Premier expands energy-efficiency program in campaign-style announcement

An $8-million expansion to the province's home-energy efficiency programwill allow First Nations communities and non-profit organizations to qualify for free assessments and upgrades.

Premier Stephen McNeilmade the announcement Friday during a visit to the Dartmouth home of Aline and David Keddy.

The couple received a free energy audit in 2013and had work doneto add insulation to their home as part of the government's HomeWarmingprogram.

First Nations and non-profits

McNeil said the program'sbudget will be increased by $4 millionthis coming year and next year as well.

People who live in First Nations communities as well asnon-profit groups will also soon have access those energy savings.

Currently, only people who owntheir own homes are eligible. That maderesidents of band-controlled territories ineligible, but the province is now creating a $1.5-million program specifically geared to First Nation communities. The same assistance will also be extended through a program fornon-profits groups and people who rent.

Campaign-style announcement

The campaign-like appearance and announcementwasone ofdozensstaged by the governing Liberalsduring March. A spring election call is widely anticipated.

The premiercontinued to brush aside speculation over when he will drop the writduring Friday's media event, which took place in the Keddys's living room.

"They've been talking about an election since last October, November. At some point, one will happen," he told the couple asinvited TV cameras and photographers recorded the event.

Fuel savings

Meanwhile theKeddys, who are both retired and living on pension checks, said theyare fans of the HomeWarming program.

"By doing that, we saved over half of our fuel bill. So, we've saved an awful lot of money," Aline Keddy said.

The most they paid for a fillup of oil this winter so far has been$447. "That's a gift!," David Keddy said.

The couple acknowledged they are Liberal supporters.