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 and/or comment on the draft 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.