News Release

HRM Moves Closer to Green Power

(Thursday, January 25/07)- New regulations under Nova Scotia's Energy Act move Halifax Regional Municipality one-step closer to finalize purchasing agreements with two wind-energy producers, says Councillor Linda Mosher, Co-Chair of HRM’s Energy and Underground Services Committee.

Councillor Mosher welcomed the announcement today by the Province that by 2013, almost 20 per cent of Nova Scotia's electricity will be generated by renewable energy -- wind, tidal, biomass, solar and hydro.

New regulations call for renewable energy increases of five per cent of the total supply by 2010, and 10 per cent by 2013, on top of renewables already in the system as of 2001. To meet the 2010 target, only independent power producers will be able to bid on new renewable projects. Electricity utilities pay a penalty up to $500,000 a day for failing to meet these targets.

Also, Energy Minister Bill Dooks announced that his department’s assessment of additional options for independent power producers to sell green energy will be completed this Spring, which include:
-- A rate for buying energy shortfalls ("top-up") and selling surpluses ("spill")
-- Legislation for the retail sale of green energy to industry, municipalities and the public.

Councillor Mosher says the Province’s move to encourage greater use of more “Green Power” sources of electricity paves the way for HRM to finalize contracts to purchase almost 40 per cent of its electricity needs from wind energy producers.

Regional Council recently agreed to enter into long-term contracts with two wind-generation power companies to purchase 22-25 gigawatts hours annually for the next 20 years.

HRM staff forecast this will result in savings of between $8.3 million and $28 million in electricity costs through the life of the contracts with Barrington Wind Energy Limited and Ventus Energy Incorporated. The savings are based on staff’s assumption that electricity costs will continue to rise in Nova Scotia. The report assumes a 2.5 per cent annual increase to achieve the $8.3 million in savings.

Final approval of the contracts are contingent on necessary amendments to the provincial Energy Act and required Nova Scotia Utility and review Board hearings and approvals.

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Councillor Linda Mosher
Co-Chair, HRM Energy and Underground Services Committee
476-4117