For immediate release
October 29, 2019
NDP Leader demands more from Heat Pump Pilot Program
NDP Leader Alison Coffin is calling on government to expand the Heat Pump Rebate Pilot Program and ensure more people are able to access the rebate in the face of rising electricity costs due to Muskrat Falls. Government announced on October 9 that up to 1,000 homeowners would be eligible for a grant of $1,000 towards the purchase and installation of a heat pump.
Coffin is reacting to calls and emails from concerned residents who tried to obtain the rebate and were told their application would be rejected, because although they purchased their heat pump after the program was first announced in Budget 2019, they were too early for the official start date of October 15.
“Poor communication about this new rebate program has caused confusion and frustration,” Coffin said. “The program was first announced back in April, but with no details. People knew the former Home Heating Rebate always accepted receipts retroactive to September 1. But with this new program, those who acted quickly to install a heat pump before winter are left with ineligible receipts.”
“I am asking the Premier to ensure that the new program will accept receipts dated at least from September 1 – preferably from April 1 when it was first announced,” said Coffin.
Coffin also considers the new rebate program too limited. “The number of people with heat pumps has jumped from 10,000 to 37,000 between 2014 and 2018, according to Newfoundland Power,” Coffin said.
“One thousand rebates may be a good start, but it is woefully inadequate to meet the needs of families struggling with increasing energy costs that are not of their making.”
-30-
For further information, contact Zaren Healey White, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (office), 693-9172 (cell), or zarenhealeywhite@gov.nl.ca.