Article contentChender also pointed to comments made by Nova Scotia Power’s CEO this week that for the utility to provide a differential power rate, it would need “legislative change from the government, and that is not forthcoming.” Article contentArticle contentLiberals: They should have been more direct with NSPArticle contentInterim Liberal Leader Derek Mombourquette, a former energy minister, said that government members should not be shielding the department of energy from questions. Article content“That makes no sense. That’s why we’re government. It’s about transparency. Departments should be there,” he said. Article contentMombourquette said Nova Scotians have been raising concerns about the skyrocketing estimated bills for months and that Houston has not used all the resources available to him to relieve the strain. Article content“You look at everything. You look at legislation that could come forward, you look at monetary punishment,” he said. “I think they should have been more direct with Nova Scotia Power. I don’t think that they’ve had open lines of communication with Nova Scotia Power at all. since this thing has really begun.” Article contentArticle contentHe added that as energy minister, Houston needs to be “stern” and “to really lay out on the table what the potential options are if Nova Scotia Power doesn’t clean this up.” Article contentArticle contentGovernment hints at possible penalties Article contentHouston said the province is assessing its options, including fines or new legislation. Article content“We’re looking at a number of things (including) asking the board for a fine, asking the regulator for a fine. . . . There’s a building across the street. We can pass legislation. We can do all kinds of things,” he said. Article contentDespite criticism, Houston maintained that his government will, at the end of the day, do what is best for Nova Scotians. Article content“We will defend their interests at every opportunity. We will stand up to Nova Scotia Power and protect the ratepayers.”Article contentArticle contentA widening divideArticle contentThe opposition said the province’s plans for growth in the energy sector like offshore investments make Houston’s role especially consequential. Both parties said the premier cannot distance himself from the current failings of Nova Scotia Power.Article contentChender said the current approach leaves Nova Scotia without any signs of relief.Article content“The Nova Scotians I talk to want to know how they’re going to heat their homes this winter, and we heard precious little about that.”Article contentMombourquette had a similar sentiment regarding the government’s approach.Article content“There’s a lot of stress in families right now with the cost . . . so it’s unacceptable to me.”Article content
Opposition slams Houston after PC’s reject calling department of energy to committee
