Report of the Energy Poverty Task Force - The Energy Poverty Task Force The Vision

Report of the Energy Poverty Task Force May 2024 The Energy Poverty Task Force The Energy Poverty Task Force was created in response to the duress and publicity surrounding high, volatile oil prices and increasing electricity prices in 2022, and the Nova Scotia Government’s substantial increase in the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (“HARP”) payments on a one time basis that same year. [...] Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables staff and the Affordable Energy Coalition set up the Energy Poverty Task Force. [...] It provides a comprehensive analysis of energy poverty in Nova Scotia and recommends a comprehensive program to systematically reduce energy poverty for low and moderate-income households. [...] Clean Electricity Solutions Task Force (CESTF) Recommendation 12 from the CESTF final report dated February 23, 2024 reads: The Nova Scotia government should evaluate the Ontario subsidy programs, as highlighted by the Affordable Energy Coalition, and other programs to determine the best way to deliver a “Made in Nova Scotia” suite of programs to help with residential electricity costs. [...] Conclusions The Energy Poverty Task Force is hopeful that our work will lead to positive change that will reduce energy poverty for Nova Scotians who suffer from the many consequences of high, unaffordable energy bills.