Whitehorse – Yukon residents know how to live with Arctic outdoor temperatures, but indoors they need good heating systems to live comfortably and affordably in extreme weather.
Member of Parliament Brendan Hanley, on behalf of Jonathan Wilkinson and Steven Guilbeault, announced a federal investment of $1.4 million from the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program (OHPA) and approximately $287,000 from Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) to support climate action in the Yukon and help low-to-median-income homeowners reduce their energy costs. He was joined by John Streicker, Yukon Minister for Energy, Mines and Resources, who announced an additional $700,000 in territorial funding toward this initiative.
As part of the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program, low- and median-income Yukon homeowners could receive a rebate of up to $24,000 plus an upfront payment of $250 to add high-efficiency heat pumps in homes currently heated with oil. Low- to median-income Yukon residents who own homes heated with other energy types such as propane, wood or electric baseboards could also be eligible for cold-climate heat pump rebates funded by the Yukon Government and the LCEF.
The federal government also has OHPA program co-delivery arrangements in place with British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Active discussions are underway with other provinces and territories to deliver new, strengthened OHPA co-delivery agreements to make heat pumps even more affordable for Canadians across the country. In jurisdictions without co-delivery arrangements, oil-heated households can continue to apply to the national program to receive up to $10,000 in federal OHPA funding for switching to electric heat pumps.
Together, we can take steps to reduce energy usage and bills, help Canadians maintain safe and comfortable indoor temperatures, reduce their carbon emissions and help to protect our homes from the increasingly harmful effects of climate change — all while creating good-paying, sustainable jobs.
“Making the switch to more energy-efficient heating systems can help Canadians save thousands on their energy bills, reduce their energy use and decrease their carbon footprint. That’s why we are strengthening the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program and ensuring that families in the Yukon are supported in making the switch from heating oil to an efficient heat pump.” – Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“Yukoners face some of the coldest temperatures in Canada and need reliable, affordable heating systems to stay warm. This is now truer than ever as climate change is making our weather increasingly unpredictable. Heat pumps are an efficient way to heat homes while reducing emissions, protecting the environment and helping Canadians save on their utility bills. That’s why we are investing in programs like this that support the transition and get us closer to our emission reduction goals.”- Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change