January 21, 2014 – For the first time in more than a decade, the Nova Scotia government said it will perform a comprehensive review of the province’s electricity system.

The Electricity Reform Act, passed by the government in the fall, will review emerging technologies that impact demand and supply, market trends that help stabilize electricity prices and emerging trends in the oversight and delivery of electricity generation and transmission systems.

“Our commitment to developing energy policy puts ratepayers first,” said N.S. energy minister Andrew Younger. “As our province moves toward cleaner and more innovative energy sources, we want to have an open and frank conversation about Nova Scotia’s electricity future.”

Requests for proposals for technical expertise will be issued this month, said the government, and the department is now seeking feedback on the scope of the public consultation and technical needs.

The two-phase review will look at technical factors and expert views on identifying future opportunities.

The second phase will be broad public consultation on future electricity policy. The consultation will be based on input from Nova Scotians and information from the first phase of the review.

“I look forward to engaging Nova Scotians and hearing more about their views on our electricity system,” said Younger. “I have already been invited to visit various communities and organizations to discuss our future electricity market.”

Comments for the scope of the review can be e-mailed to electricityreview@gov.ns.ca, submitted online at www.novascotia.ca/electricityfuture, or mailed to Nova Scotia’s Electricity Future, P.O. Box 2664, Halifax, N.S., B3J 3P7. The deadline for comment is February 7.

A report summarizing consultation findings is expected in spring 2015.