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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