The provincial government is moving ahead with a commitment to lower energy costs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with a previously announced 15 per cent discount on electricity bills associated with the Churchill Falls agreement.
Premier Tony Wakeham says government understands people need help now, and they will be going ahead with the discount starting in January.
“…rather than waiting until the final agreement is completed, beginning in January 2027, residential customers will see a 15 per cent reduction in their Newfoundland Power and NL Hydro electricity bills.”
Finance Minister Craig Pardy at NL Hydro (Government of NL)
In the meantime, government is doubling the home heating supplement – from $500 to $1000 for eligible residents who heat their homes with oil. according to Finance Minister Craig Pardy.
Those who have already applied, will not need to reapply to get the added support.
“Together, these initiatives will return approximately $54 million directly back to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The province says more affordability measures will be announced “in the weeks ahead.”
NDP Leader Jim Dinn (VOCM News)
NDP Would Have Preferred Elimination of HST on all Forms of Home Heat
NDP Leader Jim Dinn says he would have preferred to see the elimination of the HST from all forms of home heat.
He says their plan would have helped more people.
He says if they had reduced the HST from all forms of home heating – oil, electricity, propane or wood – more people would have benefited.
