A new furnace replacement program will look to lower bills across Saskatchewan, with SaskEnergy announcing that earlier this week.
Through a Heating Affordability Program (HAP), eligible households will receive a new high-efficiency furnace, free of charge, to replace their low-efficiency furnace.
“At SaskEnergy, we are committed to helping our customers’ energy dollars go further,” said Mark Guillet, SaskEnergy President and Chief Executive Officer. “HAP is a program that helps customers save money and improve energy efficiency while they keep their homes warm during the colder months.”
SaskEnergy's goal is to replace furnaces for up to 50 income-qualified customers. Older, low-efficiency equipment results in higher heating bills as more fuel is required to provide the same amount of heat as a high-efficiency model.
SaskEnergy expects those customers to save up to $650 annually on natural gas and electricity costs.
To access the HAP, customers must be participants in SaskPower’s Energy Assistance Program and will need to meet criteria centred around income and existing heating equipment. Eligible homeowners will be contacted directly with an invitation to participate in HAP.
The furnace replacements will include a 96% annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) single-stage natural gas furnace, required modifications to the home’s venting, three furnace filters and, if required, a programmable thermostat.
HAP replaces SaskEnergy’s Tune-Up Assistance Program, which supported income-qualified customers with furnace maintenance. The SaskEnergy Network Home Heating Tune-Up will continue, as it offers optional on-bill financing.