Closing Statements on Maritime Link Filed with Utility and Review Board

The Department of Energy, and other interveners in the Utility and Review Board hearings into the Maritime Link project, filed closing statements today, June 14.

"Having reviewed the evidence presented by all parties during the hearing, it remains clear that the Maritime Link project is the lowest-cost energy option for Nova Scotia," said Mat Whynott, ministerial assistant for Energy, on behalf of Energy Minister Charlie Parker. "This is a transformational project that will benefit our province and electricity ratepayers for decades."

The province's closing statement highlights that:

• although Nova Scotia's approach to meeting federal emissions requirements is more flexible and cost-effective, it is still required to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• a federal loan guarantee will provide about $100 million in savings on the project cost
• the Maritime Link will move Nova Scotia to the middle of the transmission line, from the end
• long-term benefits of the Maritime Link project far outweigh front-end costs
• there was no interest in a long-term fixed price supply arrangement from Hydro-Quebec
• the UARB application is supported by a reasonable range of forecasts and assessments

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
• using more local, cleaner sources of energy to help stabilize prices and secure an energy supply for the long term.

"I'd like to thank all those who participated in this hearing on this important project," said Mr. Whynott. "We look forward to the board's decision in July."