CanREA calls on the Nova Scotia Government to restore consumer confidence by challenging recent actions taken by NSPI.
Ottawa, January 28, 2022—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is calling on the Nova Scotia Government to restore consumer confidence by challenging recent actions taken by Nova Scotia Power Inc (NSPI).
A new rate application, submitted by NSPI to the province’s Utility & Review Board yesterday, proposes to introduce a “system access charge” for net-metering customers.
“We are calling on the Government of Nova Scotia to intervene to ensure that Nova Scotians can continue to pursue rooftop solar installations and make significant climate-friendly investments in the province,” said Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs.
NSPI’s proposed system access charge, of $8 per kilowatt of solar PV capacity per month, or nearly $800 per year for the average solar home in Nova Scotia, would erase approximately 60% of the economic value of solar net-metering.
“This proposed charge would have a direct impact on small businesses and homeowners seeking to contribute to Nova Scotia’s target of reducing greenhouse emissions and achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030,” said Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director of Distributed Energy Resources.
There are now more than 4,000 solar homes across Nova Scotia. The industry supports hundreds of jobs throughout the province, primarily in rural communities, and last year contributed approximately $30 million in private-sector investment to the Nova Scotia economy while helping to reduce the province’s GHG emissions by nearly 250,000 tonnes.
-30-
Quotes
“We are calling on the Government of Nova Scotia to intervene to ensure that Nova Scotians can continue to pursue rooftop solar installations and make significant climate-friendly investments in the province.”
—Brandy Giannetta, CanREA’s Vice-President of Policy, Regulatory and Government Affairs
“This proposed charge would have a direct impact on small businesses and homeowners seeking to contribute to Nova Scotia’s target of reducing greenhouse emissions and achieving 80% renewable electricity by 2030.”
—Nicholas Gall, CanREA’s Director of Distributed Energy Resources
About the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA)
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. Our aim is to ensure wind energy, solar energy and energy storage play a central role in transforming Canada’s energy mix. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter. Become a member. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.
For more information or for interview opportunities, please contact:
Communications
Canadian Renewable Energy Association
647-268-3382
communications@renewablesassociation.ca
