Amherst
Amherst - September 29, 2014
The following provides a high-level summary of comments received during Electricity System Review public consultation meetings. They do not represent a consensus or a majority of opinions, but simply comments and dialogue captured by department staff.
Energy Sources
- The effects of wind turbines featured predominantly in many discussions and the views on renewables were shared by many participants.
- Many thought we should continue with renewables as long as they are not harmful to people or wildlife (wind turbines) and that policies need to support people, not profits.
- Some participants thought we should be replacing our supply technologies with more efficient models.
- Some participants thought we have an opportunity to do things differently – reinvent, reimagine – tidal development.
- Participants generally thought import opportunities should benefit Nova Scotians.
- Some participants felt that we should be looking at local opportunities for electricity generation, within the municipality, while others felt that cost should determine opportunities.
- Participants generally thought we should supply energy to Nova Scotia first, and export what we don't need.
- Participants generally thought we should be focusing on energy efficiency.
Innovation
- Some felt that we can’t wait for innovation (we should do it now) while others were generally supportive of innovation but felt that we should not pursue innovation just for the sake of change.
- Participants generally thought we should be using innovation to focus on local development.
- Participants generally thought there needs to be more education and communication - and a paradigm shift.
Governance
- Questions were raised regarding why there should be profit on a public good – why does so much profit go to Emera.
- Particpants generally thought there needs to be better oversight of Emera.
- Some thought there should be strengthened competition between NSPI and Efficiency NS.
- Some participants thought Nova Scotia Power should be public again.
- Some particpants expressed concern there could be negative consequences from performance-vased regulation (PBR) and that we could lose business.
- Participants generally thought we should focus on lowest cost, reliability, accountability, customer service, and employment stability (local linesmen).