Truro
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.
Truro - September 31, 2014
Energy Sources
- One person thought the definition of renewables is unclear – biomass is renewable in Germany but many do not agree that burning wood should be considered a renewable source of electricity as using wood for electricity is causing shortages.
- Some participants suggested that renewables are often seen as not having consequences – but they believed there were health impacts to those around wind turbines. More renewables have to be respectful of those who are impacted by these projects. [Note: views expressed before Health Canada study was released].
- It was suggested that we should also be looking to reduce our electricity use.
- One person questioned whether we have thought about why we would want to add more than the required renewables.
- Others questioned whether producing more electricity here is sensible in terms of cost.
- Some suggested we should be importing more natural gas, since we cannot have a grid without fossil fuels.
- Some suggested we should focus on preventing energy poverty.
- A number of people thought we should go more in the direction of renewables with storage options – but we can’t put all our eggs in one basket, diversity is important.
- A number of people took the view that if we produce energy here, there should be added spinoffs for Nova Scotians. They suggested that we should also consider efficiency, and cost (if it can be produced more efficiently and cheaply other places then we should consider importing).
Innovation
- A number of participants suggested that the future depends on new technology – but tax payers should not be involved.
- One person said we should learn from others, that it doesn’t look like we are good at picking winners (Trenton). It is hard for Nova Scotian companies to tackle the global market.
- Some thought there should be more focus on staying on top of research and development.
- Some thought there should be more focus on codes and standards – make energy sources more efficient (co-generation).
- Some people felt that there were concerns regarding privacy and smart grid, and allowing the utility to control various appliance functions, while others felt that we should be doing what is in the best interest of everyone. If the grid can function more efficiently with that technology, then that is what we should be doing.
- Some thought there should be a focus on storage if we are to keep going with renewables.
- Concern was expressed by some about costs of electricity during peak periods for time of day rates, as they don’t want to limit lifestyle to certain hours (particularly seniors).
- One person suggested a provincial wind park, out of the way of residential areas.
Governance
- It was suggested by some that Nova Scotia Power has too much power, and more competition is needed.
- It was suggested that the only real competition NSPI has is its customers not using as much power.
- Some thought generation and distribution should be separate issues.
- It was suggested that there needs to be tracking in terms of how we will know that the grid is being managed effectively.
- A number of people wonder whether self-ownership, or more co-ops may be better than more retailers.
- Concern was expressed by some that certain things will be overlooked if we move to performance-based regulation (PBR).
- A number of people viewed safety as something that should be expected, not rewarded.
- Outage length, frequency of communications to customers, and the environment are the top considerations for PBR.