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Nova Scotia to remove efficiency tax from power bills
April 23, 2014 - An energy efficiency legislation introduced earlier this month will get Nova Scotians a break on their electricity bills by removing the efficiency fee starting January 2015.
April 23, 2014 By Alyssa Dalton
“The efficiency tax is coming off and electricity bills will go down next year,” said Andrew Younger, energy minister. “We’ve improved how energy efficiency programs are delivered and introduced competition for Nova Scotia Power.
The approach ensures that Efficiency Nova Scotia remains independent of Nova Scotia Power, with oversight by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, he added.
The province’s energy efficiency plan was also introduced and sets objectives that aims to save energy, lower costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It proposes a new model for energy efficiency program delivery to ensure investments are more competitive, affordable, and accountable, said Younger.
Meanwhile, amendments to the Public Utilities Act include the addition of an energy efficiency and conservation section that:
• removes the efficiency tax effective January 1, 2015,
• requires Nova Scotia Power to purchase cost effective, reasonably available energy efficiency, and
• provides the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board with regulatory oversight of efficiency programs and to determine affordability.
The demand side management fund established by the Efficiency Nova Scotia Corporation Act will be wound down over the next year and the existing assets, liabilities and employees will be transferred to a new non-profit entity. The new entity will administer activities and programs under the Efficiency Nova Scotia brand.
“We’re fortunate to live and work in a province committed to energy efficiency,” said Allan Crandlemire, CEO of Efficiency Nova Scotia. “The team at Efficiency Nova Scotia is eager and ready to embrace its evolution to help build a prosperous, sustainable province.”
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