Changes to Power Rates

CHANGES TO POWER RATES


On May 1, 2026, power rates changed.

 

Why are rates changing?

We filed this General Rate Application (GRA) knowing many customers would have concerns about any increase in power rates. We worked closely with customer representatives on a solution that would balance the real affordability pressures Nova Scotians face, with the need to invest in a reliable, future-ready power system. We're committed to being transparent about why costs change, what we're doing to keep them as low as possible, and what programs exist to help customers manage their bills.

What does this mean for my bill?
  1. The Base Charge is a set charge for the cost of delivering electricity and maintaining electricity service. As of May 1, 2026, the Base Charge will go from $19.17/ month to $20.08/ month.

  2. As of May 1, 2026, the Energy Rate will change from 18.187 cents per kilowatt-hour to 19.128 cents.

 

What will this look like on my bill?
 
The first bill after May 1 Rate change showing previous and new rates showing


Your bill typically has two charges. The first bill after May 1, 2026, will show four charges - two charges for the Base Charge and two charges for the Energy Rate. The first charge is for electricity you used before May 1 at the old rate. The second is for electricity used after May 1 at the new rate. The rest of your 2026 bills will have the usual two standard charges at the new rates.

Your bill’s previous Energy Rate was effective from January 1st to April 30th 2026. The new Energy Rate is effective May 1st 2026. What does this mean for residential customers?

 

 

To learn more about billing, click on your rate program below.

 
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Residential Rates

Choose a rate plan that's right for you and your home!

Rates for Residential Customers
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Business Rates

Whether you're a small, medium or large business, we've got a rate plan for you!

Rates for Business Customers

Save Energy and Money

We are committed to letting our customers know of any changes when the Nova Scotia Energy Board finalizes their decisions. We know that any rate increase can be challenging as the cost of living continues to be high.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
Why does the May 1, 2026 increase seem higher than 3.1% on my bill?

You may notice that the difference between the old energy rate and the new energy rate looks higher than the 3.1% quoted for residential customers in the filing. This is because the General Rate Application was filed in September of 2025. At the time of the filing, the energy rate for residential customers was 18.561 cents per kilowatt-hour. Included in this rate was a Storm Rider for costs above a certain threshold associated with storms in 2023 that was collected through the energy rate from January 1 to December 31, 2025.

On January 1, 2026, the Storm Rider was removed from the energy rate, and the rate went down slightly to 18.187 cents per kilowatt-hour. The new energy rate as of May 1 is based on the 2025 energy rate at the time of the filing – a 3.1% increase on 18.561 cents per kilowatt-hour - bringing the new energy rate to the 19.128 cents per kilowatt-hour you see on your bill.

What will I see on my bill?

The Base Rate and the Energy Rate will both change on your bill. Your first bill after this rate change will show the Base Rate before May 1 as well as the Base Rate after. It will also show energy charges for electricity used at the old rate prior to May 1, 2026, and at the new rate, after May 1, 2026. The rest of your 2026 bills will have a single base charge and your new energy charge.

What was the process to file this General Rate Application?

After more than six months of discussions, consultations, and information sharing, we developed a consensus approach with customer representatives to make a General Rate Application (GRA) filing for 2026–2027 customer rates (Tuesday, September 2, 2025). The GRA outlines to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) the revenue required to support the investments needed to meet the needs of customers in Nova Scotia—today and into the future. To learn more, visit nspower.ca/gra

Where are you investing the money?

Together with customer representatives, we committed to finding a solution to the increasing need to invest in reliability, balanced with the very real cost pressures on customers. At the core of our approach are the critical reliability investments required to make the grid as strong and resilient as possible. Our existing Reliability Plan includes over $1.3 billion in reliability-focused upgrades over five years, including storm hardening, vegetation management, and grid modernization. This GRA supports the first two years of our five-year plan. These investments will allow us to:

1. Proactively invest in the grid to make it stronger and more reliable.

2. Expand tree trimming and vegetation management programs to reduce outage risks.

3. Upgrade our infrastructure to prevent future power outages and ensure long-term reliability.

4. Improve storm response to get the lights back on faster after extreme weather events.

5. Enhance customer communication to provide real-time updates on outages and restoration.

Is there support for customers who can’t afford rising rates?

We know there are basic cost of living pressures on Nova Scotians right now, such as food, housing, electricity, and heating. We’re committed to supporting and providing resources to help with the cost of electricity for customers who live on low or fixed income, including the HEAT Fund program.

Visit our Save Energy and Money page which includes a variety of options and tools for you to help take control of your energy use, manage your power bill, and save money. This includes payment plans like Equal Billing.

Other support resources available through the Nova Scotia Government are the Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) and  Efficiency Nova Scotia. We're committed to working with low-income advocates to find more opportunities to help Nova Scotians.

Why are the costs for efficiency programs recovered on power bills?

The cost of delivering energy efficiency programs that encourage cost savings for customers are collected through power bills. This is a requirement set out by the province. Learn more about Energy Efficiency Programs.

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Customer Support

We are here to help and have flexible, interest-free payment plans like Equal Billing. 

Equal Billing allows you to roll your current bill balance in with your annual usage for one predictable, interest free monthly payment. This helps you manage your budget by spreading the cost of your annual electricity use over 12 equal monthly payments.  Learn more here >

We also have other interest-free payment options available. For your comfort and convenience, you can hear payment options and select a plan using our automated system by calling 1-800-428-6230. There is no need to speak to an agent if one of these options works for you.  

To support our customers, we also offer income-based programs, such as the HEAT Fund, to help you manage your heating bills. There are also support programs available through the government and Efficiency Nova Scotia. We continue to work with customer advocates, including the Affordable Energy Coalition, as well as the provincial government, on ways to ensure support for our customers living on a lower income.

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