Because of a high demand for air-source heat pumps, the funding available for grants under the Office of Energy Efficiency is nearing full commitment, says Finance, Energy and Municipal Affairs Minister Wes Sheridan.

“We restructured the OEE programs this year, increasing the budget for grants, but we had an exceptionally high demand for these heat pumps,” said Minister Sheridan. “In order to ensure funding is available for energy saving initiatives that benefit low-income Islanders, we have to close this year’s grant program on October 15. The Office of Energy Efficiency will still accept, and process, applications for all grants received up to that date.”

Air-source heat pumps are an efficient and cost-effective method to provide heating and cooling for your home. Over 90 per cent of the applications received at the OEE this year have been for these systems.

After October 15, Islanders with a total household income of $35,000 or less can still access the Home Energy Low-Income Program (HELP). Under this program, a tradesperson will complete comprehensive air-sealing (caulking and weatherstripping on windows and doors) free of charge.

Since it opened in 2008, the Office of Energy Efficiency has provided more than $4.5 million in direct grants to over 5,000 residential clients.

The HELP program has assisted 2,300 low-income households to reduce their heating costs by an average of $350 annually, and the OEE has also helped 470 businesses to reduce their energy consumption.

For more information, go to www.gov.pe.ca/oee or phone the Office of Energy Efficiency at (902) 620-3690 (local) or Toll-free: 1-877-734-6336.