Income-based Programs
Income-Based Programs
In support of Nova Scotians living on a low income, our HomeWarming program provides energy efficient upgrades for homeowners, while our Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund supports with funds for home heating during the cold winter months.
HEAT Fund
The Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT Fund) is available to individuals and families in Nova Scotia who live on a low income to help with paying their energy bill. Since 1997, we’ve worked with the Salvation Army to help families across the province. In partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia since 2008, the Fund provides emergency assistance for all forms of home heating, including electric, propane, oil, wood, and natural gas.
Every year, Nova Scotia Power donates $200,000 to the HEAT Fund to help individuals and families most in need in Nova Scotia. In December 2020, Nova Scotia Power Maritime Link Inc. (NSPML) also announced a donation of $1.5 million for the 2021 HEAT Fund program year. These funds will provide immediate support to electricity customers this winter who have been hardest hit by the financial challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impacts of COVID-19 have been widespread. We know that many of our customers are concerned about the future, about employment insecurity and ability to pay bills. Which is why we have 1) extended the application deadline indefinitely, 2) we are waiving application restrictions to allow those in need to apply every 12 months, and 3) we have raised the income thresholds so that more Nova Scotians can apply for help.
To apply to the HEAT Fund, go to the HEAT Fund page on The Salvation Army website for more information and the application form.
Want to help?
By completing the form below, you can contribute to the Fund and help Nova Scotians in need during the coldest months of the year.
All donations by residential customers are tax deductible and the Salvation Army will issue a charitable tax receipt for your donation at the end of the year. We are pleased to support customer donations with an annual program contribution of $200,000.
DONATE TODAY
Homewarming Program
It’s important to us that everyone benefits from energy efficiency.
That’s why we fund a no-charge energy assessment and home upgrades to income-qualified homeowners through the HomeWarming program. HomeWarming offers eligible Nova Scotians the power to reduce their energy use and take control of home operating costs. Free home energy assessments, insulation info, air sealing and duct sealing are some of the ways you can create room in your household budget. The program offers upgrades like draft-proofing and insulation will help reduce your heating and power bills, and are installed at absolutely no cost to you. Through contributions from Emera shareholders, Nova Scotia Power is funding $37 million towards this program over a 10-year period. We are pleased to be partnering with the Province of Nova Scotia, EfficiencyOne, and the Clean Foundation to offer this program to Nova Scotians.
Income Qualifications
The Income Qualification Chart is based on Low Income Cut-offs (LICOs) before-tax figures set by Statistics Canada. The maximum before-tax household income is the amount on Line 236 of the most recent Tax Notice of Assessment from Canada Revenue Agency.
1 person
2 to 4 people
5 or more people
$25,673
$47,703
$67,937
MEET THE TANNER FAMILY
Like so many of us, heating their house took a big chunk out of the monthly budget. Improving the energy efficiency of their home would help, but the upfront costs can be a challenge.
Questions?
