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MANITOULIN—Last year, many Manitoulin residents discovered Ontario’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP), which gives free home energy upgrades, including insulation, energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting. This year, the program focuses on oil-heated homes, offering income-eligible homeowners a direct way to save money, cut their environmental impact and improve comfort.

The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA), delivered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) with federal and provincial support, covers up to $25,000 for cold-climate heat pumps. Switching from oil to a heat pump can save families about $1,400 a year and provides consistent heating and cooling without the hassles, odours, soot or noise of oil furnaces.

The program is easy to use. Eligible participants get a professionally installed heat pump with no upfront costs and no need to find a contractor. Delivery agents hired by Save on Energy handle the process, and the program provides free maintenance visits after one and two years.