Houston must ensure Wind West benefits Nova Scotians, lowers power bills

HALIFAX – Today Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender made the following statement about today’s announcement of funding to prepare the Wind West project:

“Nova Scotians want clean, reliable power they can actually afford. Big projects like Wind West hold promise to help meet that need, and we support the expansion of our ocean science and technology sector. With any energy investment or announcement, it is vitally important to understand how these projects help Nova Scotians to afford their power bills and secure our energy future. Today’s announcement is a small step toward studying this project, but the benefits remain far off, while families are struggling right now.

During Houston’s time as Energy Minister, power bills have risen dramatically. They are already higher than Nova Scotians can afford, and last week Houston changed his position and paved the way for another increase in January, which will mean Nova Scotians’ bills will be up 6.8% by January 1. Families are facing a cold winter, worried about how they’ll afford their bills and heat their homes. They need their government to step up to help them now.”

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