Province Speeds Up Green Energy Schedule

The province wants to make it easier for renewable electricity projects to get built in Nova Scotia.

In a new submission to the Utility and Review Board, the province has asked that Nova Scotia Power be allowed to buy renewable energy well in advance of target dates, giving projects more time to be completed.

"Nova Scotians want green energy projects to succeed," said Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks. "We've asked the board to allow Nova Scotia Power to start buying more renewable power as soon as possible, instead of just in time for the deadline."

Currently, Nova Scotia Power spending to meet renewable targets early may not be approved by the board. This discourages the power company from buying green energy before government target dates in 2011, 2013, and 2015.

"Nova Scotia Power and its independent power suppliers need an early start to meet our deadline of at least 25 per cent renewable electricity by 2015," said Mr. Estabrooks.

"We're asking the board to recognize this target as effective immediately. If projects make sense, let's get them moving. This will give developers more flexibility to avoid penalties, get financing, and finish the job on time."

"I am pleased the province is supporting the stalled wind energy projects in Nova Scotia by extending deadlines and adjusting to the financial crisis of 2008," said RMS Energy president Reuben Burge.

"If we get projects going sooner we won't need to change anymore deadlines in the future. The submission to the board should help create more upfront flexibility to get renewable projects built on time or even earlier."

In its submission to the board, the province wrote, "Renewable energy projects require time to be developed and constructed. Experience has shown that just-in-time planning does not work …[To] achieve the various renewable targets between now and 2015, all feasible projects should be permitted to proceed as quickly as possible."

This new policy would make Nova Scotia Power eligible to recover costs arising from the acquisition of low cost renewable energy supply. These costs would still face scrutiny by the board to ensure they are both legitimate and prudent.

"The financial market meltdown happened just as the first big wave of wind projects were on deck for construction," said Mr. Estabrooks. "We don't want any green projects to wait around for the next deadline. We're saying, if you can, build it now."

"The sooner Nova Scotia gets to its renewable goals, the better. That means keeping the door open for new projects everyday."