Lower Bills and Increase Efficiency - QP
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : On the topic of affordability, we often hear this government talk about protecting the ratepayers of the province. The fact is, people don't pay rates, they pay bills, and the number one way to lower those bills is through increasing the energy efficiency of people's homes. There are no downsides. Efficiency can be the cheapest form of fuel. It increases the comfort and value of homes, it creates jobs, and it is critical for meeting our net-zero ambitions.
My question is for the Premier « » : Does he agree that to lower bills, we must increase our ambitions on energy efficiency?
THE PREMIER « » : Of course. Energy efficiency is incredibly important. Big fan of Efficiency Nova Scotia and the work that they do, 100 per cent. Just to complete the circle for the member, the bills that Nova Scotians pay are based on rates, and we will protect the ratepayers of this province, which is a little different experience than Nova Scotians were used to when the NDP was in power, when the power rates went up by 25 per cent over four years. That won't happen on our watch, Mr. Speaker. I can guarantee you that.
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I thought that was tired five years ago. I guess he can't think of anything else to criticize us about, Mr. Speaker.
What the Premier says is true, though. We have a proud history in this province of striving for energy efficiency. We had the first energy efficiency utility in Canada. The Liberals capped efficiency spending. The goals for efficiency in this government's legislation are vague. The latest Efficiency Canada report notes that our progress is stalled. (Interruption)
THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable member for Dartmouth South has the floor.
CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I'll table that. We need workforce development, coordination, and a plan for deep retrofits that create jobs and make power bills, which can come down separate from rates with high energy efficiency, affordable for everyone.
My question, again, is for the Premier « » : When will this government present a clear and ambitious plan for deep retrofits so that every house in this province can count on lower energy bills?
THE PREMIER « » : I know the member might be tired of hearing of her party's record when they were in government, but I can assure you that Nova Scotians don't forget. I hear about it every day when they say to me: Premier, please don't let our bills go up like happened under the NDP. We won't, Mr. Speaker.