P.E.I. government adds 8 more installers to assist heat pump program

The P.E.I. authorities has added eight extra contractors to those that set up free warmth pumps for eligible Islanders, bringing the entire to 11.

The extra installers will assist the province meet the rising demand for the warmth pumps, that are provided to Island residents who’ve a family earnings of lower than $55,000 and the assessed worth of their dwelling doesn’t exceed $300,000.

Derek Ellis, director of the sustainability division with the P.E.I. Division of Surroundings Vitality and Local weather Motion, stated about 1,600 of the free warmth pumps have been put in.

There may be additionally an ongoing rebate program for different owners who exceed the earnings threshold. Ellis stated they issued 4,000 rebates final 12 months and are on tempo to exceed that quantity this 12 months.

Anytime you already know we’ve a number of ranges of presidency form of providing related applications, I feel it will get complicated for the general public.— Derek Ellis

Final week, a pilot program was introduced offering interest-free loans as much as $30,000 for Island residents attempting to make their properties extra power environment friendly.

There are additionally federal incentives. Ellis stated he’s hoping an settlement may be reached by February or March with the federal authorities to streamline the applications.

“Anytime … we’ve a number of ranges of presidency form of providing related applications, I feel it will get complicated for the general public,” he stated.

“So ideally what we’re aiming towards is form of a co-delivery the place we’re delivering the federal program on their behalf. We’re not there but, however I feel either side need to get there.”

Final month, the province introduced Island group centres can entry as much as $20,000 towards the acquisition and set up of warmth pumps to improve their services.