After reviewing all evidence presented during the hearing, the Nova Scotia Department of Energy has filed its closing submission with the Nova Scotia Energy Board, urging it to reject Nova Scotia Power’s proposed 2026–2027 residential rate increase.

The Department argues Nova Scotia Power has failed to meet its burden under the Public Utilities Act to demonstrate that the requested rate increase is “just and reasonable,” particularly as households, businesses, and municipalities continue to face ongoing cost pressures.

“Nova Scotians are already stretched, and electricity is not optional,” said Premier Tim Houston. “The tone-deaf rate increase for residential customers request should be rejected, and Nova Scotia Power should focus on improving performance and earning the public’s trust after an incredibly stressful and damaging cyber breach.”

Key Requests to the Energy Board

In its extensive closing submission, the Department of Energy is asking the board to:

  • Reject Nova Scotia Power’s residential rate change request
  • Set the utility’s return on equity at 7.6 per cent, rather than nine per cent, to reduce pressure on customer bills
  • Conduct a transparent review of coal asset valuations and depreciation, aligned with coal phase-out commitments and the public interest, with a view to writing down assets to an appropriate level
  • Disallow $20 million in proposed spending for Lingan 2
  • Treat securitization as unproven and not rely on it for decision-making without clear ratepayer benefit and fair asset valuation
  • Closely scrutinize Nova Scotia Power’s forecast for 507 additional full-time equivalent positions in 2026 and consider ordering an independent savings review
  • Maintain interest on regulatory deferrals at the legislated default rate of the Bank of Canada policy rate plus 1.75 per cent, unless clearly justified otherwise
  • If any increase is approved, ensure it does not apply retroactively through proration while billing and meter issues persist

Call for Accountability

“The energy board’s job is to ensure rates are just and reasonable,” Premier Houston said. “Our submission is clear: Nova Scotia Power should demonstrate stronger performance and transparency before Nova Scotians are asked to pay more.”