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Dexter Calls On Government To Step In And Help All Consumers |
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Written by Staff
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Friday, 10 March 2006 |
Opposition Leader Darrell Dexter says that the 32,000 people who signed the NDP's petition to stop power rate increases until they received help with reducing electrical consumption will be very disappointed with today's power rate increase decision.
"It is clear today that neither the Utility and Review Board nor Nova Scotia Power have the will to seriously address the impact on today's families," say Dexter. "More people will be forced to choose between food and power. It is time for government to step in with a major effort to help Nova Scotians conserve energy and save money."
Dexter stressed that Nova Scotians who are on low or fixed incomes will suffer the most and may not be able to handle the 9% increase imposed by NSP today. He also expressed concern that because of a continued increase in the global price of energy sources, power rates in the province will continue to rise as well.
The opposition leader is proposing two methods to help ease the burden of numerous rate increases - NSP must move quickly toward utilizing alternative energy sources including wind and tidal power. Secondly, NSP must begin efforts to help consumers better control the amount of power they use.
Dexter says that he is disturbed by the Board's approval of higher disconnection and reconnection charges. He says that this will just add to the financial burden that rising energy costs are already placing on low income consumers. He also feels that the delayed decision on rates for Bowater and Stora will only add to uncertainty in industry and may prolong settlement of the lockout at the Stora Enso plant in Port Hawkesbury.
"Electrical power is a necessity," says Dexter. "When the price of that power starts to outstrip the consumer's ability to pay it's time for government to step in. It's time for government to provide leadership and solutions. Time to face the challenges of an expensive energy source and time to help Nova Scotians reduce
consumption." |
