NS Power wants ratepayers to cover $22M bill for last year's storm damages, repairs
Nova Scotia Power has filed an application with the province's Utility and Review Board (UARB) to have ratepayers cover the cost of last year's storm damage to the tune of $22 million.
It's a request that isn't sitting well with Premier Tim Houston.
“I wish Nova Scotia Power would have more empathy towards Nova Scotians,” Houston says.
“Folks are already paying a lot in Nova Scotia when it comes to power. If you look at the last couple of years, you’ve seen combined increases near 15 per cent bills and people just can’t afford this,” adds Jay Goldberg, the interim Atlantic director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
The power company says it spent $32 million last year as a result of severe storms.
The $22 million it's now looking for ratepayers to pay is what's not already covered by the current rates.
The UARB had previously given them approval in their general rate application to seek compensation if storm damage costs exceeded $10.4 million.
“Nova Scotia Power has got to realize that the Nova Scotia taxpayer and ratepayer are not a piggy bank they can keep going back to,” says the province’s Liberal leader, Zach Churchill.
NDP leader Claudia Chender says simply asking the utility to rethink its application isn't enough.
“Nova Scotia Power is a company, that’s not their job. Their job is to maximize return for their shareholders and so at the end of the day, if we want to influence our relationship with Nova Scotia Power, we do that through provincial legislation," says Chender.
Houston says he would like to see the utility to be more proactive instead of reactive when it comes to dealing with severe weather events.
“They should constantly be investing in upgrading their lines. That’s their obligation to make sure people have reliable power,” he says.
If the rate hike is approved, Nova Scotian's will see an average increase of 1.3 per cent on their bills beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
The utility says that increase will only last for one year and will be removed from ratepayers' bills in 2026.
Houston says it's possible his government will step in and fight the request.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.