Nova Scotia charges ahead on renewables
The government plans for 40 per cent of all electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020. That would supply as many as 500,000 homes.
The NDP government has already set a goal of 25 per cent by 2015, and now plans to make that law.
Currently, only 12 per cent of Nova Scotias power comes from renewable sources such as wind turbines. Most of the provinces electricity is generated in coalfired plants.
These standards make Nova Scotia one of the most progressive energy jurisdictions in the world, said Premier Darrell Dexter. There are costs but in the long run consumers will pay less than if we stay on the current path.
The provinces plan, which includes a guaranteed price for communitybased power producers, is expected to attract $1.5 billion in new investments and create hundreds of jobs.
Residential power bills are expected to climb. In five years, the average household could pay an additional $15 a year to help the province reach its goals.
Provincial officials said their aggressive plan will make Nova Scotia a global leader in green energy.
I think they are stretch targets but they are achievable, said Robin McAdam, Nova Scotia Powers vicepresident of sustainable development. We arent hamstrung if tidal [power] doesnt pan out.
Premier Darrell Dexter said it will mean more stable power prices for consumers and a more secure supply of energy.
Related News
A Texas-Sized Gas-for-Electricity Swap
DALLAS - What would happen if you converted all the single-family homes in Texas from natural gas to electric heating?
According to a paper from Pecan Street, an Austin-based energy research organization, the transition would reduce climate-warming pollution, save Texas households up to $452 annually on their utility bills, and flip the state from a summer-peaking to a winter-peaking system. And that winter peak would be “nothing the grid couldn’t evolve to handle,” according to co-author Joshua Rhodes.
The report stems from the reality that buildings must be part of any comprehensive climate action plan.
“If we do want to decarbonize, eventually we…
