Younger Introduces Bills to Stimulate Green Power Industry

October 29, 2009

(Halifax, NS)  Liberal MLA Andrew Younger introduced three pieces of legislation in the House of Assembly today aimed at making green power more affordable and accessible for Nova Scotians.

"We need policies and legislation which stimulate the green power industry," said Younger. "We are introducing constructive pieces of legislation which make good sense and will stimulate all sectors of the industry from small to large."

One bill would allow producers of green energy or renewable energy to sell directly to consumers of electricity. This is commonly referred to as "renewable to retail". This was a recommendation of the Electricity Marketplace Governance Committee’s final report, issued to the provincial government in 2003.

"A limited opening of the market for renewable to retail would stimulate the renewable energy sector," said Younger. "We are listening to the companies and municipalities in the province which have expressed a desire to buy cleaner energy than is currently offered by Nova Scotia Power."

Another Bill, the Green Energy Promotion Act, is a response to the lack of incentives available to the public for installing green energy systems such as heat pumps, small wind turbines or solar systems. The Liberal Caucus supports incentives to homeowners or businesses that would in turn stimulate the retail industry.

A third bill would remove barriers facing producers of district heating projects. Currently, those projects must go through an expensive and long process with the Utility and Review Board. This bill would eliminate that requirement for projects aimed at less than ten customers.

"These polices together would go a long way to stimulating and supporting the green power industry in this province," said Younger. "They are constructive solutions and good public policy."

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