Digby
The following provides a high-level summary of some of the 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.
Digby and Yarmouth - September 10 & 11, 2014
Note: The results summary for Digby and Yarmouth has been combined due to low attendance at the Yarmouth session, and consistency in responses in Digby and Yarmouth.
Energy Sources
- Many people thought the province should continue to add renewable energy sources and cited environmental benefits, lower cost of fuel, and economic development as benefits.
- Most people also thought the full cost of the electricity should be considered. This should include the expected cost of fuel over the life cycle of the project, not just the capital cost. (For example, wind includes capital and operating costs, but once the turbine is in place the cost of operating is relatively low and the wind itself is free, while coal includes capital, operating and significant, unpredictable ongoing fuel costs.)
- Many people in the area supported tidal energy as the focus for future electricity supplies, but they also questioned whether tidal was viable just for the local market or whether we should export?
- Some people thought we should produce more our electricity in NS, while looking for regional solutions and export markets.
- A number of people suggested that a social lens (benefits for society) is the most important consideration in selecting future energy sources, and longer term price stability is second.
Innovation
- Some participants suggested that Nova Scotia should look at local vs. global technology solutions.
- A number of people suggested we should invest in energy management solutions. They suggested more public participation in the management of energy which will require a combination of education and technology.
- Some thought we should consider the cost of education versus the cost of new technology. For example, some seniors may not be interested in using or learning new technologies.
- People also raised the question of whether we should consider technologies that turn waste into energy.
Governance
- People generally thought performance standards should address power outage length, upgrading infrastructure, and improving reliability.
- Many people thought increasing competition would bring better returns to Nova Scotians.
- A number of people suggested that seniors are on a fixed income, and there needs to be more consideration for the cost of electricity on low income families.
- A suggestion was made to separate system operation from generation.