Accountability and Transparency
Nova Scotia Power (NSPI) is heavily regulated, and must have approval from the Utility and Review Board (UARB) to increase power rates or make major changes to things that fall under legislation. However, Nova Scotians have been clear about wanting NSPI to be held accountable for its performance, which is not happening now.
The Electricity Plan calls on the Utility and Review Board (UARB) to establish performance standards related to power reliability, storm response, and possibly customer service. These should be in place by 2018.
NSPI will report on its performance, measured against these standards. Penalties of up to $1 million can be imposed on NSPI if standards are not met. Penalties will not impact rates, but will be paid for by NSPI shareholders.
Nova Scotians should be able to understand how power rates are set, but the regulatory process is complicated and difficult to understand. The province is streamlining the process and will work with the UARB and NSPI to work to improve how information about the electricity system is presented to the public. UARB decisions and the utility’s performance need to be clearly and consistently reported to Nova Scotians.
To learn more about…
- accountability, read Nova Scotia’s Electricity Plan (PDF 2.2 MB)
- the role of the UARB in setting power rates, read How Rates Are Set in Nova Scotia