Liberals: Competition In The Energy Sector Will Benefit Everyone

April 4, 2011

 

(Halifax, NS) Today, Liberal energy critic Andrew Younger will reintroduce a bill to create more competition in the energy sector by allowing producers of renewable energy to sell directly to Nova Scotia consumers.

 

"We believe that increased competition will mean Nova Scotia power rates will become more competitive," said Andrew Younger, MLA for Dartmouth East. "This will increase the availability of renewable energy, in a way that puts a lesser burden on Nova Scotia ratepayers than the NDP plan."

 

Younger notes that over the last nine years, electricity rates have increased six times.

 

"We have seen power rate increases dig deeper into the pockets of Nova Scotians," said Younger. "Families and businesses can no longer sustain this old-fashioned reliance on coal and oil."

 

Younger says the Liberal legislation would open the door to renewable energy projects in the province, which would generate jobs and much needed tax revenue. 

 

"Allowing competition in the renewable energy market also provides much needed access to capital for renewable energy suppliers while ensuring Nova Scotians get the most cost-effective and energy-effective renewable energy," said Younger. "Making the energy market more competitive would increase the number of options available to Nova Scotians, create jobs, and work as a privately funded economic development tool in many communities."

 

Younger says while the NDP talks of new electricity and renewable energy plans, their history thus far in government shows little effort spent to protect the environment and help Nova Scotians with rate stabilization. Younger notes the NDP plan fails to create a competitive marketplace to generate renewable energy. It also has pushed renewable targets out to the future and sidelined national commitments such as those on mercury reduction.

 

"Nova Scotia can be a leader in renewables or this government can miss yet another opportunity.”

 

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