Former Nova Scotia justice minister Becky Druhan is calling on the provincial government to take a more transparent and policy-driven response following the Nova Scotia Power cybersecurity breach and the filing of a related class action.

In a letter to Premier Tim Houston, who also serves as Minister of Energy, Druhan is urging the government to clearly outline how it will protect ratepayers and ensure regulatory readiness as the province’s energy system expands.

Druhan says Nova Scotians are facing several immediate concerns following the breach, including the exposure of personal information, billing inaccuracies tied to estimated usage, and uncertainty about whether costs related to the breach and ongoing class action lawsuit could eventually be passed on to customers.

She argues that while the Nova Scotia Energy Board is examining billing and consumer protection issues, government has a responsibility to act through policy, regulation, and legislation to protect the public interest.

“As Minister of Energy, Premier Houston is responsible for ensuring Nova Scotia’s regulatory system is fit for purpose,” Druhan said in a statement, adding that public confidence depends on clear leadership and accountability.

Druhan is calling for immediate consumer protections, including accurate billing, relief from penalties or interest, and access to identity protection services. She also wants assurances that costs related to the breach — including legal fees or settlements — will not be recovered from ratepayers through future rate increases.

Among her recommendations, Druhan is urging the government to consider compensation options that could reduce reliance on litigation, provide public assurances that the province is equipped to regulate new energy providers and technologies, and commit to transparent, collaborative legislative development ahead of the next sitting of the Legislature.

She emphasized that while class actions can play an important role, Nova Scotia Power’s status as a regulated monopoly raises public-interest concerns if litigation costs are ultimately passed on to customers.

Druhan says she has requested a formal response from the Premier and has offered her support in developing solutions aimed at restoring trust and strengthening energy regulation in the province.