At the core of Nova Scotia's Renewable Electricity Plan is a desire to shed the province's dependence on fossil fuels
Published Saturday April 24th, 2010
"We can't continue to be hostage to international fossil fuel prices and markets that are driven by speculation, natural disasters and other things beyond our control," said Premier Darrell Dexter on Friday.
So, the plan aims to move the province away from electricity generated from imported coal, and instead encourage wind and tidal power projects.
Overall, the plan calls for 40 per cent of the province's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020.
In the shorter-term, 25 per cent of electricity will be drawn from renewable sources by 2015.
"Together these standards make Nova Scotia one of the most progressive energy jurisdictions in the world," Dexter said, noting the plan will increase electricity bills in the province by one to two per cent annually.
Among the plan's other highlights:
* Equal participation between Nova Scotia Power (the main utility) and independent producers for medium and large-size projects.
* A new authority, the Renewable Electricity Administrator, to judge proposed projects and oversee the competitive bidding process.
* A fixed price, or feed-in tariff, for renewable power, to encourage community-based projects. A fixed price, says the government, will allow long-term planning, which will persuade municipalities and communities to produce their own renewable power.
* Enhanced "net metering", which credits consumers for the energy they produce from small wind, solar and other renewable generators.
* Fixed prices for small-scale tidal projects, if further development proves safe.
* The province will encourage the use of natural gas to fill the power supply when wind power is not readily available.
* Projection of $1.5 billion in green power investments.
Source: Quentin Casey
Sunday, April 25, 2010
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