Houston is not protecting Nova Scotians from data centre risks

HALIFAX – Official Opposition Leader Claudia Chender is calling on Premier Tim Houston to protect Nova Scotians from power rate shocks from data centres. Houston was on hand at the announcement of a new data centre in Point Tupper, Cape Breton this morning, despite previously saying data centres are not right for Nova Scotia.

“Nova Scotians have deep concerns about the impact of data centres, including on power rates and fresh water,” said Chender. “Meanwhile the Houston government is supporting this project without any discussion, consultation, legislation or regulations. The Premier is saying people should just trust his word that Nova Scotians will be protected. But he keeps saying one thing and doing another — that’s not the kind of leadership that Nova Scotians deserve or can trust.”

“People are worried. Bills keep rising, power is still unreliable, and the evidence shows that big data centres mean power rates go up even more. Nova Scotians can’t afford to pay even more for power, and without legislation, there’s nothing to protect families here from that same reality.”

This week, Chender wrote a letter to Houston about his decisions that risk raising power rates even more for Nova Scotians. In addition to his stance on data centres, Houston also recently backtracked on his position on securitization for Nova Scotia Power, paving the way for Nova Scotians to pay for retiring coal power assets early. In January Houston said this cost should fall to Nova Scotia Power shareholders. Both of these decisions could leave Nova Scotians paying more for power when families are already struggling to keep up.

Since the Houston government was elected in 2021, the average power bill is up $400 a year, and it’s set to rise another $250 on January 1 if Nova Scotians are forced to pay Nova Scotia Power’s bill for retiring coal plants.

“Families across the province are looking at their budgets and trying to figure out how to keep the heat on this winter,” Chender said, “Now they have even more to worry about with this reversal on data centres. The PC government must show some accountability and give Nova Scotians more to rely on than the Premier’s word that their power bills won't be impacted. As Energy Minister, Tim Houston’s first priority must be affordability.”

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