Islanders eligible for support from the provincial government for home heating will be able to get another $200 this winter, and the threshold for who can qualify has changed.

The P.E.I. government announced the increased funding Wednesday, boosting the funding available to $1,200 per eligible household.

"With oil and other costs continuing to rise, this financial assistance is intended to ease the burden on families, seniors and individuals who need it most," said Social Development Minister Matthew MacKay in a news release.

The support is available for individuals with an annual income of $45,000 or less or families with income of $60,000 or less. Those thresholds are also an increase from last year.

Ottawa rejected P.E.I.'s carbon tax plan, triggering 17.4-cent spike in heating oil next July

Ottawa rejected P.E.I.’s most recent plan for carbon pricing in the province and will implement the federal backstop carbon tax in the province in July. That means heating oil will no longer be exempt from the tax, pushing up prices another 17.4 cents per litre.

PEI Premier Dennis King

'By implementing 17.4 cents per litre on home heating fuel, which is at an all-time high level, I think that's going to have an impact on Islanders,' says P.E.I. Premier Dennis King, seen in this photo in the provincial legislature on April 22, 2022.

Here's how much more heating oil could cost you this winter

The price of home heating oil on P.E.I. has spiked this month, leaving many Islanders worried about how they'll heat their homes when the temperature drops this winter.

A furnace oil tank showing the gauge at almost full.

After taxes, the maximum price of furnace oil is now $2.08 cents per litre on P.E.I. 

Furnace oil

A full tank of oil is looking to be pricey this winter. 

The home heating program will once again be operated by the Salvation Army.

Lieutenant John Burton, leader of the Salvation Army in Charlottetown, said clients have been feeling anxious about finding the money to heat their homes this year.

Heating oil, diesel, gas prices all down

Prices for heating oil, diesel and gas all fell on P.E.I. overnight Thursday, continuing a trend that started mid-month.

gas pump

The price of diesel remains in record territory.

The cost of furnace oil on P.E.I. has gone up by nearly 50 per cent over the past year. On Dec.&nbsp;1, 2021, the maximum price per litre after tax was $1.12. It now sits at $1.67 a litre.

Prince Edward Island households earning $60,000 or less will be eligible for $1,200 to help them with home heating costs.

P.E.I. government boosts cash for home heating program

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