Through a Union Lens from Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Power’s Rate Hike: Why “Business as Usual” Fails Working People

Nova Scotia families are bracing for another hit to their household budgets. Nova Scotia Power has filed for new rate hikes: a 3.8% increase in 2026 and another 4.1% in 2027. For working people already stretched thin by grocery bills, rent, and stagnant wages, this hike is out of touch with everyday reality.

The company claims it needs the money for “grid modernization” and storm repairs. But the truth is, households will pay hundreds more a year while Nova Scotia Power’s executives and shareholders keep lining their pockets. This is on top of some of the highest power rates in the country.

Once again, it’s everyday Nova Scotians, small businesses, and municipalities carrying the weight, while big business gets smaller increases, or even cuts. And this comes only months after Nova Scotia Power’s massive data breach that put hundreds of thousands at risk. Instead of accountability, they’re back at the regulator asking families to bail them out.

Action, not sound bites: Premier Tim Houston has called Nova Scotia Power “out of touch.” But he hasn’t acted to bring the utility in line. Becoming an “intervener” in the hearings is a procedural move, not a solution. Nova Scotians don’t need more sound bites or far-off promises about offshore wind. They need relief now, help to keep the lights and heat on this winter.

What Real Action Looks Like

It’s time to stop business as usual and start putting people first:

• Cap or freeze rates for working families while inflation remains high.
• Cut bloated executive pay and bonuses until service actually improves.
• Bring utilities under public ownership or not-for-profit models so they serve people, not shareholders.
• Invest now in energy efficiency and supports for households at risk of disconnection.

Nova Scotia Power has been allowed to act like a monopoly with no real checks for too long. And government after government has let it happen.

Workers and families can’t afford more empty promises. We need leadership that stands up to Nova Scotia Power, holds them accountable, and puts the needs of people before profits.

Until that happens, these rate hikes are just more business as usual in a system that is stacked against working people.