Power Rate Increases Limited

Government introduced legislation today, May 8, to help protect electricity consumers.

The legislation will restrict the Utility and Review Board to granting only one power rate increase per 12-month period, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

"Frequent power rate increases make it difficult for consumers to budget, especially those on low or fixed incomes," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Environment and Labour. "This amendment will help protect consumers and help businesses budget because they will know, in most circumstances, there will not be more than one rate increase per year."

Ms. Bolivar-Getson said the amendment takes into account the financial and social concerns that Nova Scotians have about unpredictable timing of rate increases.

The minister said the bill had to include a mechanism to deal with exceptional circumstances that could cause substantial financial harm to ratepayers or to the utility.

In cases where there is a risk of substantial financial harm, the board will hold a hearing and involve the consumer advocate to protect ratepayers' interests.