Province Wants Feedback on Draft Renewable Energy Regulations

The public is being asked to comment on two sets of draft regulations regarding electricity in Nova Scotia, as well as a discussion paper regarding additional opportunities for renewable energy developments.

"Government plans to increase the amount of renewable energy used in Nova Scotia and I look forward to public feedback on these draft regulations and discussion paper," said Energy Minister Bill Dooks.

The draft regulations for renewable energy standards would require that 20 per cent of the electricity used by Nova Scotians by 2013 be generated by renewable energy sources including wind, tidal, solar, hydro and biomass.

The draft wholesale market rules regulations would allow Nova Scotia's six municipal utilities to purchase electricity, including renewable energy, directly from suppliers, and allow the export of electricity, including renewable energy, to other jurisdictions.

The draft regulations are available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/energy/draftregulations . The deadline for feedback is Friday, Nov. 10. Mr. Dooks said he wants to have the regulations adopted by Feb. 1, 2007.

The discussion paper is available at www.gov.ns.ca/energy/home/stakeholders/emrdc/mrdc . Public feedback ends on Nov. 10.