Releases from Province:

Today, we learned that the independent Nova Scotia Energy Board – effectively the judge and jury on power rates – agreed with Nova Scotia Power and approved what they asked for.

While I respect the independence of the board, I strongly disagree with this decision. It is out of touch in every way.

I expected more from the board, particularly after such an extensive hearing where expert after expert presented clear evidence on why the board should exercise its authority and reject Nova Scotia Power’s request.

At a minimum, they could have deferred the decision and required Nova Scotia Power to return with a more reasonable and fair proposal that reflects the reality Nova Scotians are living every day.

They didn’t even do that.

Nova Scotians have every right to feel angry and let down by a board that had a clear opportunity to protect ratepayers.

At a time when people are already dealing with the fallout of a cyber breach that put their personal information at risk, billing systems producing estimates they don’t trust, and real anxiety about what their next power bill will look like, now is not the time for a rate hike.

Even if Nova Scotia Power failed to recognize this, the board had the evidence it needed to do so. Instead, it rewarded bad behaviour.

So where do we go from here?

Nova Scotians deserve reliability, transparency, fairness and choice.

This decision only reinforces that the best path forward is more choice, more competition and less reliance on Nova Scotia Power.

That’s the direction we are working toward.

It’s why we are advancing onshore natural gas development so Nova Scotians can ultimately have the option to choose gas.

It’s also why we are pursuing the Renewall Energy Inc. Mersey River Wind Project, which represents meaningful progress toward breaking the Nova Scotia Power monopoly.

This project in Queens County will provide Nova Scotians with a real alternative to Nova Scotia Power. While that power is about a year away, it is coming – and it’s real. This project means that 50,000 to 60,000 homes will have a choice of which company they buy their energy from. This is a real start along the way to breaking the monopoly.

You can learn more and sign up here: https://www.renewallenergy.ca

Release from Liberal party:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Conservatives vote down Liberal bill to limit Nova Scotia Power
Profits

This afternoon, Liberals forced a recorded vote on Opposition Bill 211, legislation aimed at limiting
Nova Scotia Power’s return on equity to curb the utility’s profits and make electricity rates more
affordable for families.

The Houston government used its supermajority to vote the bill down – on
the very same day the Energy Board approved another rate hike for Nova Scotians.

In its own submission to the Energy Board, the government argued that the utility’s return on equity
should be capped at 7.6 per cent. Yet when given the opportunity to enshrine that limit in law and
deliver real relief, government MLAs voted against it.

“Nova Scotians are being asked to pay more, while the government refuses to act on the very
solution it says it supports,” said Interim Liberal Leader Iain Rankin. “If the government truly believes
Nova Scotia Power needs to be reined in, today was their chance to prove it.”

Earlier today, the Premier issued a statement expressing disappointment with the Energy Board’s
decision. However, instead of being in the Legislature to vote on measures that could help lower
costs, he is in Texas attending a conference.

“It’s not enough to send out a statement after the fact,” said House Leader Derek Mombourquette.
“If the Premier is disappointed, he should be here taking responsibility and supporting solutions –
not missing the vote when Nova Scotians needed leadership.”