News Release
Office of the Official Opposition

   

 

Residential Energy Efficiency Program in limbo

Opposition Critic requests a status update

March 8, 2006

Oliver Langdon, Opposition Housing Critic and MHA for the District of Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune, is requesting an update on the Residential Energy Efficiency Program that was announced by government on November 22, 2005.

Over a five-year period, the $6.9 million Residential Energy Efficiency Program is intended to address rising home heating costs, encourage better energy conservation practices, and assist low-income households make their homes more energy efficient. Since the announcement last fall, no further details have been made available.

"I am asking government for an update on this program," said Mr. Langdon. "In January, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation cited the federal election as the reason for the delay. The election is well behind us and a new federal administration is in place. Now is the time for government to move forward with this program. A commitment was made to have application forms available in January, yet we are in March without a word on this program.

"The public deserves to know what is causing the delay in this program and when it will be resolved. The reason for this initiative was to provide options to reduce energy use, keep home-heating costs affordable and keep people in their homes. This cannot happen if the program remains just an announcement. To be workable and effective, the incentives have to be available to those who it was intended to assist."

 

Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
709-729-6151 or 709-687-0477