REGINA — It is summertime in Saskatchewan, however, people in this province know winter is never far away. That is why SaskEnergy is helping customers make sure their furnaces are running smoothly.
Starting this week, SaskEnergy is teaming up with Network Members to offer the Tune-Up Assistance Program (TAP). Income-qualifying homeowners looking to prepare before the snowflakes start to fly can apply to receive a free home heating tune-up.
Adeline Reihl took part in the TAP program in 2022, receiving a hands-on assessment of her furnace and a free CO alarm.
“My plumber called me about it and said I should go ahead and apply. Later, I received a message from SaskEnergy that I was one of the people picked,” Reihl recalled.
“Times are much harder now, and everything is more expensive. I appreciated it so much.”
This is the seventh year of the program, which was created to assist eligible homeowners by providing an examination of their home’s heating equipment to make sure it is ready for winter. Qualifying customers also receive a carbon monoxide alarm, two furnace filters and up to $200 in repairs.
“Regular furnace maintenance gives homeowners peace of mind before the temperatures outside start to dip,” said Kevin Adair, who leads SaskEnergy’s Customer Service Operations. “This program is just one of the ways SaskEnergy demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability while helping Saskatchewan homeowners meet their home energy needs safely and efficiently.”
Homeowners with a combined annual income of no more than $68,000 can apply for this program from June 19 to November 30, 2023. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis so customers are encouraged to apply early.
For homeowners to be eligible, their home must also be located within a 25-kilometre radius of a community served by a SaskEnergy Network Member that provides the home heating tune-up service. These communities include Balgonie, Emerald Park, Esterhazy, Estevan, Eston, Foam Lake, Govan, Gravelbourg, Grenfell, Hague, Hudson Bay, Humboldt, Kindersley, Leader, Lumsden, Maple Creek, Melfort, Melville, Montmartre, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Nokomis, North Battleford, Paradise Hill, Pike Lake, Ponteix, Preeceville, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Shaunavon, Springside, St. Walburg, Swift Current, Tisdale, Unity, Wadena, Wakaw, Warman, Watrous, Weyburn and Yorkton.
For those considering applying, Reihl has some encouragement to offer based on her own experience.
“I would say go ahead! Give it a try because, if you’re accepted, it’s wonderful. Especially for low-income seniors. It’s really nice to have anything extra in the bank at the end of the month.”
More information about TAP and how to apply is available on SaskEnergy’s website.
