Some Nova Scotians can now apply to cover cost of switching to heat pumps

Some Nova Scotians looking to switch from home heating oil to heat pumps can now apply for a grant to cover the full cost.

Under the federal and provincial program, low- to median-income households in the province that heat their home with oil can apply to receive up to $30,000.

That includes $15,000 from Ottawa's Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program and up to $15,000 from the province, with Nova Scotia's EfficiencyOne acting as a co-delivery partner.

"Making the switch from oil heating to electric heating sources like a heat pump can help you save thousands of dollars on energy bills and reduce emissions," MP Andy Fillmore said in a news release.

Nova Scotians may be eligible for the grant if their home was heated by oil as of January 2023, they are the primary resident and owner of their home, and their total household income is at or below the maximum annual household income after tax.

For example, a family of four must have an annual household income of no more than $105,000 in order to qualify.

One-time payment coming

The release said in addition to the grants, applicants to the program will also soon be receiving a one-time payment of $250 from the federal government. 

The payment applies to all eligible applicants who heat their homes with oil and sign up for a heat pump through the program, as well as all applicants who have signed up since April 1, 2023.

The federal program was already offering up to $10,000 to help with the cost of switching to heat pumps.