Switching to Heat Pumps: Your Path to Energy Efficiency and Comfort! 
Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) is a federal government program that helps homeowners switch from oil heating to an energy-efficient heat pump—making the transition easier and more affordable. OHPA has now been incorporated into SaveEnergyNB’s existing programs, so applicants don’t need to submit a separate application.
Two options are available based on your household income:
Income $70,000 and under? You could qualify for the Enhanced Energy Savings Program which helps homeowners switch from oil heating to an energy-efficient heating system free of charge.
Enhanced Energy Savings Program
Income over $70,000? You may be eligible for up to $15,000 in advance when you enroll in the Total Home Energy Savings program and switch from oil heating to an energy‑efficient heat pump system.
Total Home Energy Savings Program
Switching from oil heating to energy-efficient heat pumps offers many benefits. Heat pumps are more affordable and efficient to operate than oil, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature year-round—whether it’s warming up in winter or cooling down in summer.
They’re also an environmentally friendly choice since they don’t burn fossil fuels, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
If you qualify for the Enhanced Energy Saving Program, eligible upgrades are free. If you enroll in the Total Home Energy Savings Program, up to $15,000 in advance payment is designed to help you cover the costs of your new heat pump, necessary electrical upgrades, safe removal of your oil tank, and even the replacement of other oil-based systems, like hot water heaters.
Switching to heat pumps is a smart choice for your home and a step towards a greener future.
Enrolment is limited to one program at a time.
The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program is part of the Canada Greener Homes Initiative and assists Canadians in switching from oil heating to an electric cold-climate heat pump.
In New Brunswick, NB Power administers the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program on behalf of Natural Resources Canada.
Both programs offer options to transition from oil heating and customers apply to the program that relates to their income level.
| Enhanced Energy Savings Program | Total Home Energy Savings Program |
|---|---|
| Oil heating system (existing) | Oil heating system (existing) |
| Household income $70,000 or below – apply to Enhanced Energy Savings Program | Household income over $70,000 – apply to Total Home Energy Savings Program |
| Energy evaluation required and included | Energy evaluation required and included |
| Oil tank must be removed* | Oil tank does not need to be removed |
| No direct homeowner rebates – OHPA delivered under Enhanced Energy Savings Program is free | Advance payment up to $15,000 plus rebates starting at $400 depending on the type of heat pump |
*Oil tank will be removed by an approved EESP HVAC Contractor only
OHPA might be right for you if you heat with oil and are a homeowner. The OHPA is seamlessly integrated with existing NB Power programs, so there’s no need to submit a separate application.
Two options are available based on your household income. If your household income is $70,000 and under you could qualify for the Enhanced Energy Savings Program. If your household income is over $70,000 you may be eligible for up to $15,000 in advance when you enroll in the Total Home Energy Savings Program.
Homes heated with oil typically have an oil storage tank, which may be located in the basement, garage, outside the house, or underground. Unlike electricity, oil is usually purchased in bulk and delivered by truck.
For more answers to common questions when switching from oil to a heat pump, visit the Enhanced Energy Savings Program or the Total Home Energy Savings Program.