Government to create regulations to stop Nova Scotia Power solar fee
Posted Feb 2, 2022 01:22:58 PM.
It appears the government is going to be taking action against Nova Scotia Power's plans to add a fee for solar customers.
Premier Tim Houston announced on Wednesday morning his government will be bringing forward regulations “to protect ratepayers and the solar industry”.
“We agree that it is time for changes to the enhanced net-metering program but the changes we seek will support the greening of the grid, not discourage it,” said Premier Houston. “Our government will bring forward the necessary legislative and regulatory framework that will protect ratepayers and the solar industry in Nova Scotia and help achieve our environment and climate change reduction goals.”
The announcement comes just a day after Nova Scotia Power's CEO Peter Gregg issued a statement saying the utility regrets the lack of consultation with the solar industry ahead of its filing with the UARB and would be delaying the fee until 2023.
The utility's proposal would see solar customers charged a monthly fee of about $8 per kilowatt of electricity, and critics have said that would be devastating.
The plan has been met with vocal criticism from environmental groups and politicians of all stripes.
The statement from government says government will “ensure” the charge will not take effect.
