Natural Resources Minister ‘Disappointed’ And ‘Frustrated’ By NS Power
HALIFAX–Politicians of all stripes are speaking out against Nova Scotia Power’s latest general rate application.
Last week, the privately-owned utility announced it was seeking a general rate increase of 10 percent, spread out over the next three years. Part of the company’s overall plan is to charge solar users $8.00 per kW to access the grid.
The backlash from the public over both proposals was swift and government officials have also started voicing their opposition.
In a statement emailed to Huddle, Natural Resources Minister Tory Rushton said he is “disappointed” and “frustrated” with the utility.
“Let’s make something very clear – this government will protect ratepayers,” wrote Rushton. “We’re going to be active intervenors in this process. And we are exploring all of our options to respond to this move and to protect ratepayers.”
The Minister also voiced support for the solar industry, noting its importance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Nova Scotia.
“We’re disappointed at this proposal by Nova Scotia Power and like I have said we want to protect ratepayers. We’ve heard what Nova Scotians and the solar industry have said about the immediate and serious impacts this net-metering charge will have.”
“We’re frustrated that NS Power has made a proposal that can hinder the progress we’ve been making to advance our climate change goals.”
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The Nova Scotia Liberal Party also put out a press release criticizing the timing of the rate application, given the historic inflation costs being felt by consumers. The party said NS Power’s decision could put the province’s environmental targets in jeopardy.
“This is just a day after they announced the extension of the Trenton coal power plant, placing Nova Scotia’s climate targets into jeopardy,” states the release. “With inflation now ballooning to a 30-year high, people simply cannot afford to see their power bill go up as well.”
MLA Claudia Chender, speaking on behalf of the Nove Scotia NDP, wrote that NS Power shouldn’t be asking more from ratepayers considering the level of service they get from the company.
“Considering the unreliability of the grid and the frequent power outages experienced by Nova Scotians, especially in stormy weather like we are expecting this weekend, asking people to pay 10 per cent more over three years is shocking.
Nove Scotia Power points out customers that generate their own solar power still rely on grid electricity when the sun isn’t shining, especially during the peak periods on winter nights. The company argues current rules mean regular customers are essentially subsidizing solar users during these peak periods.
Unless a new fee structure is approved, NS Power claims ratepayers will be on the hook to subsidize solar users to the tune of $55-million over the next nine years.
Whether or not NS Power gets to charge Nova Scotian’s more for electricity will ultimately be decided by the Nova Scotia Utilities and Review Board.
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].