“We’ve gotten phone calls since September, people asking about the oil program,” said community and family services co-ordinator Karen Mallett earlier this week.
Thursday, the province announced it would continue supporting the Home Heating Program, increasing its commitment by $15,000 annually, for a total of $136,000.
“As a government, we are committed to work in partnership with community groups to help ensure the well-being of all Islanders,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan.
The program was developed eight years ago to help ease the burden of high-energy costs and provide support to Islanders struggling with the cost of home heating fuel.
Each year, the program is delivered by the Charlottetown Salvation Army and the Summerside Salvation Army, each who take applications and assess them to identify who is in most need
The P.E.I. Petroleum Marketers Association, as in has in previous years, is contributing to the program, donating 8,000 litres of home heating oil.
This year, the association has also raised $3,000 from its members to donate.
Since 2008, the province has provided more than $1 million to the program, helping, on average, 369 households per year with heating costs.
The program will begin in the new year, with applications being taken by both Salvation Army locations at that time.
Islanders seeking more information can contact their local Salvation Army.
Last year, the Summerside Salvation Army’s portion of the $121,000 — $40,000 — was handed out in the matter of days. The remaining $81,000 was handed out by the Charlottetown Salvation Army to those living in Kings and Queens counties.
Applicants must have with them proof of address, P.E.I. Health cards for all residents of the home, oil tank number and expiration date, and the most recent income tax report. People living in low-income housing or who receive social assistance are not eligible under the program.
Successful applicants should have oil delivered within 48 hours.
In 2014, the program helped provide oil to 264 households on P.E.I.
Currently, the price-per-litre of home heating fuel is 79.7, compared to 96.3 cents per litrethe same time last year.
Price comparison
Furnace fuel price comparisons (wholesalers)
Current price — 79.7 cents per litre (plus tax)
Jan. 1, 2015 — 86.2 cents per litre
Jan. 1, 2014 — $1.15 per litre
Jan. 1, 2013 — $1.06 per litre
Jan. 1, 2012 — 99.3 cents per litre
Jan. 1, 2011 — 87.6 cents per litre
Jan. 1, 2010 — 80 cents per litre
Jan. 1, 2009 — 65 cents per litre
Courtesy of the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission’s website — www.irac.pe.ca
