October 2008

Every winter, I get calls from people who have run out of oil, or who face a dilemma nobody should have to face: whether to heat their home, or pay their rent. Many are also unable to afford groceries. The NDP has been calling on the government to double its rebates and scrap its tax on basic electricity. We’ve had some success getting increased rebates. However, consumers of electricity will still be hard hit this winter by the Conservatives’ eight per cent tax and, if approved, Nova Scotia Power’s 2009 rate increase—its fifth increase in seven years. These higher fees come at a time when Nova Scotia Power is making huge profits—money that should be used to help moderate rate increases.

The NDP recently presented a petition with nearly 9,000 signatures to the Utility and Review Board, calling on the Board to reject any more power rate increases until Nova Scotia Power and the government take steps to help people with their power bills. The petition also calls on the government to cancel its eight per cent tax on electricity. We’re still collecting signatures on this petition. I encourage anyone to stop by my office to sign a copy, or sign online at www.percyparis.ca.

NDP leader Darrell Dexter has also called on the government to double the heating rebate for low-income people and significantly raise the low-income cut-off, so more people qualify for rebates. On September 10, the government responded by raising the low-income oil rebate from $200 to $450, and announcing more generous low-income thresholds. Unfortunately, the government did not increase the rebate for people who heat with electricity.

I’ll outline available energy-rebate programs below:

HEATING ASSISTANCE REBATE PROGRAM (HARP)

Currently, low-income people who heat with oil, propane or natural gas can qualify for a $450 rebate under the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP). Low-income people who heat with electricity, wood, wood pellets or coal can qualify for a $150 rebate.

Individuals who earn $25,000 or less, and families with a combined income of under $40,000 qualify for the HARP rebate. (Seniors who get the Guaranteed Income Supplement automatically qualify.) People who earn up to $2,000 more than the low-income level can also get the rebate, but it is reduced by $25 for each additional $500 of income.

Service Nova Scotia says application forms for the HARP rebates will be available by the end of October.

YOUR ENERGY REBATE

Last year, everyone received an eight per cent rebate (the provincial portion of the HST) on their power bills, under the “Your Energy Rebate Program.” This is something the NDP fought for, because people shouldn’t be taxed on necessities such as heat and lights. This year, the government put the tax back—a bad move, especially with rising power costs. However, they left the rebate intact for heavier electricity users. Now, everyone will be taxed on their first 27.4 kilowatts of power per day. The rebate will only apply to anything above and beyond that base daily usage rate, and will show up automatically on your power bill.

The eight per cent rebate still applies to all purchases of heating oil, propane, firewood, wood pellets and coal. Businesses selling oil, propane and natural gas will deduct the rebate from your bill. Some wood vendors may also automatically deduct it. For all other fuel, however (wood pellets, kerosene, cylinder propane), people should apply for the rebate. I have forms at my office, or you can find them online at: www.yourenergyrebate.ns.ca.

NO-INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM, FURNACE REBATE

Interest-free loans of up to $5,000 are available to anyone who has undergone an energy audit through the EnerGuide for Houses Program. In addition, people who replace an old furnace with a new, energy-efficient model qualify for a $500 rebate.

With rising energy costs, governments need to adjust policies and programs on many fronts to ensure people can afford to heat their homes, and to promote energy efficiency and alternatives to fossil fuels. Social assistance must include a heating cost supplement to reflect actual fuel price increases. And programs to retrofit homes need to be more available and accessible.

If you would like more information or help applying for any of the programs currently available, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 860-4004 or percy@percyparis.ca.