More Clean Energy Coming to the Annapolis Valley

Community organizations are adding more clean, renewable solar energy to Nova Scotia’s electricity grid with support from the province.

Kings South MLA Keith Irving, on behalf of Energy and Mines Minister Derek Mombourquette, announced today, Sept. 17, that four organizations in the Annapolis Valley have been approved for the Solar Electricity for Community Buildings Program.

“This program supports community energy initiatives that help put new ideas into action and make the most of our energy opportunities,” said Mr. Irving. “Together we are reducing emissions and building on Nova Scotia’s successes as a leader in fighting climate change.”

The approved projects are:

• Nova Scotia Community College Annapolis Valley Campus: 75 kilowatts
• Town of Wolfville: 45 kilowatts
• Southwest Hants Fire Society: 32 kilowatts
• Centrelea Community Club: 25 kilowatts

“Wolfville’s Strategic Plan and Municipal Planning Strategy emphasize environmental sustainability and the legacy we will leave for future generations,” said Mayor of Wolfville, Jeff Cantwell. “We must vet every local action, purchase and program through a climate change lens to evaluate its impact on our own communities. This project will help us show the leadership required to achieve this.”

This year, a total of 27 applications were selected from across the province. If all projects are completed, Nova Scotia will add 1,617 kilowatts of renewable electricity to the grid. That’s more than double last year’s total.

All applications were overseen by Clean Foundation, the independent procurement administrator.

The average selling price this year for electricity generated through these projects is 25.4 cents per kilowatt hour. The impact to ratepayers is capped at 0.1 per cent, which is already built into the province’s rate stability plan.

The program is for Mi’kmaw communities, registered non-profit or charitable organizations, municipalities or organizations owned by municipalities, universities or community colleges in Nova Scotia.

The program will be offered for one more year. For more information on the program, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/solar .