NSP seeks rate hike to fund conservation programs
Posted Apr 20, 2010 05:41:30 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Nova Scotia Power is asking the Utility and Review Board to approve another rate hike of about $2 a month.
The money will pay for energy conservation programs which include home retrofits, energy efficient light bulbs and rebates for energy efficient washing machines.
During hearings on Monday, top NSP officials said these measures will mean less demand, so the utility will burn less fuel, which will generate nearly $200 million dollars in savings.
Vice-president Alan Richardson says the program takes the company to a cleaner future in a way that saves customers millions of dollars.
He says the cheapest, cleanest kilowatt hour is the one that doesn’t get produced.
The Affordable Energy Coalition pointed out that 50,000 Nova Scotia renters who are unable to use these programs will still have to pay for them through their power bill.
Consumer advocate John Merrick suggested closer scrutiny to figure out which programs offer customers the most bang for their buck.
