Reports show urgent need for proper study of Muskrat Falls   
      
HALIFAX, NS – Progressive Conservative leader Jamie Baillie says the NDP won’t listen to experts calling for a full cost-benefit review of the Lower Churchill project because it might jeopardize meeting their self-imposed energy targets in 2020 – a risk Baillie says could cost Nova Scotians dearly.   
   
Yesterday, a report by Manitoba Hydro concluded the Lower Churchill project is a good deal for Newfoundland and Labrador, but several experts have questioned whether it's a good deal for Nova Scotia. Baillie says it is proof that a cost-benefit review needs to be done immediately.   
   
“It is highly irresponsible for the NDP to push ahead based on their own interests when they haven’t done the homework on behalf of Nova Scotians,” said Baillie. “Nova Scotia ratepayers deserve a full cost-benefit review and the NDP need to get on with the job.”
   
Nova Scotia ratepayers are expected to contribute $1.2 billion to the megaproject but last week, Premier Darrell Dexter told media that he won't do a cost-benefit analysis because “Newfoundland and Labrador have already done a cost-benefit analysis” and the Nova Scotia government won’t “re-do the math”.  
   
“Only a Nova Scotia cost-benefit analysis, comparing all of our energy options, will be able to assure us that this project will deliver more affordable electricity to our homes and businesses,” said Baillie. “Credible experts are lining-up to call for a full Nova Scotia review. It might be the right project but we need to make sure this megaproject is getting the best value-for-dollar for Nova Scotia ratepayers.”  
   
Baillie says a PC government will put all megaprojects and possible generation options through a thorough analysis and share the results with all Nova Scotians so they can decide which project they can support. A PC government will also provide more transparency around power rates and the costs behind them.  
   
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