Rising fuel costs zapping power utility


CSA Z462 Arc Flash Training – Electrical Safety Compliance Course

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 6 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$249
Coupon Price:
$199
Reserve Your Seat Today
Rising fuel prices are zapping Nova Scotia Power's pocketbook and are behind the utility's latest application to hike rates.

Volatile world petroleum costs are impacting the price of fuel and putting pressure on the bottom line, suggested Rob Bennett, Nova Scotia Power's new president and chief executive officer.

"It's obvious that we need to recover these real costs we incur in the process of producing electricity for Nova Scotians and that's what the upcoming rate hearing is all about," he said during a speech to Bridgewater-area business leaders.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will hear Nova Scotia Power's request for a 12.1 per cent rate hike on September 15. The increase would become effective by January 1, 2009.

The company is producing multi-million-dollar profits but feels customers will be understanding of their request.

"The company has performed very well in the first half of this year but we will really need that momentum to carry us through to an average year's performance by the end of 2008 and that's primarily because we're seeing the impact of increasing fuel costs now in our business," he told this newspaper after his address.

"Nobody wants to see rates go up. Nobody is happy when prices increase but certainly people recognize that the cost of fuel in the world as we know it today has changed dramatically."

Seven weeks into his new position, Mr. Bennett has been speaking to chambers of commerce about the challenges ahead facing Nova Scotia Power. One of the steepest learning curves for him has been getting used to the public profile this latest rate hearing has assumed.

He said the utility wants to be fair and open to its customers and shareholders and be effective in the long term. That's where Mr. Bennett feels wind energy "holds the most immediate promise" with its accessibility and competitive pricing.

They are also eyeing the Bay of Fundy for tidal generation.

Mr. Bennett said to look for Nova Scotia Power to take the lead in helping its customers save money by using less electricity.

"The most important thing that I can reinforce with customers is the importance of conservation and energy efficiency," he said.

Related News

France and Allies Plan Emergency Energy Support Talks for Ukraine

France is planning emergency energy support discussions with G7, Nordic, and Baltic partners to coordinate…
View more

Wartsila to Power USA’s First Battery-Electric High-Speed Ferries

San Francisco Battery-Electric Ferries will deliver zero-emission, high-speed passenger service powered by Wartsila electric propulsion,…
View more

Ontario Breaks Ground on First Small Modular Nuclear Reactor

Ontario SMR BWRX-300 leads Canada in next-gen nuclear energy at Darlington, with GE Vernova and…
View more

European Power Hits Records as Plants Start to Buckle in Heat

European Power Crisis intensifies as record electricity prices, nuclear output cuts, gas supply strain, heatwave…
View more

The Innovative Solution Bringing Electricity To Crisis Stricken Areas

Toyota and Honda Moving e delivers hydrogen backup power via a fuel cell bus, portable…
View more

BC Hydro Rates to Rise by 3.75% Over Two Years

British Columbia electricity rate increase will raise BC Hydro bills 3.75% over 2025-2026 to fund…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.