Olivia Woods
Oil heating will be prohibited in all new construction projects in Quebec starting December 31, 2021. And after Dec. 31, 2023, replacing existing oil furnaces with any type of heating system powered by fossil fuels will be illegal in the province.
It’s a step in the right direction, says Cendrix Bouchard, spokesperson for Hydro-Québec.
“We will supply the new residential customers and businesses with the electricity they need in order to meet their needs.”
It’s a step in the right direction, says Cendrix Bouchard, spokesperson for Hydro-Québec.
The new regulation also prohibits the repair of heating systems powered by fuel that are more than 20 years old and oil-powered water heaters that are more than ten years old.
“They will use more electricity,” said Bouchard of those who have to make the switch to electric heating. “However, their energy consumption bill will not increase because our rates are among the lowest in North America.”
“Also, there’s a competitive advantage of electricity over oil. One cost, though, will be replacing the equipment.”
According to Bouchard, Hydro-Québec gives financial support through its efficient heat pump program as well as the government which offers a similar service called Chauffez vert for Quebecers interested in upgrading their home heating system.
To check if they are eligible for funding, homeowners should perform some research on the programs and the heat pumps that are best suited for their residences.
The new rules are expected to help the government meet its 2030 goal of decreasing emissions from heating buildings by half. About a million tonnes of CO2 are emitted by oil furnaces each year, that is the equivalent of the emissions from about 300,000 cars.
To save money, consumers can lower the temperature in rooms that aren’t being used, turn off the heating while you’re gone, and use electric thermostats says Cendrix Bouchard.
Original source material for this article taken from here
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