Nova Scotia Launches $400 Heating Rebate as Advocates Criticize Tighter Eligibility
The Nova Scotia government has opened applications for its annual Heating Assistance Rebate Program, offering a $400 rebate to low-income households. Advocates argue the current income caps exclude too many families compared to previous years, while the province cites a $1.4 billion deficit and last year's low uptake as constraints.
The Nova Scotia government has launched its annual Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP), offering a $400 rebate to low-income households facing rising winter heating bills and power rates. Applications for the program are open from Oct. 1 to Mar. 31.
To qualify for the rebate, applicants must have a net income no greater than $30,000 for individuals or $45,000 for households. Advocates say these parameters leave many families without support. Juli Bishwokarma, an energy co-ordinator with the Ecology Action Centre, stated that $400 is not enough to meet household realities. Miriam Williams, a leader with tenant advocacy group ACORN, criticized the current parameters for excluding too many families compared to previous years.
Between 2022 and 2025, HARP eligibility was broader. Income caps ranged from $55,000 to $85,000, and rebates were between $600 and $1,000. The tighter restrictions come as energy poverty persists despite immediate financial assistance.
Service Nova Scotia Minister Jill Balser cited a $1.4 billion provincial deficit as a constraint on the program's scope. She also pointed to last year's participation numbers: only 54,000 out of an estimated 70,000 eligible households applied for the rebate. As a result, a third of last year's budget went unused, resulting in $11 million returning to general government coffers.
The HARP budget for this year remains at approximately $33 million. To address the low uptake that left significant funds unclaimed last year, the province is accompanying the program with a new social media campaign to increase applications.