Report Recommends Feed in Tariffs for Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia has become the second Canadian province after Ontario to consider Feed-in Tariffs. A report commissioned by the Provincial Government, “A New Renewable Energy Strategy for Nova Scotia”, was tabled on December 31, 2009 and includes a key recommendation that community enterprises receive a feed-in tariff for Wind, Biomass, and Combined Heat and Power.
On July 28, 2009, Nova Scotia Energy Minister Frank Corbett announced aggressive new targets for renewable electricity. By 2015, 25 per cent of Nova Scotia’s electricity will be supplied by renewable energy. To help figure out how best to reach the targets, the province asked David Wheeler of Dalhousie University to consult with interested parties and report back to government.
Dr. Wheeler’s report “A New Renewable Energy Strategy for Nova Scotia”, was tabled on December 31, 2009. It makes three key recommendations:
1. Power utilities and independent power producers be responsible for the delivery of the bulk of the target, overseen by a new renewable energy procurement body and system operator;
2. Community enterprises receive a guaranteed price for electricity through a feed-in tariff with an initial goal of 100MW capacity; and
3. Ordinary citizens and small and medium sized enterprises be encouraged to become engaged in renewable energy generation and use.
The Report includes 25 more detailed recommendations. One urges the Premier of Nova Scotia to make an early statement of intent to establish Feed In Tariffs covering - at a minimum Wind, Biomass, and Combined Heat and Power. This would declare a confidence building direction for renewable energy in the province.
Cheryl Ratchford from CanREA member Ecology Action Centre served on the Project Advisory Steering Committee.
