HALIFAX - The provincial Progressive Conservative party says they plan to intervene at a public hearing into Nova Scotia Power's request for a six per cent power rate increase over two years.

The provincial regulator has filed for a three per cent rate increase for 2013 and 2014.

But Tory leader Jamie Baillie says his party will examine the reasons behind the hike and plans to put alternatives forward at the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board hearing in September.

Nova Scotia Power has said the proposed rate increases were needed because two of its largest customers - two struggling paper mills - have greatly reduced their power bills.

Baillie says high power rates are forcing businesses and industries to fail.