Building on the recent success of the SolarHomes program, Nova Scotians continue to add more clean, renewable solar energy to our electricity grid with support from the province.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette, announced today, Sept. 24, that three organizations in Halifax have been approved for the Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Program.
“The projects in the Halifax Regional Municipality demonstrate that a variety of local organizations can be part of building Nova Scotia’s cleaner energy future,” said Ms. Diab. “Together we are building on our province’s successes and enhancing Nova Scotia’s reputation as a leader in fighting climate change.”
The Hope for Wildlife Society has been approved to install 30 kilowatts of solar electricity panels, Knox United Church has been approved for 38 kilowatts and Halifax Water has been approved for 75 kilowatts.
“As stewards of the environment, Halifax Water has a strong focus on energy conservation and efficiency,” said Halifax Water general manager Carl Yates. “The Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Pilot Program allows Halifax Water to further increase our use of renewable energy, reduce our environmental footprint and overall energy costs.”
This year, a total of 27 applications were selected from across the province. If all projects are completed, Nova Scotia will add 1,617 kilowatts of renewable electricity to the grid. That is more than double last year’s total.
All applications were overseen by Clean Foundation, the independent procurement administrator.
The average selling price this year for electricity generated through these projects is 25.4 cents per kilowatt hour. The impact to ratepayers is capped at 0.1 per cent, which is already built into the province’s rate stability plan.
The program is for Mi’kmaw communities, registered non-profit or charitable organizations, municipalities or organizations owned by municipalities, universities or community colleges in Nova Scotia.
The program will be offered for one more year. For more information on the program, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/solar .
Source: Release
