Canadians are getting some help to switch from home heating oil to heat pumps.

The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant will provide up to $5,000 to cover costs like the purchase and installation of a heat pump, the electrical upgrades needed removal of an oil tank.

MP Sean Fraser made the announcement today in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, and says while its a national fund, the focus is on Atlantic Canadians.

“Because there’s a disproportionate usage of home eating oil in the Atlantic provinces, there will be a higher relative contribution to Atlantic Canadian households through this latest fund.”

The fund will be available for low end to moderate income households and will become available sometime early next year.

“It’s the latest program designed to help make life more affordable.” says Fraser.