The federal government is investing in making clean energy more affordable for rural Nova Scotians.

With an investment of $9.5 million to the Green Municipal Fund they will expand the Clean Energy Financing program.

In a release, they say they have improved services by lowering participation fees and implementing a more effective home energy analysis.

Loan amounts range from $10,000-$40,000 for each participating municipality in rural communities.

This funding supports home energy upgrades, including insulation and heat pumps, to help reduce energy bills.

Environment Minister Steven Gilbeault says it’s an ‘exciting’ announcement to help municipalities combat climate change and make life more affordable.

Since 2016, the financing program has been supporting residential home energy upgrades out of Bridgewater, Amherst, Digby, Lunenburg, Barrington, Yarmouth and Cumberland County.