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NDP Asks UARB To Focus on Electricity Affordability |
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Written by NDP News Release
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Thursday, 15 December 2005 |
In its final submission to the Utility and Review Board, NDP Energy Critic Frank Corbett and the NDP Caucus are calling on the UARB to ensure that any rate increase approved for Nova Scotia Power is offset by giving consumers a way to achieve greater energy savings through conservation and must consider the affordability of electricity
when rendering its decision.
"The UARB cannot deny that this rate increase is an unreasonable burden for Nova Scotians," Corbett says. "They must consider the consumer's ability to pay."
"In considering this rate increase request, the board must ask how it will impact every family in Nova Scotia, particularly seniors, low-and modest-income earners."
During the hearings, the NDP presented a petition signed by 32,563 Nova Scotians, calling for no more power rate increases until the utility and the government work together to help power consumers achieve 15% energy savings through conservation.
For low-income consumers, the NDP has asked the UARB to consider the proposal by the Affordable Energy Coalition, which calls for a system of supports for those consumers.
The NDP submission also calls on the UARB consider the role of demand-side management, increasing energy conservation efforts for all consumers and increasing the use of renewable energy sources to achieve energy savings and reduce fuel costs. The NDP also suggests savings for ratepayers may be achieved by limiting the amount of money NSP can take in profit, noting the utility has retained about $100 million a year in
earnings.
"Nova Scotia Power has a near-monopoly and for that reason, has a responsibility to Nova Scotians to provide an affordable, reliable product. If they're not doing that, the shareholders should shoulder the burden, not consumers." |
