NDP flip flops as NS still without energy plan
posted:
Jul 23 2010Clarke, Cecil
HALIFAX – By pushing the goal post from 2010 to 2014 to meet air quality regulations, the NDP are hoping Nova Scotia Power Inc. will back off their proposed rate increase of 12 per cent for residential consumers.
Nova Scotia Power has indicated that a substantial aspect of the decision to request a rate increase was made because it was struggling to meet government set environmental targets.
“I stand with all Nova Scotians when I say I am pleased the government is attempting actions to protect consumers,” said Progressive Conservative Energy critic, Cecil Clarke. “However, ‘attempting’ is the key word here as no discussions have taken place between government and Nova Scotia Power on whether or not the decision will result in a decrease of proposed rates.”
Clarke believes it will become increasingly difficult to plan for the future as long as Nova Scotia continues without a detailed energy plan in place.
“When the NDP government is making energy policy on the back of a napkin, Nova Scotians suffer,” said Clarke. “An energy plan would guide policy over the next five or ten years, including aspects on how we would meet the targets being set. You cannot simply pull figures and emission requirements out of the sky – they need to have a solid base.”
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For more information, please contact:
Sarah Reeves, Communications Officer
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Caucus
902.424.7723 (office)
902.499.9948 (mobile)
