Government action needed to help Nova Scotians afford power bill increase: NDP

HALIFAX – Today, Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender made the following statement in response to the decision to allow Nova Scotia Power to raise rates by 8 per cent by next year:

“Today’s decision of the Energy Board to allow NSP to increase power rates is difficult for Nova Scotian families to swallow. People are working harder than ever, and are already dealing with high costs for their homes, food, utilities, child care and basic family needs.

For five years, the Houston government has failed to meaningfully address skyrocketing utility rates. With today’s increase, by the end of next year, families will be spending $600 more for power since the premier was first elected.

Urgent action is required, but the Energy Minister is not even in the country to assure Nova Scotians that his government will take the growing cost of living seriously with concrete actions.

In their decision, the board made it clear that any support for Nova Scotians dealing with the high cost of power must come from the legislature. The Board doesn't have the power to put in place social policy or the legal authority to disallow the recovery of costs to make rates more affordable.

The Houston government must act urgently to protect Nova Scotians and move forward with a full review of Nova Scotia Power. He must put in place an affordable energy rate program with on-bill discounts, arrears management, crisis intervention, and energy efficiency measures to help the hundreds of thousands of Nova Scotians making tough choices to keep the heat on. He must also finally reverse the terrible decision he made to kick 46000 people off the heating assistance rebate program. Nova Scotians deserve more than a minister who doesn’t show up when things are hard, or passes the blame when it comes to affording the basics.”

-30-