Source: Facebook

The opposition parties are shutting down today’s announcement that the Utilities and Review Board approve of a 14% rate hike by Nova Scotia Power over the next two years. It will be 6.9% annually.

In a statement today, NDP Leader Claudia Chender accuses the Houston government of intervening that led to this decision.

“On the eve of a forecast of -20 degrees this rate hike will literally leave many Nova Scotians in the cold. The Houston government’s intervention that led to this decision has now made power even more unaffordable for people, while failing to address the underlying issues of how we regulate this utility,” said NDP Leader Claudia Chender.

“This decision only covers the next two years and without serious regulatory changes – which the government could make in the spring sitting of the legislature – we’ll be in a very similar position in 2025, with still more increases to come.”

NDP Natural Resources and Renewables spokesperson Susan Leblanc says power will remain unaffordable and unreliable for too many people.

“With today’s announcement we have power that will remain unaffordable and unreliable for too many people. New Democrats have long advocated for systemic change to benefit the people paying for power,” said NDP Natural Resources and Renewables spokesperson Susan Leblanc. “We need more renewable energy sources to manage fuel cost increases long-term, and we need a universal service program so the thousands of Nova Scotians who can’t afford to heat their homes and keep the lights on are able to.”