Nova Scotia Power appears more focused on their bottom line than yours.
They buy energy from numerous sources: coal, gas, wind, solar, and whatever they pay, a part of that cost is passed along to you. This is why we must ensure Nova Scotia Power buys energy at the lowest possible price - to keep rates as low as possible for consumers.
There is one obvious way to lower these costs: use Nova Scotia natural gas. We have enough natural gas to meet our power demand for nearly 200 years. But, instead of drawing it from beneath our feet, Nova Scotia has to import natural gas through the United States at a significant, inflated cost.
In fact, in Nova Scotia we pay (approximately) over $15 a unit for natural gas. Compare that to Alberta and parts of British Columbia—self-producing provinces—where they pay just over $3 a unit. Imagine the difference if we were able to use our own gas, like Alberta, and not have to import it at exorbitant rates.
There are many of us who use gas but don't realize it. If you are living in an apartment building, there’s a chance you use natural gas. There’s also a chance your employer uses it—many farms and factories do.
No matter what, if the cost of natural gas comes down (by using local gas), you will benefit. The benefits will come because Nova Scotia Power uses it and the current high cost of natural gas would be reflected in your bill.
If we used local gas, at a lower price, it has the ability to lower our bills. We could actually develop our own natural gas resources. People often ask, “But Tim, is it really possible to develop our gas safely?” Well, this is a question that must be properly answered. That’s why our government is working with Dalhousie University and launching a new research program. It will assess our onshore reserves, review new technologies, and answer outstanding questions.
The world—and technologies—has evolved, but until now we’ve ignored those advancements. It’s like we are still using a landline phone because we are nervous to accept the cellphone as a true advancement.
This Dalhousie research will help us understand what can truly be done safely. It can also ultimately lay out the science-based best practices for gas development that will work in Nova Scotia.
It's past time that we stop simply saying “no” and instead roll up our sleeves and put in the work necessary to answer the fair questions that exist. The investment through Dalhousie will do this. It's a $30 million research project and it is a critical part of the path to lower power bills.
This is one opportunity we should all want to say yes to.
Premier Tim Houston