Province to Power Public Housing With Clean Energy

Nova Scotia’s public housing will soon be powered by clean, renewable electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing energy costs.

A new agreement with Renewall Energy Inc. will see the company’s Mersey River Wind Project in Queens County supplying renewable electricity to the Province’s public housing, starting in 2027.

“Nova Scotia is moving forward with practical solutions that lower emissions, protect public dollars and strengthen our energy future,” said John White, Minister of Housing. “By using renewable electricity to power public housing, we are taking action that makes sense for taxpayers and the Province.”

Under the 10-year agreement, the Province agrees to having electricity delivered to public housing by Renewall, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 37,000 tonnes annually. This will allow the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency to reach its legislated emissions reduction target about two years earlier than planned, in 2028.

It also means the Province will avoid $25 to $50 million in electricity costs over the extended life of the contract, based on historical average increases in energy prices.

Renewall became the first company in Nova Scotia to receive a renewable-to-retail licence from the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board in 2024. This licence gives residents, public institutions, and commercial and industrial customers access to clean electricity and predictable electricity rates.

Quotes:

“Renewall is bringing greater choice and affordability to Nova Scotia electricity consumers for the very first time. Working with institutions like the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency brings reduced emissions and price stability to important public infrastructure across the province. We look forward to working with the agency to find additional sources of energy efficiency and emission reductions.”
— Daniel Roscoe, CEO, Renewall Energy Inc.

Quick Facts:

• the agreement between the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency and Renewall Energy Inc. includes a fixed annual price increase of one per cent
• the agreement also allows two five-year extensions
• the Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing a $206-million loan to the companies involved in the Mersey River Wind Project

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency: https://nspha.ca/about-nspha

Renewall Energy Inc.: https://www.renewallenergy.ca/

News release – Province Plans Largest-Ever Investment in New Public Housing: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/02/13/province-plans-largest-ever-investment-new-public-housing

The Our Homes, Action for Housing plan and the provincial needs assessment report is available at: https://novascotia.ca/action-for-housing/