YOUNGER INTRODUCES BILLS TO STIMULATE GREEN POWER INDUSTRY
Date: Thursday October 29, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLA Andrew Younger introduced three pieces of
legislation in the House of Assembly today aimed at making green power
more affordable and accessible for Nova Scotians.

"We need policies and legislation which stimulate the green power
industry," said Younger. "We are introducing constructive pieces of
legislation which make good sense and will stimulate all sectors of the
industry from small to large."

One bill would allow producers of green energy or renewable energy to
sell directly to consumers of electricity. This is commonly referred
to as "renewable to retail". This was a recommendation of the
Electricity Marketplace Governance Committee’s final report, issued to
the provincial government in 2003.

"A limited opening of the market for renewable to retail would
stimulate the renewable
energy sector," said Younger. "We are listening to the companies and
municipalities in the province which have expressed a desire to buy
cleaner energy than is currently offered by Nova Scotia Power."

Another Bill, the Green Energy Promotion Act, is a response to the lack
of incentives available to the public for installing green energy
systems such as heat pumps, small wind turbines or solar systems. The
Liberal Caucus supports incentives to homeowners or businesses that
would in turn stimulate the retail industry.

A third bill would remove barriers facing producers of district heating
projects. Currently, those projects must go through an expensive and
long process with the Utility and Review Board. This bill would
eliminate that requirement for projects aimed at less than ten
customers.

"These polices together would go a long way to stimulating and
supporting the green power industry in this province," said Younger.
"They are constructive solutions and good public policy."

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