US EditionN.S. Tories noncommittal on 2024 pledge to cap power rate hikes to national average
Nova Scotia Power proposes an 8.1% residential rate increase amid government uncertainty on capping hikes as opposition parties highlight affordability concerns.
- On Jan. 6, 2026, Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative government declined to confirm if capping rates to the national average remains under consideration, despite Premier Tim Houston's 2024 campaign promise.
- After absorbing fuel costs in 2024, the government absorbed $117 million and secured a $500-million federal government loan that averted a 19 per cent hike, shaping current Nova Scotia Power rate debates.
- Opposition parties argued `After campaigning on a promise to prevent these huge increases, the Houston government has failed to take action to ensure Nova Scotians can afford their power bills`, Iain Rankin said in an interview Tuesday.
- A Nova Scotia Energy Board hearing begins Wednesday in downtown Halifax and could continue until Jan. 16, with Department of Energy representatives and opposition leaders set to appear.
- Nova Scotia Power argues the hikes fund a $1.3-billion plan to strengthen the grid and improve storm response, generating $180 million over two years and potentially affecting credit ratings, Morrison Park Advisors warned.
15 Articles
15 Articles
‘Just and reasonable’ or ‘unmanageable burden’? Nova Scotia Power rate hike goes before public hearing
Nova Scotia Power says its proposal to raise rates over the next year by more than eight per cent for most customers is “just and reasonable,” as it heads into a public hearing that will determine whether the changes can go ahead. But critics say the ask is too much for households already struggling with the high cost of living.
NiagaraFallsReview.ca
Nova Scotia Power wants to hike residential rates, premier says utility out of touch
HALIFAX - A provincial energy board hearing on Nova Scotia Power’s application to raise residential electricity rates begins today.
Winnipeg Free Press
N.S. Tories noncommittal on 2024 pledge to cap power rate hikes to national average
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
NDP call for higher accountability and lower rates from Nova Scotia Power » The Laker News
HALIFAX: N.S. NDP Leader Claudia Chender presented her party’s argument against Nova Scotia Power’s rate application, on Jan. 7, which would see rates increase another eight per cent over the next two years. Chender argued that in the absence of a full review of the company, the proposed increase is unreasonable given the high bills, poor service and complete lack of trust Nova Scotians have in the utility provider. The intervention from the op…
Eight percent power rate hike not a done deal
On the public hearing's first day, witnesses for Nova Scotia Power faced tough questions from Nova Scotia Energy Board lawyer Bill Mahody and board chair Stephen McGrath. The regulator dissected the utility's chosen method to calculate how much residential customers should pay.
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