If you live in the town of Mahone Bay, your electrical bill is about to go up.
The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board says due to rising market prices for fuel, there will be a 30.6% increase in the rate, with 20% being immediate, while the remaining 10.6% going into effect, January.
The board approved the rate hike, after a day-long hearing. Town staff also argued the cost of operating is more expensive than it was, since the last rate application, nearly 15 years ago. The Utility will have an operating deficit for not implementing the full rate hike immediately, so they will get a loan from the Town which they will pay back in the coming years.
To avoid similar hikes in the future, the town is investing in community generated power.
The Ellerhouse Wind Farm, already supplies over 40% of the community’s energy needs and is in partnership with the Towns of Berwick and Antigonish. Another 16-18% of energy is anticipated to be from the solar garden currently under construction at the Town’s Wastewater treatment facility.
More information can be found here.
