GOVERNMENT FUEL OIL AND PROPANE HEATING GRANT NOW AVAILABLE

Released on January 13, 2006

Saskatchewan residents who heat their principal residence or businesses with fuel oil or propane are now eligible for a one-time grant of $200.

This grant is part of the Saskatchewan Energy Share announced last fall. The Saskatchewan Energy Share is a two-part plan to provide assistance and help people reduce heating costs Applications for the grant are available to Saskatchewan residents as of January 1st, 2006.

"This program is part of the government's commitment to provide Saskatchewan residents with the lowest cost bundle for basic residential utility rates in Canada," Industry Minister Eric Cline said. "The Saskatchewan Energy Share is designed to help Saskatchewan people reduce heating costs."

Saskatchewan residents eligible for the $200 grant must complete an application form before March 31st, 2006 and mail it in along with an invoice or receipt from a fuel oil or propane dealer. Over 10,000 households are eligible for the grant. Total cost of the program, including administration, is estimated at $2.2 million.

The application forms are available at municipal offices, bulk fuel dealers, First Nations band offices and Rural Development offices. Forms are also available online at www.ir.gov.sk.ca. Saskatchewan residents and business owners can also call 1-877-UESHARE (837-4273) toll free to request an application form or ask questions about the grant.

Only principle residences and businesses that use fuel oil or propane as their primary heating source are eligible for the grant. Cottages or seasonal dwellings are not eligible. Saskatchewan residents whose heating costs are fully paid for by provincial or federal government programs such as Social Assistance Programs or Transition Employment Allowance are not eligible for the grant.

The Saskatchewan Energy Share plan was first announced on November 2nd, 2005, by Premier Lorne Calvert. It is aimed at helping Saskatchewan people deal with price reductions in the short-term and through conservation programs in the long-term effects of higher energy costs. Global oil prices rose during 2005 and saw record-setting spikes when natural disasters struck gas plants in the Gulf of Mexico.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jeff Ritter Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-0999