The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced $54 million in additional affordability measures to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with electricity and home heating costs this winter.

Joined by the Honourable Craig Pardy, Minister of Finance, Premier Wakeham announced that the Provincial Government is accelerating the implementation of the Churchill Falls Electricity Rebate and doubling the Home Heating Supplement for eligible households that rely on furnace or stove oil.

Beginning in January 2027, residential customers of Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will see a 15 per cent reduction on their electricity bills. The rebate will provide an estimated $351 in annual savings for an average household.

The Churchill Falls Electricity Rebate was originally contingent on the signing of a final agreement on Churchill Falls. However, confident in the new and better deal being advanced for Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is moving forward with the rebate now rather than making residents wait for the agreement to be finalized.

The Provincial Government is also doubling the maximum Home Heating Supplement from $500 to $1,000 for the 2026 program, providing additional financial relief to eligible households that rely on furnace or stove oil. Residents who have already applied will not need to reapply to receive the additional support.

Today’s announcement builds on more than $200 million in targeted affordability relief introduced through Budget 2026, including lower income taxes through an increase in the basic personal amount to $15,000; a 20 per cent increase in the Seniors’ Benefit; expanded Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit payments; 100 per cent medical travel coverage for eligible residents; and increased funding for home repair and modification programs through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

In addition, during the Spring Sitting of the House of Assembly, the Provincial Government permanently reduced the tax on gasoline and diesel by eight cents per litre, delivering ongoing savings for motorists across the province.

These initiatives are the first in a series of additional affordability measures, with further announcements planned in the coming days and weeks as the Provincial Government continues delivering on its commitment to make life more affordable, for all of us.

Quotes
“Our government made a commitment to make life more affordable for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and we are delivering on that commitment. Since Budget 2026, we have taken significant steps to reduce costs for all of us and today’s announcement builds on that progress. It is also part of a broader affordability plan, with additional measures to be announced in the coming weeks. We will continue taking action on the commitments we have made and delivering meaningful results for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The initiatives announced today are designed to provide direct, practical support when people need it most. We are moving up the timelines on the Churchill Falls Electricity Rebate, providing residential customers with a 15 per cent reduction on their Newfoundland Power bills this winter. We are also doubling the Home Heating Supplement, increasing the maximum benefit from $500 to $1,000 for eligible households that rely on furnace or stove oil. Together, these measures will help lower household energy costs and provide meaningful relief for families across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Craig Pardy
Minister of Finance

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL

Like us on Facebook

BACKGROUNDER

Churchill Falls Electricity Rebate

• A 15 per cent rebate on the first 2,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of residential electricity consumption per month.
• An average household consumes approximately 1,418 kWh monthly and will save an estimated $351 annually.
• The rebate will appear directly on monthly Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro electricity bills beginning in January 2027.
• Implementation timelines have been accelerated to provide relief sooner, rather than waiting for the finalization of the Churchill Falls agreement.
• The estimated cost for the remainder of the 2026-27 fiscal year is $45 million.

Home Heating Supplement Program for Furnace and Stove Oil

• The maximum benefit for eligible residents is being doubled from $500 to $1,000 for the 2026 program.
• The program remains application-based. Residents who have already applied do not need to reapply.
• Residents who have already received their 2026 Home Heating Supplement cheque will receive a second cheque in the same amount.
• Approximately 18,000 applications are received annually, with approximately 9,000 applications received to date for the 2026-27 program.
• The estimated cost of increasing payments for the 2026 program is $9 million.