What is the OHPA Program?
The collaboration between the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia aims to assist low and median-income Canadian households currently relying on oil for heating to switch to electric cold-climate heat pumps. Through the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) Program, eligible homeowners can receive up to $15,000 to facilitate this transition. This funding can be combined with support from pre-existing federal and provincial initiatives, including those administered by Efficiency Nova Scotia. This means homeowners can enhance their rebates for heat pump installation by transitioning away from oil, and also access assistance for upgrading their electrical panels.
The OHPA Grant will provide up to $15,000 to cover costs for the purchase and installation of an eligible* Cold Climate air source heat pump, plus:
- electrical and mechanical upgrades required for the new heat pump;
- safe removal and/or decommissioning of the oil tank;
- installation of a back-up electric heating system (as required); and
- switching over other oil-using household systems, such as a hot water heater (where necessary).
Non-eligible costs would include cleanup of any pre-existing oil contamination found on-site at households.
*Only the cold climate air source heat pumps found on this Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps list are eligible under the OHPA program.
Who is eligible for the OHPA Program?
Your are eligible if:
- your home is oil-heated as of January 2023 (this must be demonstrated with copies of their oil fuel bills from the 12 months preceding their application);
- your are the primary resident and owner of a single/ semi-detached home located in Nova Scotia and can provide proof of ownership; and
- your total household income is at or below the maximum annual household income after-tax (see below).
1 person: $37,260
2 people: $77,050
3 people: $98,900
4 people: $120,750
5+ people: $126,500
How do I Apply?
Applicants will be required to submit documentation necessary to qualify for the program. Once the OHPA program is fully operational, program staff will verify income information and confirm eligibility before issuing payments to homeowners.
Click here for Moderate Income rebate and OHPA applications
For more information and FAQ's, please visit: https://www.efficiencyns.ca/residential/services-rebates/oil-to-heat-pump/
Ready Refrigeration will work with its customers to extrapolate the program guidelines to determine whether our products and/or services meet the eligibility criteria. However, it is ultimately, the customer’s responsibility to confirm eligibility to the program. In no event shall Ready Refrigeration, its officers, affiliates, agents or employees be liable to a customer for any completed work that may not qualify. The foregoing limitation shall apply even if Ready Refrigeration has been advised or should have known of the possibility of a customer not qualifying. No representations or warranties are made concerning the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or reliability of any information contained in any federal or provincial government web site link. This applies to all federal and provincial programs available.
