Pricing Carbon

Emera’s cleaner, affordable energy strategy means we are working to reduce GHG emissions across our operations. We work with government and regulators on emissions policy, bringing forward solutions that are in the best interest of our customers and making energy cleaner.

Carbon Pricing in Canada

Beginning in 2018, every Canadian province will be required by the federal government to set a price on carbon. This will help Canada achieve its target of 30 per cent reduction of GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and commitment to the Paris Climate Accord.

Carbon pricing in Nova Scotia will be implemented under a cap-and-trade system and inherent in the hard carbon cap on the electricity sector. Under our current plans to continue our investments in renewable energy, Nova Scotia Power is on track to reach 58 per cent reduction in GHG emissions in Nova Scotia by 2030. The Nova Scotia Power team continues to provide input into the Canadian framework and the Nova Scotian approach in conversations with government.

Canadian government phasing out coal

By 2030, the Canadian government wants 90 per cent of electricity in the nation to come from non-emitting sources, up from 83 per cent today. This is another step in achieving targeted reductions in Canada’s GHG emissions. The 90 per cent target means that coal generation will be phased out across Canada.

The Nova Scotia Power team has been working with governments, stakeholders and regulators over the past decade to plan the transition to renewable energy in a way that balances carbon reduction targets and costs for customers. Currently, Nova Scotia Power’s coal units play a role to support variable wind generation and provide peak load during the cold months of winter. We are working on innovative solutions to support increased renewables on our grid, such as grid and home battery storage solutions and microgrids.

In November 2016, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada announced a new equivalency agreement that will enable the province to move directly from fossil fuels to clean energy sources.

Nova Scotia Power is on track to reach

58%

reduction in GHG emissions by 2030