Halifax: Nova Scotia Power announced June 10 having reached a new renewable energy milestone, delivering 30% of the province’s electricity from renewable sources in 2018.
"Nova Scotians want a cleaner energy future for themselves and our children," said Karen Hutt, President & CEO of Nova Scotia Power. "But we know as we manage this change, we can’t overlook affordability. So, as we continue to achieve new records in renewable electricity, we remain focused on ensuring electricity prices stay predictable and affordable for our customers."
Over the past five years, annual rate increases have averaged below the rate of inflation for residential customers and most business customers. Nova Scotia Power has also managed a 36% reduction of carbon emissions from 2005 levels – ahead of the COP21 Climate Conference in Paris target of a 30% reduction from 2005 levels by 2030. NSP projects a 58% reduction by 2030, almost double the international climate conference’s goal.
Currently wind power is the largest contributor to renewable energy in Nova Scotia, accounting for 18% of electricity in 2018. Given wind’s variability, that can vary from day to day, and sometimes hour to hour. Nova Scotia Power says it’s not unusual at times for renewable sources to provide 50% or more of the province’s electricity, while at other times it can be closer to 10%.
The utility notes that, before long, wind’s dominance will be challenged by hydro power, thanks to the Maritime Link subsea transmission line to Newfoundland and Labrador. Accessing hydroelectricity from Newfoundland and Labrador will enable Nova Scotia Power to provide 40% renewable energy in 2020.