Liberals demand inquiry into Nova Scotia Power after cyberattack, rate hike proposal

Nova Scotia Liberal interim Leader Derek Mombourquette (left) is seen in Halifax with Liberal MLA and energy critic Iain Rankin on Oct. 23, 2025. (Jesse Thomas/CTV Atlantic News)

The Nova Scotia Liberals are calling for an independent review of Nova Scotia Power, saying there’s been a string of repeated failures at the utility, and it’s time changes are made to rebuild public trust.

“The review is long overdue,” said interim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette.

The Liberals say Nova Scotians deserve more accountability from the utility and an independent review can help get those answers.

“For years we’ve seen the same patterns,” said Mombourquette. “More outages, more reliance on coal, falling behind on renewable (energy) targets and no meaningful upgrades to the grid.

“The utility repeatedly fails to meet its own performance standards and yet Nova Scotians are left footing the bill.”

The call comes just days after Premier Tim Houston appointed himself as energy minister, replacing former minister and Richmond MLA Trevor Boudreau, after the Progressive Conservative government shuffled its cabinet.

Houston said the change was necessary to turn Nova Scotia into an “energy superpower” and to drive the economy forward for generations.

Mombourquette said he’s heard Houston say he’s disappointed in Nova Scotia Power and its current power rate hike proposal, which would see rates increase by 3.8 per cent next year and 4.1 per cent in 2027.

He’s urging the government to follow New Brunswick’s lead and launch an independent review into the utility to identify what’s gone wrong and show a clear plan for how the system will deliver cleaner, more affordable and dependable power.

“If the premier truly wants to lead on energy, leadership starts with taking responsibility,” said Mombourquette. “And with listening to Nova Scotians who are paying more and getting less.”

The Liberals suggest the review should look closely into the cybersecurity attack on Nova Scotia Power in March, when hackers stole the personal and sensitive information, including social insurance numbers, of more than 277,000 customers.

The review should also look at how Nova Scotia Power is managing its transition to clean and renewable energy, to ensure everyone has a clear picture of the utility’s pathway forward, said the Liberals.

“If this government refuses to take this step, they are accepting the status quo and letting these failures continue,” said Liberal MLA and energy critic Iain Rankin.

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