The Nova Scotia government is moving forward with the implementation of mandatory renewable electricity targets. As a result of this announcement, by 2013, almost 20% of Nova Scotia’s electricity will be generated by renewable energy. In particular,they will only allow bids for renewable energy projects from independent power producers during the first target period.With large fines planned, Nova Scotia power producers better take head, or risk paying 500,000 Canadian dollars A DAY.

“CanWEA is very pleased that the government of Nova Scotia has moved to further develop the province’s vast renewable energy resources, including wind energy” says Sandra Schwartz, Policy and Government Relations Director for CanWEA (Canadian wind energy association). “Wind energy is a clean, low cost resource that is poised to make a substantial contribution to Nova Scotia’s future energy needs.”

At present, Nova Scotia’s installed wind capacity 49.26 MW, is enough to power close to 150,000 homes. The new regulations will cause this base to significantly increase over the next three years.

“The significance of the potential penalties for non-compliance should encourage electricity providers to obtain renewable energy at levels that exceed the mandated requirements to minimize any risk of penalty” adds Ms. Schwartz. “We also hope the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) and the Nova Scotia government will signal support for such an approach to give electricity providers comfort and encouragement to move aggressively now. If positive steps are not immediately taken to recognize and respond to this penalty exposure, the cost of renewable energy provided to Nova Scotians may unnecessarily and sharply increase.”

In addition to its environmental benefits, wind energy delivers substantial economic benefits to rural communities across Canada through investment and job creation, lease income for landowners, and a new tax base for municipal governments.

The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) represents more than 280 companies involved in Canada’s wind energy industry, including wind turbine and component manufacturers, wind energy project developers, and service providers to the wind energy industry. CanWEA’s goal is to see 10,000 MW of wind energy capacity either contracted or installed in Canada by 2010.