November 7, 2005 - Communities across Nova Scotia will soon benefit from improved access to back-up electrical power during an emergency.

The second and final phase of a program to install back-up electrical power to communities across Nova Scotia will begin on Thursday, Nov. 17.

The province will help municipal emergency measures co-ordinators purchase generators for use in comfort centres throughout the province. Schools, community centres or fire halls that municipalities use to provide shelter during an emergency will be eligible for the generators.

The province will share up to 50 per cent of the cost, to a maximum of $3,600, to help municipal emergency measures co-ordinators obtain generators for their communities.

"This program will provide back-up power when needed during an emergency," Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act said today, Nov. 7. "Having portable generators is an important part of making sure comfort centres are available when needed."