This single application will cover all Free Programs, including the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program. There is no need to submit multiple applications.
Installing a heat pump can help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. Islanders with an annualhousehold net income of $100,000 or lessmay be eligible for a free heat pump and electric water heater for their home, and those who heat with oil may be eligible for heat pumps systems and other benefits, based on household size with an income threshold of up to $129,000 for larger families.
The Government of Prince Edward Island has finalized agreements with the Government of Canada to deliver the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA) benefitsthrough the Free Net Zero Program.If you have already received a free heat pump and use >500L of oil per year, you may still be eligible for more energy efficient equipment.
Applicants who are approved for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program on Prince Edward Island will also receive a one-time payment of $250 from Natural Resources Canada. This payment will automatically be mailed to you after your successful participation in the program. Any questions or concerns please contactOHPA-CAMT@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca.
How do I apply?
You can apply forthe OHPA Program, a free mini-split heat pump, a free electric water heater, and free insulationonline by clicking the blue button at the bottom of this page.
If you would like help with your application, you can book an appointment to visit your local Access PEI where staff will help you verify your income and help you submit your application. Book an appointment onlineor by calling 1-833-734-1873.
Am I qualified to apply?
Before you apply, ensure you qualify:
- Your home is an eligible property type and is at least 6 months old (e.g., detached, duplex/semi-detached, townhouse, condominium, or mobile home). Homes must beconnected to the electrical grid to beeligible.
- You are the primary resident and owner of your home.
- Your household is income qualified. Thehousehold income (net income (line 23600) plus your spouse’s or common-law partner’s net income (line 23600), if applicable)) thresholds are:
Free Heat Pump Program: $100,000 net household income;
Free Electric Water Heater Program: $100,000 net household income;
Free Insulation Program: $55,000 net household income;
With the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program, eligibility is based on net household income and household size (+ must have used a minimum of 500L of heating oil during the last heating season):
- Household income of $0 - $100,000with 1 to 3 household members
- Household income of $0 - $122,000with 4 household members
- Household income of $0 - $129,000with 5 or morehousehold members
- Household income of over $129,000is ineligible for OHPA, however may be eligible for energy efficient equipmentrebate programs
Under OHPA you may be eligible for:
- Heat pump systems
- Supplementary electric heating
- Electric hot water heater
- Electrical panel upgrades (in conjunction with heat pump installations)
- Oil furnance and tank removal (optional)
As the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program requires a comprehensive home assessment to determine eligible upgrades, retroactive payments for work already completed are not permitted.
What documents do I need to apply?
For your visit to an Access PEI location, or during your appointment or applying online, you will need to provide proof of your household income, as well as a Maritime Electric or City of Summerside electric bill that shows the address of the upgrades being installed (no more than 3 months old). Please upload one of the following three income verification documents to be eligible for the program:
Current Proof of Income Statement from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for applicant and spouse/common-law partner (if applicable). Get your Proof of Income Statement online through your CRA's My Account for Individualsor by calling the CRA at 1-800-959-8281 to request your Proof of Income Statement. If you call the CRA you will need the following details to provide to the agent; your Social Insurance Number, full name and date of birth, your complete address and Line 15000 from your latest assessment.
- Proof of Income Statement
- GST Credit Notice showing your address, family net income, marital status and province of residence
- Current Canada Child Benefit Statement from the CRA
If you are having trouble accessing the proof of income document, read through our guide to finding proof of income statements.
What happens after I apply?
After you apply, staff will review your application to make sure it is complete and determine which program(s) you are eligible for. If there is any missing information, staff will contact you directly. Applications cannot be approved and will not be added to the queueuntil all the required information is received.
If you are eligible, you will receive an approval email outlining the next steps.
Due to the expansion of the program and the high volume of applicants, the average processing time for new free heat pump/hot water heater applications is 8-12 weeks. If you submitted your application more than 12 weeks ago, you can call 1-833-734-1873 or email contactpei@gov.pe.ca to check the status of your application.
If you applied for the Free Heat Pump Program on or after December 27th, 2023, your application is already in the OHPA queue, and there is no need to reapply.If you are unsure of your application date, please contact Contact PEI at 1-833-734-1873 or contactpei@gov.pe.cafor assistance.
The Sustainability Division has onboarded OHPA Program contractors enabling us to begin the process of issuing home assessment work orders for those already approved for the program. Clients are unable to request specific contractors as the contractor assigned is one that is currently available based on queues. You will be contacted once your application has been assigned to a contractor.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide an estimated timeline for applications due to the wide array of household-specific upgrades offered through the OHPA program. We are working to onboard as many qualified contractors as possible to complete the various upgrades. We are also working with local utilities to ensure communities are prepared for the additional electrical load
