2010 Renewable Electricity Plan

Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan for Good Jobs, Stable Prices and a Cleaner Environment

Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan sets out a detailed program to move Nova Scotia away from carbon-based electricity towards greener, more local sources. Nearly 90 percent of the province's electricity supply comes from fossil fuels - most of it coal. Coal made more sense when it was mined here in Nova Scotia, but now we buy it from others. This over-reliance on a single fuel source drains wealth away from the province and has a negative impact on both our health and our environment.

The province is committed to making a change, and to keeping its commitment to make life better for Nova Scotia families.

Now this change is the law. By 2015, 25% of Nova Scotia's electricity will be supplied by renewable energy sources.

For more information on Nova Scotia's new renewable electricity regulations and new feed-in tariffs, go to: www.nsrenewables.ca.

Read the Renewable Electricity Plan.
Lire le plan de en matière d'électricité.
Read amendments to Electricity Act.
Read the Renewable Electricity Regulations.

Highlights

View images, video, and sound from plan launch.

25% Renewable Electricity by 2015
This plan commits the 2015 target of 25% renewable electricity to law.

The New Goal: 40% Renewable Electricity by 2020
By 2020, this goal means more than 500,000 homes will be running on renewable power - more than enough energy for every residential customer in Nova Scotia.

Community Projects: Fixed Price
This plan establishes a community-based feed-in tariff for municipalities, First Nations, co-operatives and non-profit groups. Businesses who operate through a CEDIF (Community Economic Development Investment Fund) also qualify.

Individuals and Small Business: Enhanced Net Metering
Projects up to one megawatt and connected to multiple meters within a single distribution zone will be eligible to use two-way meters. Excess power will be purchased at retail rates.

Large Projects: Regulation + Competition
Half of all large- and medium-scale projects will be set aside for Independent Power Producers, with bidding to take place under a competitive system. All bid processes will be managed by a new authority, the Renewable Electricity Administrator. NSPI will be responsible for the other half, with projects evaluated and approved by the NS Utility and Review Board.

Tidal Power: Small and Large Support
A feed-in tariff will be offered for small-scale and large-scale projects.

Solar: Qualifies under Net Metering
Solar will qualify as a renewable resource under the enhanced net metering program.

Biomass: Proceed with Caution
Forest biomass will play a role in meeting the 2015 target but there will be caps on new generation.