‘The people want change’: ACORN points to soaring electricity costs in Nova Scotia

ACORN Nova Scotia members rally outside the Spring Garden Road library in Halifax. (Jesse Thomas/CTV News Atlantic)

Nova Scotia ACORN members are gathering outside the Halifax Central Library to draw attention to soaring electricity costs across the province.

On Tuesday at noon, they’re hanging up real power bills on a clothesline to showcase the impact of rising rates on tenants, according to a news release from ACORN.

“The government needs to understand how these power rates are affecting everyday Nova Scotians,” ACORN spokesperson Darryl King says in the release.

“Nova Scotians experience some of the highest energy costs in the country, while NS Power enjoys an annual nine per cent profit margin approved by the province,” the release reads.

“Despite this, Nova Scotia Power sought approval to raise rates by another 3.8 per cent in 2026, and 4.1 per cent in 2027.”

The provincial regulator made the decision to adjust NS Power’s proposal in March, though rates are still expected to go up.

In a statement, Premier Tim Houston says he strongly disagrees with the regulator’s decision. He calls it, “out of touch in every way.”

He says he expected more from the board, after an extensive hearing where experts presented clear evidence on why the board should reject Nova Scotia Power’s request.

“At a time when people are already dealing with the fallout of a cyber breach that put their personal information at risk, billing systems producing estimates they don’t trust, and real anxiety about what their next power bill will look like, now is not the time for a rate hike,” he writes.

Houston also notes the province’s move to advance onshore natural gas development so Nova Scotians can have more choice in utilities.

“The people want change,” says King. “The province has the power to bring about the change we need.”

The ACORN demonstration is set to commence at noon Tuesday outside the Halifax Central Library at 5440 Spring Garden Rd.

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