A power rate hike went into effect on New Year’s Day.

The 6.5 percent jump from Nova Scotia Power works out to about 11 dollars a month.

Brian Gifford with the Affordable Energy Coalition says over a third of Nova Scotians are having trouble paying their energy bills right now.

“That includes oil, which is a lot more volatile and high-priced than electricity is. This increase certainly does add to the problems that people have in paying their bills,” said Gifford.

But he says, there are programs to help.

“One is the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, that pays $600 to eligible people who apply. The deadline for that is the end of March.”

He notes the Salvation Army’s home energy assistance program is also a short term option.

Gifford says long-term options include Efficiency Nova Scotia’s heat pump rebate, which can save you up to 1,800 dollars a year.

The power rate increase from NS Power is the second part of a 2-year rate hike, totaling 13.8 percent.