Residential Wood Pellet Rebate Details Announced The Provincial Government is supporting the establishment of an exciting new industry in Newfoundland and Labrador with its investment of $500,000 to provide a 25 per cent rebate to homeowners on the purchase price of an energy-efficient wood pellet appliance in preparation for winter. "The purpose of the rebate program is to create a local market to enable sawmills in the province to diversify into wood pellet manufacturing by utilizing their sawmill residues," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "The rebate program is part of our government�s commitment to identifying and supporting viable, sustainable forest sector opportunities in our rural communities. It also assists residents to reduce energy consumption and lower their energy costs." The 25 per cent rebate is available to all eligible Newfoundland and Labrador homeowners purchasing the appliances between April 1, 2008 and February 28, 2009. Proof of installation is required to receive the rebate. The deadline to submit the necessary documents to receive the rebate this fiscal year is February 28, 2009. The original bill of sale and proof of installation by a certified technician must accompany all rebate applications. Anyone purchasing a wood pellet appliance prior to February 28, 2009 will still be eligible for the rebate beyond that date once proof of installation is provided. The appliance, however, must be purchased prior to February 28, 2009 to qualify. The guidelines and application form for the Residential Wood Pellet Appliance Rebate are available on government�s website at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/. The rebate program was originally announced in April as part of the Provincial Government�s Forest Industry Diversification Program.Wood pellet appliances are efficient, produce little waste and use inexpensive fuel. Wood pellets are environmentally-friendly, easy to handle and store and provide more heat per volume than firewood. "Producing wood pellets from sawdust, tree bark and planar shavings will improve the financial position of sawmill operations," said Minister Dunderdale. "The rebate will help grow this industry and create employment opportunities in rural communities, while assisting homeowners in their shift to a cleaner, more efficient source of heat and therefore lowering their energy costs." Homeowners meeting the program requirements will receive a 25 per cent rebate on the cost of purchasing a new wood pellet stove or furnace, up to a maximum of $1,000 for a wood pellet stove and $1,500 for a wood pellet furnace. The Residential Wood Pellet Appliance Rebate will boost the province�s sawmill industry and further demonstrates government�s commitment to expanding and diversifying the industry through investment in strategic areas. Budget 2008 committed $14 million for the forest sector for initiatives to identify and develop specific new products and market opportunities. - 30 - Media contact: Tracy Barron tracybarron@gov.nl.ca BACKGROUNDER
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