Province Takes Energy Plan Tour for Lowest Fairest Rates to Guysborough

Guysborough residents today, March 18, were able to discuss with Energy ministerial assistant Mat Whynott, on behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker, details of the province's energy plan to ensure lowest, fairest electricity rates over the long term.

"I believe it is important to visit communities across Nova Scotia and to discuss our energy future with people," said Mr. Whynott. "They deserve to know what their government is doing and why. We have a plan to create a cleaner, more secure and stable energy future and it can be summed up as local, reliable, green, tax-free and efficient."

Nova Scotia's energy plan has already been put in action to ensure the lowest, fairest electricity rates. The province is at work in many communities, including Guysborough, to develop ways to generate local clean energy projects that will benefit communities with more stable rates, as well as both economically and environmentally."

Energy related projects taking place in the Guysborough region include:

• the 13.8 megawatt Sable Wind Project, an independent power project which will help the province meet its target to produce 25 per cent of our total electricity from renewable energy by 2015
• five 50-kilowatt small wind projects owned by the Municipality of the District of Guysborough in Melford and Goldboro, which are all Communities Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) projects
• the Celtic Current projects in the Town of Mulgrave have one 800 kilowatt wind project and two 50kw wind projects.

"Wind projects help us generate local clean sustainable energy for communities now and in the future," added Mr. Whynott. "The two larger wind projects in Guysborough will result in $200 million in new investment and create good paying jobs. Together, these projects will help stabilize electricity prices in Nova Scotia and benefit the environment."

"COMFIT provides us a great opportunity to generate clean energy that will benefit our community," said Lloyd Hines, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough. "We will be able to get more stable rates, have more economic opportunities and be better stewards of our environment. "This is an exciting time for us as our first projects will be coming online very very soon."

Energy deputy minister Murray Coolican also provided information and an overview of the Muskrat Falls/Maritime Link project.

The project is an important part of the province's energy plan and is the lowest-cost option for meeting federal and environmental requirements. The project provides price stability for 35 years and gives Nova Scotia two connections to the North American grid, which improves reliability and promotes competition.