The price of oil has shot up in recent years and many households in Nova Scotia still rely on oil to heat their homes in the winter. It’s part of the reason Nova Scotians have to pay some of the highest energy rates in Canada. According to the Nova Scotia Energy Poverty Task force’s 2024 report, 43 per cent on residents are struggling to pay their energy bills. “The price of oil has increased significantly since the pandemic,” said Stephen MacDonald, deputy minister with the Department of Energy. “It has been quite volatile.” The federal and provincial “Oil to Heat Pump” affordability program has helped install nearly 14,000 heat pumps across the province, with two another 2,000 being pre-approved and in progress. MacDonald said it’s been successful in helping homeowners offset the need for heating with furnace oil and saving them money in the process. Eligibility in the heat pump program expired in July. The province says they see great value in continuing the program but need federal money to keep it alive. “We’re advocating for the federal government to put more dollars to help Nova Scotians transition off oil onto electricity or source heat pumps,” said MacDonald. Earlier this year, the federal government released its National Electricity Roadmap, an ambitious plan that aims to double the electrical grid capacity by 2050 and offer Canadians a supply of clean, reliable and affordable energy. The solar industry wants to make sure they are part of that plan and called on the provincial government to demand Ottawa include funding to help Nova Scotians put solar panels on their homes. “There is an upfront capital investment,” said Solar Nova Scotia director Roby Douglas. “There’s very low operating costs, but it costs a fair amount upfront.” Solar Nova Scotia says the federal funding program is still in the works but adding more solar could help homeowners ditch oil or become less reliant on it, similar to what the heat pump program provided. “These systems last 30 years,” said Douglas, stressing the biggest challenge is meeting the upfront cost to install solar panels. “It’s important to be able to have access to financing to help offset that initial capital cost.” Solar power makes up roughly one per cent of Nova Scotia power’s energy mix but the province says they will advocate for all renewable energy funding. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
