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Natural Resources
October 29, 2009

Homeowners Encouraged to Secure a Wood Pellet Supply for Winter

Homeowners with wood pellet appliances are encouraged to make preparations to secure a reliable supply of pellets for their home heating needs this winter from local retailers.

In addition to imported wood pellets available at many retail stores, a local supply has entered the market with Blanchard�s Woodworking now selling locally-produced pellets from its facility in Bishop�s Falls. This local production will assist in meeting local demand.

�We introduced a pellet appliance rebate program last year to assist in creating a demand for local wood pellets and that is happening,� said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. �We are now seeing the start of local wood pellet production and we look forward to seeing the industry progress to meeting local demand within a few short years.�

Other wood pellet manufacturing operations are in various stages of development.

�Industry is responding to the increased local demand for wood pellets by bringing local production into the market, which was the rationale beyond the rebate program,� said Minister Dunderdale. �Retailers in the province are indicating they can import a sufficient supply of pellets for this year�s home heating season. I encourage consumers to make preparations to secure an adequate supply of pellets. Some retailers do take pre-orders.�

The Residential Wood Pellet Appliance Rebate Program is an initiative under the Forest Industry Diversification Program announced in Budget 2008 to help diversify the industry and identify new markets. The rebate program continues until March 15, 2010. To date, 319 rebate applications have been submitted to the department.

Details on the rebate, program requirements and application forms can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/nr or from wood pellet appliance vendors in the province. Additional information is available at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2008/nr/1105n03.htm or by calling 709-637-2349.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca 

2009 10 29                                                   10:30 a.m.
 


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