Canadian Taxpayers Federation opposes NS Power rate hike

Nova Scotia Power’s proposed rate hike is getting mixed reviews from groups and advocates.

Nova Scotia Power’s proposal to raise rates over the next two years isn’t sitting well with everyone.

If approved by the Nova Scotia Energy Board, residential rates would increase by 4.1 per cent in 2026 and again in 2027.

They say it will help pay for $1.3 billion in maintenance and improvements to the electricity grid.

“If you look at the past couple of years, Nova Scotians have been struggling with high cost of living. We’ve seen years of high inflation across Canada, and now Nova Scotia Power wants to pile on even more higher energy bills. So, we’re certainly opposed to this proposal,” says Devin Drover, the Atlantic director with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

“Instead of perhaps asking hardworking Nova Scotians to pay more, maybe Nova Scotia Power should be looking a bit internally and finding out how they can trim their own costs and work more effectively.”

The utility says the settlement was reached after six months of discussions and consultations with customer service representatives.

“The negotiated settlement that has been filed with the Board reflects a long process looking at the costs of a more reliable, safe and green electricity grid while balancing the need for affordability,” says Small Business Advocate Melissa MacAdam in a written statement. “The SBA believes that the agreement represents a reasonable resolution of these competing pressures.”

On Tuesday, Premier Tim Houston called the utility’s move “out of touch,” and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation agrees.

They want the province to step in and have a more “direct” role in the situation.

“It’s clear citizens, taxpayers, seniors, families in this province are concerned about this rate hike. And I think it should be something that the government should look at potentially intervening in more directly to address this issue,” says Drover.

Nova Scotia Power is expected to file the settlement by the end of the month.

The new rates would be effective Jan. 1 of both years.

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