NDP proposes tripling energy efficiency efforts to help lower power bills

Halifax - The NDP caucus will introduce legislation today to triple energy efficiency efforts over the next few years. This is the fourth piece of legislation in the NDP’s plan to lower people’s power bills, restrict Nova Scotia Power’s profits, and address the climate emergency.

“Energy efficiency is the best way to help lower people’s power bills. While power rates may continue to increase, power bills can go down if we see adequate investment in energy efficiency,” said Claudia Chender, NDP Natural Resources and Renewables spokesperson. “With deep energy retrofits for those who need it most, people can see their power bills decline even as the rates rise.”

The previous Liberal government froze energy efficiency efforts and did very little to develop the sector and its workforce. This means Nova Scotia is now trying to catch up. The NDP has previously proposed a Green Jobs Act to get experts and sector representatives at the table to begin to expand the green workforce. Also, far too many of the existing energy efficiency programs require people to pay upfront costs, meaning that those who need the help the most are often unable to access it.

“There is a lot of work to be done to develop the required workforce and create programs to help people make their homes more comfortable and reduce their power bills,” said Chender. “This work needs to start now. I encourage my colleagues on the other side of the House to give this legislation serious consideration.”

The NDP is proposing a suite of new legislation to help lower people’s power bills, restrict Nova Scotia Power’s profits, and address the climate emergency. Recently, Chender introduced legislation to change the mandate of the Utility and Review Board to include equity and sustainability, a second bill to restrict Nova Scotia Power’s profits unless they meet a series of performance standards, and a third to study returning Nova Scotia Power to public ownership.

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