Emera - Nova Scotia Power Acts on Customer Advice, Proposes $5 Million More for Conservation

Nova Scotia Power Acts on Customer Advice, Proposes $5 Million More for Conservation – June 28, 2005

June 28, 2005, Halifax, NS - Nova Scotia Power wants to give customers five million reasons for making better energy choices.

The electrical utility is proposing to invest $5 million towards new conservation and energy efficiency measures next year, a five-fold increase over current levels. A Customer Energy Forum will also take place this coming fall to discuss with customers the best ways to direct these new dollars.

"Our customers told us that Nova Scotia Power should do more to share information on conservation and energy efficiency. Our regulator asked us to sit down and talk with our customers on conservation issues. We agree with both pieces of advice and we're taking action," said Chris Huskilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Scotia Power.

"There are so many factors outside of our control, such as the price of fuel, that affect the cost of electricity. But by listening to our customers and promoting better energy choices through conservation and energy efficiency, we're doing everything we can to help customers control costs in a way that is good for our environment."

In support of the Customer Energy Forum, Nova Scotia Power announced the development of a leadership team, which will meet over the summer and early fall to prepare the agenda. Chaired by Alan Richardson, General Manager of Customer Service, Nova Scotia Power, the team already includes the support and insight of the following people and organizations:

Dick Smyth, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association
John Woods, Electricity Consumers Association of Nova Scotia
Steve Machat, Clean Nova Scotia Foundation
Sue Barr, United Way of Halifax Region
Paul Pettipas, Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association
Hal Dobbelsteyn, Nova Scotia Department of Energy
Cathy O'Toole, Halifax Regional Municipality
Sheri Lecker, Adsum for Women and Children

"This leadership team will be charged with making sure that Nova Scotia Power not only has the right answers, but asks the right questions of our customers," added Huskilson.

At a Customer Energy Forum hosted by Nova Scotia Power last fall, 92% of customers expressed support for the utility providing more information to help people make better choices on how they use energy in their homes and businesses. The Utility and Review Board (UARB)'s decision of March 31, 2005, also directed the company to initiate a technical conference process on conservation issues.

Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emera (TSX-EMA), a diversified regional energy company. NSPI provides more than 97% of electric generation, transmission, and distribution to 460,000 customers across Nova Scotia.