UARB Hearing for Maritime Link Project Concludes

A regulatory hearing to ensure the Maritime Link project is in the best interest of Nova Scotians and the lowest-cost option to help the province meet federal coal-reduction and greenhouse-gas emission targets concluded today, June 6.

Over nine days, the Utility and Review Board heard testimony from interveners and experts, including independent expert witness John Dalton.

"The Maritime Link project is the lowest-cost energy option for Nova Scotia. It will allow our province to meet federal regulations, position Nova Scotia on an energy loop and provide stable power rates," said Mat Whynott, ministerial assistant for Energy, on behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "Mr. Dalton's expert testimony supported this."

Mr. Dalton, who was commissioned by the province to assess the project, testified that energy carried from Newfoundland and Labrador through the Maritime Link would be significantly less expensive than importing energy from Quebec or adding additional wind and natural gas capacity.

The Utility and Review Board's hearing is part of an overall four-month process to review the Maritime Link project.

"The UARB hearing is an important step in reviewing this project and the government of Nova Scotia was pleased to act as an intervener," said Mr. Whynott. "The board heard from many witnesses and has a great deal of information to consider. We very much look forward to its final decision."

The Maritime Link project is part of the province's overall energy plan, which has five key points to ensure the lowest, fairest electricity rates for Nova Scotians. They are local, reliable, green, tax-free, and efficient.

The province's energy plan has already begun and includes:

• removing the provincial portion of the HST from basic home electricity;
• supporting efficiency efforts that help Nova Scotia families lower their bills and consume less electricity; and
• using more local, cleaner sources of energy to help stabilize prices and secure an energy supply for the long term.