Nova Scotia Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs

An opportunity in Nova Scotia renewable energy exists with the Nova Scotia Government’s process of implementing a Feed-in Tariff (FIT) policy. FIT policies typically increase the amount of renewable energy produced in a region by paying people a higher than the retail price for electricity they produce. On July 4th 2011, the NS Community Feed in Tariff (COMFIT) rates were announced:

• Wind Power over 50 kW: $0.139/kWh
• Wind Power under 50 kW: $0.452/kWh
• Biomass (combined heat and power): $0.156/kWh (to be reviewed regularly)
• In-stream Tidal Power under 0.5 MW: $0.652/kWh
• Run-of-the-river Hydroelectricity: $0.14/kWh

Information on Nova Scotia’s COMFIT is provided online (http://www.nsrenewables.ca/feed-tariffs/community-corporations/quick-guide) and participation in the program can be achieved through the formation of a CO-OP.

The Colchester Regional Development Association (CoRDA) is proposing to support the forestry and farming industries in Nova Scotia through a process of sector consultations and workshops that will allow foresters and farmers to participate in the COMFIT program.

If there are any questions please contact CoRDA at ewicks@corda.ca

Tracy M. Thompson

Forestry Extension Assistant

Department of Natural Resources

P.O. Box 698

Halifax NS B3J 2T9

thompstz@gov.ns.ca

Phone: (902) 722-1066

Fax: (902) 424-7735