Federal Atlantic Coastal Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Rural Economic Development Minister Gudie Hutchings says the federal government’s new energy affordability package will get people the support they need and deserve.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced details of the package late yesterday. It includes doubling the pollution price rebate to 20 per cent starting in April. There will be a three year pause on the federal fuel charge on heating oil deliveries, starting in two weeks time. Trudeau also announced measures which will be piloted in Atlantic Canada first to help homeowners switch from oil to a heating pump with an upfront payment of $250 for those who apply through a federal-provincial program. 

Hutchings says “homeowners can get enough funding to install a heat pump with up to $22,000 which is the lion’s share of the cost.”

She adds “climate action incentive payments are putting money back into peoples’ pockets every three months which is about $1,500-$1,600 a year for a family of four.”

Those who switch from oil to cold-climate heat pumps can save up to $2,500 a year on home energy costs, according to the minister. 

Listen to CKVB's story with the minister below and other stories on Massey Drive looking for information on a theft, two Corner Brook teachers bringing home awards and the House of Horrors raising $36,000 for the Kids Eat Smart Foundation: