An idea that will both provide low income earners and fixed income seniors a way out of depending on home heating rebates

If a person or family requests a home heating rebate they should be automatically placed on a list where their home could be ordered to undergo a free energy audit. In addition, the government would cover the cost of upgrades for people or families who could not afford the upfront investment even if they wanted to improve their homes. Upon an energy review, any recommendations resulting from the audit could be subject to mandatory implementation of upgrades such as insulation capacity and possibly heat source upgrades (eg, more efficient burners for oil, installing solar collectors when feasible, etc). Included in this upgrade program would be programmable thermostats and education on how to reduce energy loss and improved use. If done correctly the volume of energy needed could be reduced 50% or more per household thus significantly decreasing energy bills and over all consumption. Having to pay much less for heating energy will allow more money for other essential items like food. Having to use much less fuel to heat will reduce overall demand for fuel and reduce our ecological footprint as a province all in the same process. Having a robust program in place will essentially give persons a new sense of independence and rid the need for a home heating rebate and freeing up more money for the government to upgrade more homes. An aggressive overall strategy of this kind will significantly reduce the demand for home heating fuels, reduce our ecological footprint and reduce the cost of living for thousands of Nova Scotians. Such a policy will create, over years, an end for the need of a home heating rebate for most Nova Scotians. This is an example of a robust, powerful policy that the GPNS could embrace and offer to Nova Scotians.