Province Takes Energy Plan Tour for Lowest Fairest Rates to Berwick

Energy Minister Charlie Parker was in Berwick today, March 26, to share details of government's energy plan for the lowest, fairest electricity rates over the long term.

The presentation was part of a provincial tour to discuss government's plan to end double-digit electricity rate increases.

"All across the province I have heard from people who are concerned about their power bills," said Mr. Parker. "Our plan sets out the ways government is tackling high power rates and building a strong energy future, which is based on having diverse local green energy that is reliable and efficient.

"The plan will help the province meet federal regulations and environmental obligations and reduce dependence on costly imported coal."

Government's energy plan is already at work in communities across the province. In the Annapolis Valley, the province is working with communities and others that are making innovative and positive change for their future and the future of Nova Scotia.

Energy-related projects in the area include:

• a Community Feed-in Tariff (COMFIT) 50-kilowatt wind project for Annapolis Valley Waste to be located in the Kentville Industrial Park
• five sustainable transportation projects supported through the Nova Scotia Moves program that will improve the health of communities and the environment by promoting walking, biking, community transit and more fuel-efficient vehicles
• six Annapolis Valley associate NAPA auto parts stores upgraded their lights with help from Efficiency Nova Scotia. The new lighting resulted in energy savings of about $2,000 annually per location and provides brighter light for customers and employees
• Brookside Poultry Ltd. in Bridgetown installed a closed-loop geothermal system to heat both of their chicken barns with help from Efficiency Nova Scotia, Ottawa's ecoEnergy, and Nova Scotia's Farm Investment fund. This has increased profitability, sustainability, and is expected to reduce heating costs by more than 50 per cent.

The Village of New Minas also received a $110,000 grant to develop a 3.1-kilometre active transportation trail for commuters and recreational use. The trail will run along the Windsor-Hantsport rail bed from the Kentville trail to Lockhart Ryan Park.

"Active transportation projects are paramount to the well-being of a community, and in helping reduce our environmental footprint," said John Ansara, recreation director for the Village of New Minas. "Being able to pave the trail means greater accessibility for the residents of New Minas and the surrounding areas.

"People in wheelchairs, parents with strollers, and those with general mobility issues will now be able to enjoy the trail for many years to come. What's more, the funding has allowed for New Minas to be a leader in the larger vision of an active transportation corridor connecting communities throughout Kings County."

Mr. Parker and Department of Energy deputy minister Murray Coolican also provided information on other aspects of the province's plan for the lowest, fairest electricity rates.

"One of the first things we did was to remove the provincial portion of the HST from basic home electricity. This saves families millions of dollars every year," said Mr. Parker. "We did not stop there. We have developed an energy plan to ensure the lowest, fairest rates for Nova Scotians, a plan that can be summed up as local, reliable, green, tax-free and efficient."

The presentation also included an overview of the Muskrat Falls/Maritime Link project, which will provide Nova Scotians with a reliable source of clean energy at predictable, stable rates for 35 years. It is the lowest long-term cost option for the province to meet federal environmental requirements, will provide jobs, generate economic activity, and give the province a second connection to the North American electricity grid, creating more options for purchasing energy in the future.