Charlottetown introduces water conservation program for low-income households

The City of Charlottetown is partnering with PEI's energy efficiency agencyto provide low-income residents withlow-flow bathroom productsas well as free air sealing for their home.

Charlottetown residents with a total household income of $50,000 orless that own and live in a homewith a water utility account in good standingcan now apply for a free water auditincluding two services in one visit.

The city's Low Income Financial and Technical (LIFT)Assistance Program is one of the services, includingthe installation of alow-flow shower head, low-flow aerator on bathroom sinks and avoucher for low-flow toilet and installation.

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The voucher for thetoilet comes as a rebate. It includes:

• A rebate for 50 per centof the cost including taxesof an approved toilet up to $250
• A rebate for up to $100 for toilet installation by a licensed plumber with proof of disposal of the older toilet
• A rebate of $50 under efficiencyPEI

Efficiency PEI

Combinedwith the LIFT program, the second service is efficiencyPEI'sHome Energy Low-Income Program (HELP).

It will provide the same low-income residents with a free programmable thermostat,voucher for a free furnace cleaning, LED light bulbs and air-sealing for their homes

Air-sealing includescaulking, weather-stripping and sealing gaskets around the home.

The city has already started accepting applications. Residents can apply online or in person.

"It's a very good program all around every little bit counts," saidBettyPryor, a projects officer with the city.

"They're looking after the energy part, we arenow looking after the water conservation part, so it's a very good fit by working together I think we're going to have a very successful program."

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'As long as there is interest'

The end goal for the program is for the the cityto helplow-income families save money on their utility billandcut back on total water usage.

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Because residentsare on meters, they end up paying for the amount of water that they use, which is an important reason for residents to have low-flow products installed, Pryor said.

The city has set aside a budget for the program but couldn't provide an exact figure, she added,thoughthe city will continue to provide the service "as long as there is interest."

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