NOVEMBER 2009

Our Mission: To provide a charitable community service dedicated to assisting consumers in financial distress.

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2

Baby, it's cold outside!

As the clocks go back and the temperatures drop we hunker down and wait for the oil/electric bills to arrive, start pellet hoarding, and we wish we had installed those new windows when they were on sale last summer!

The cost of heating a home in the Maritimes can be significant.  Oil prices are unpredictable, dried wood can be difficult to find, and most of us are getting the same paycheque we were in the summertime when our power bills were lower.  Rather than wearing every sweater you own or using your Canada Savings Bond for heating costs instead of Christmas gifts - what can you do?

Programs available to assist consumers with their energy costs differ by province: 

New Brunswick:  There is a new program called Enhanced Emergency Fuel Benefit Program which provides up to $550 to help with winter energy bills for qualified households.  This program can be accessed through the Regional Offices of Social Development. http://www.gnb.ca/0017/ahess-e.asp  As well, there are other programs available to help with energy efficiency.

Newfoundland and Labrador: A rebate program is available for low income consumers at http://www.fin.gov.nl.ca/fin/homeheating/ .  In addition, there are programs to help low income consumers with oil tanks or pellet stoves. Community support may be available for wood purchase for seniors.

Nova Scotia:  This year’s program has not been announced but the expectation is that the Heating Assistance Rebate Program through Service Nova Scotia will be available.  The maximum assistance was $450 and was for power, oil, pellets or wood.   As well, other programs are available through the Salvation Army, the Canadian Oil and Heat Association.  Information is available through Service Nova Scotia at 1-800-670-4357.

Prince Edward Island: The Salvation Army administers a Fuel Program to assist low income consumers with their home heating costs. There are numerous programs available through the Office of Energy Efficiency, like HELP (Home Energy Low-income Program) as well as other initiatives to help Islanders reduce their energy consumption. www.pe.gov.ca

We all need to be wise consumers.  Do what you can do reduce your energy consumption.  Insulate your house or apartment as best you can with window sealers, draft stop and the like.  Lower the heat while you are out and while you sleep – consider getting programmable thermostats. Budget billing is available in most provinces as well.  And of course, you can ask Santa for some really toasty slippers.

Whatever your strategy, we all know it’s coming so it’s time to brace ourselves for another long winter.

We, at Credit Counselling Services of Atlantic Canada are always available for consultation about money management and home heating tips. Call us to make an appointment or visit our website at www.solveyourdebts.com.