Left out in the cold on heat pump rebate
In September, 2019 a friend of mine talked to me about mini split heat pumps.
I realized how much cheaper the mini feat pumps are compared with the original heat pumps. I immediately got into action and started my research.
I talked with people who already installed a Mini Heat Pump, and they were all very satisfied with the results.
I surfed the websites of NL Hydro, and Take Charge Department of NL Power. I saw that a $1,000 rebate was a possibility.
I phoned NL Hydro in early September 2019. I talked to the receptionist and mentioned the article I read in April of 2019 regarding a possible $1,000 rebate to be paid to those who install heat pumps. She suggested that the rebates were not definite.
Then, on Sept. 10, I got in touch with the Take Charge department of NL Power through email. I got an immediate answer from Kaitie Collins. She was most accommodating, and gave detailed information about mini heat pumps.
Everything looked encouraging, and I decided to install a mini split heat pump, before winter set in.
I picked out the Daikin Aurora model sold and installed by Ecoheat.ca. During this entire process, no one mentioned the $1,000 rebate was to come into effect on Oct. 15 (and) which was to be awarded on a first-come, firstserved basis.
My heat pump was installed Sept. 23, 2019
I was terribly dismayed, when I eventually found out about the rebate (deadline) from friends. I felt I was punished for being on time preparing for the coming winter, despite the fact that I did my thorough research.
I am a 77-year-old pensioner on a limited income who would really benefit from this $1,000 rebate. The past years, in order to save money, I heated my bedroom and bathroom at 17 C, and the rest of my house at 10 C.
One can only imagine that I was constantly cold through the winter months.
To miss out on a $1,000 rebate, just because I was trying to be ready before the cold weather sets in, is unjust, outrageous, and for me it is a great loss.
Agnes J. Fekete
C.B.S.