is free.
“We are working hard to get that message out,” she noted.
Program eligibility is based on net income – line 236 on the applicant’s notice of assessment – and home ownership.
“It has to be the applicant’s full-time residence,” Smith said.
An applicant must own and occupy a single-unit home – such as a detached, duplex/semi-detached, townhouse or mobile home – which cannot be a condo, multi-unit building or rental.
As for net income, the maximum for one person is $22,324, $41,481 for two to four and $59,076 for five or more people.
“Keep checking – you may not be eligible this year, but that can change,” Smith said, noting the baseline income for eligibility usually increases each summer.
She added “no other assets matter,” while reiterating home ownership and net income are the sole criteria for eligibility.
The only other provision is the applicant cannot have previously received upgrades through Home Warming or the Low Income Homeowner Service, unless it is for a new house in which they are the primary resident.
For homes that burn electricity, NSPI makes 3.7 million available annually, which covers approximately 700 homes, while $12 million from the province – earmarked for up to 2,000 homes – covers ones that use different sources of heat, including gas, wood, coal and oil.
“It is for any type of home,” Smith said, when asked by one councillor if mobile homes are covered by the initiative.
The amount provided for work, which averages $5,000 to $6,000, depends on factors such as house size and whatever measures need to be taken to help lessen energy costs.
As part of the assessment process, an energy advisor makes a visit to try to determine “where the home might be losing heat.”
Smith explained options are discussed with the homeowner and the work is awarded to a local contractor.
Measures taken could include sealing and caulking, along with the installation of insulation. There could also be lighting replacements.
Smith noted something seemingly as simple as putting insulation in the basement and attic makes a remarkable difference, when it comes to energy savings.
“We will do whatever we can to make the program work,” she said, noting there have been collaborative efforts with other provincial initiatives.
Smith also encouraged councillors to remind residents to call 211, which provides information on myriad provincial programs.
For more information about the initiative, visit www.HomeWarming.ca or call 1-877-434-2136.
