Province Announces Commitment to Renewable Energy

The government of Nova Scotia is planning to increase the amount of renewable energy that is used in the province.

By 2013, the province wants at least 20 per cent of Nova Scotia's electricity to be produced by renewable energy -- wind, tidal, solar, hydro and biomass.

"Our government is making a commitment to renewable energy in Nova Scotia," said Bill Dooks, Energy Minister, during a speech today, Sept. 20, at the Green Energy Conference in Halifax. "We will increase our renewable energy, but we will do it in a way that is achievable and that protects consumers and businesses from large increases in the price of electricity."

Mr. Dooks said draft renewable energy standards will soon be available for public consultation. These standards target an increase in production of 10 per cent by 2013, adding to the renewables already in the electrical mix.

However, Mr. Dooks said the province plans to revisit its Energy Strategy in the near future and allow Nova Scotians to provide input on an increase in renewable power.

Mr. Dooks also promised that, by February of 2007, renewable energy producers would be able to sell directly to municipal utilities.

The province plans to move quickly on tidal power and award a contract for a pilot project by this spring.

"Our renewable energy goals must be practical and lasting," said Mr. Dooks.

The Energy minister also provided a partial list of steps the government is taking to enhance renewable energy:

• a rebate on solar water heating panels for residential and commercial sectors;
• $20 million commitment to get Halifax hospitals and universities off Bunker C fuel, and on to cleaner natural gas;
• installing, at no cost, 9,000 energy-efficient thermostats in the homes of low-income Nova Scotians;
• funding a green-roof project at the new Citadel High School;
• funding Nova Scotia's Climate Change Centre;
• creating Conserve Nova Scotia; and
• enhancing the tax structure by enacting the energy efficiency tax credit.

"We have a plan in place and we look forward to continued dialogue and input from the renewable energy community," said Mr. Dooks.