**** CNS Media Release
Nova Scotians Benefiting from Your Energy Rebate Program
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The Your Energy Rebate Program is expected to help more than 450,000 Nova Scotian households this year with rebates totalling more than $130 million.
Most people receive the provincial rebate automatically on their energy bills, primarily for home heating fuel and electricity. The rebate is also available on the purchase of other sources of energy, including propane, natural gas, wood products, coal and kerosene.
In some cases, people must apply for the rebate, which may be an option for those displaced by wildfires in the spring who may be living in alternate accommodations or in campers and using propane. People displaced because of this year’s wildfires or floods can file a claim for a rebate using their primary address, even if they are not currently living there.
“Some people may not be getting the rebate automatically, and we want to ensure they know it’s available to them,” said Allan MacMaster, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. “We want everyone who is eligible to benefit from this rebate to help with their energy costs.”
The Your Energy Rebate Program began in 2006 and offers a 10 per cent rebate – equal to the provincial portion of HST – on residential energy use. Nova Scotians must have paid HST on their energy purchases to be eligible.
People who are not receiving the rebate automatically can apply by saving their receipts and submitting them together with a completed application form. Claims must total at least $30 or cover a period of a year or more.
Application forms are available at Access Nova Scotia centres, online or by calling 902-424-5200 or 1-800-670-4357.
All Nova Scotians who pay for home energy are eligible, regardless of their income or whether they own or rent.
This year, the Your Energy Rebate Program is expected to provide rebates totaling about $131.2 million. Last year, the average household received $285 in home energy rebates.
Quick Facts:
— landlords can receive the rebate for the residential portion of properties that are qualified as mixed-use residential and for common areas of residential buildings
— Nova Scotia Power customers on the “equal billing” plan will only see the rebate appear on the bimonthly bill that includes full usage and charges
— condominium corporations qualify for the rebate for heating costs in common areas
— last year, the Province received about 1,800 paper applications
— the Province also helps with the cost of home heating with the Heating Assistance Rebate program, which provides a $600 rebate
Additional Resources:
More information on the program, including application forms, is available at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/pro
