N.S. takes aim at green energy
Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables Tory Rushton introduced legislation Wednesday that will take away Nova Scotia Power's control over who gets access to the power grid.
The proposed Energy and Regulatory Boards Act splits the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) into new two new boards. The new Nova Scotia Energy Board would be responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, pipelines, regulation enforcement and retail gasoline.
The remaining responsibilities of the utility and review will stay with a restructured and renamed regulatory and appeals board.
The bill says the board must consider the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. Nova Scotia is legislated to get off coal by 2030 and has committed to being net-zero by 2050.
The proposed legislation also opens the door for Nova Scotia Power to build a nuclear power generating station.
Last week, the Clean Electricity Task Force released its report calling for the creation of two new entities: an independent operator to control energy system planning and an independent energy regulator.
Other proposed legislation would create an independent energy system operator to manage the operations of the electricity system, making sure electricity is delivered “where and when it is needed.”
It will manage the connection of renewable energy projects to the grid formerly under the jurisdiction of Nova Scotia Power.
The new independent, non-profit organization will be managed by a CEO who will report to a board of directors initially appointed by the government. The group will take on responsibilities for system planning and procuring new energy sources. The changes are touted as a move to enhance transparency and accountability to Nova Scotians and the energy sector.
The provincial energy board is expected to be established this year with the new system operator up and running by late next year.
Rushton said bold changes are needed to the electricity system to ensure “Nova Scotia ratepayers have clean, reliable and affordable electricity.”
He said Wednesday’s bill will make sure ratepayers will get “the lowest-cost options and put the province in a better position as we move to clean energy.”
The current chair and members of the UARB will continue to serve the new boards and no job losses are expected because of the legislation. Affected Nova Scotia Power and UARB employees will be offered positions within the new entities.