Province to Hold Nova Scotia Power Accountable for New Mercury Emissions Caps

The province has taken steps to reduce the impact of rising electricity costs on Nova Scotians and set an even more ambitious target to reduce mercury emissions over the long term.

The Department of Environment has amended air-quality regulations that affect Nova Scotia Power, which contributes the majority of the province's mercury emissions. The regulations give the company more time to implement technologies that will meet mercury targets in a more affordable way.

"Nova Scotians told us they couldn't afford the rate increases Nova Scotia Power needed to meet the 2010 mercury emissions cap, and we listened," said Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau. "We are keeping power bills affordable while ensuring there is a solid plan to better protect the environment over the long term."

On Wednesday, Dec. 8, the Utility and Review Board announced that residential electricity rates will increase over the next three years. It could have been another five or six per cent higher if the province enforced the 2010 cap, according to Nova Scotia Power's projections from the summer.

"We're taking action to transform our energy mix to one that's cleaner, greener and more affordable," said Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks. "Our target of having 40 per cent of our electricity generated through renewable sources such as wind and hydro by 2020 makes us less vulnerable to the rising costs of burning imported coal."

Nova Scotia Power now has until 2014 to reach 65 kilograms, which was the emission cap set for this year. The 2010 cap for the utility is set at 110 kilograms, which is less than the 2009 cap.

The emission caps will continue on a downward trend leading to a new 35 kilogram per year target for 2020:

• 2011 cap is 100 kilograms
• 2012 cap is 100 kilograms
• 2013 cap is 85 kilograms
• 2014 cap is 65 kilograms
• 2020 cap is 35 kilograms

"We worked with Nova Scotia Power to ensure these new caps are achievable and the company will be accountable for meeting them," said Mr. Belliveau.

The regulations require Nova Scotia Power to submit its plan for meeting the new emission caps by March 31 and make up for any emissions over 65 kilograms per year, in the years 2010 through 2013, by 2020. The company will report to the department annually.