CanREA: Amendments to Nova Scotia Electricity Act a Major Step Forward for Community Solar in Canada

EIN CanREA logo

September 24, 2021

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) applauds the Government of Nova Scotia for introducing amendments to the Province’s Electricity Act that will expand access to renewable energy, including by opening the door to Canada’s first provincial regulatory framework for shared community ownership of net-metered solar PV generation.

Nova Scotia’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Chuck Porter, announced the amendments on April 7.

“This announcement clearly signals that the Government of Nova Scotia is committed to enhancing opportunities for solar energy to help reach its targets for renewable energy and Net Zero GHG emissions,” said CanREA President and CEO, Robert Hornung.

The changes will enable more businesses and households, including apartment tenants, to adopt solar energy through a shared ownership or subscription model.

Amendments will also allow non-residential customers to scale up their solar installations, with a new cap on system size to be determined through stakeholder consultation.

“While many details remain to be determined, this announcement signals a major step forward for community solar and we look forward to working with our members and community stakeholders over the coming months to help design an inclusive and equitable Shared Solar Program for the benefit of all Nova Scotians,” said Hornung.

CanREA has long advocated for expanding access to net-metered solar in Nova Scotia. In 2019, CanREA (operating at the time as the Canadian Solar Industries Association) published the Nova Scotia Market Outlook and Labour Force Study, which found that the residential solar market in Nova Scotia could support up to 1,170 full-time jobs throughout the Province, while reducing Nova Scotia’s GHG emissions by 32,000 tonnes per year by 2030.

“This announcement clearly signals that the Government of Nova Scotia is committed to enhancing opportunities for solar energy to help reach its targets for renewable energy and Net Zero GHG emissions. While many details remain to be determined, this will be a major step forward for community solar and we look forward to working with our members and community stakeholders over the coming months to help design an inclusive and equitable Shared Solar Program for the benefit of all Nova Scotians,” commented Robert Hornung, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

Source

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Virtual Training for Electricians Available at Many IBEW Canada Training Centres Across the Country

    Virtual Training for Electricians Available at Many IBEW Canada Training Centres Across the Country

    June 23, 2025 Virtual Training for Electricians (VET) is now available at many IBEW Canada Training Centres nationwide — and more are coming online soon! Whether your centre is already equipped or in the process of setting up, this is a game-changing opportunity you won’t want to miss. Need assistance? Contact the NETCO team. What… Read More…

  • Designing for Demand: The Role of Transformers in a Resilient EV Future

    Designing for Demand: The Role of Transformers in a Resilient EV Future

    June 23, 2025 Transformers in the EV Charging Boom: Are We Ready for the Load? As electric vehicles (EVs) continue their rapid rise, one question looms over the energy sector, municipalities, and developers alike: Is our infrastructure truly ready for the surge in demand? From city streets to highway rest stops, new EV chargers are… Read More…

  • The Time is Now: An Industrial Energy Efficiency Action Plan

    The Time is Now: An Industrial Energy Efficiency Action Plan

    June 23, 2025 In a whitepaper released on June third, ABB has set out the scale of the challenge facing the global industrial sector and emphasizes the critical role of industrial energy efficiency in meeting rising energy demand while strengthening energy security & affordability and driving industrial competitiveness. With 45% of the world’s electricity converted… Read More…

  • Multi-Family Construction Intentions Weigh Down Residential Sector

    Multi-Family Construction Intentions Weigh Down Residential Sector

    June 23, 2025 In April, the total value of building permits issued in Canada decreased by $829.6 million (-6.6%) to $11.7 billion. British Columbia (-$1.2 billion) led this decrease in construction intentions, which was mitigated by Ontario (+$299.3 million). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in April fell by 6.6% from the previous… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Stanpro Makes Significant Donation to Help Haven on the Queensway Move to a Larger Facility

    Stanpro Makes Significant Donation to Help Haven on the Queensway Move to a Larger Facility

    June 23, 2025 In an effort to provide essential resources to individuals and families in need in the GTA, EFC members once again stepped up to support Haven on the Queensway, a community resource centre in Etobicoke, ON. Earlier this year, Haven secured a new, larger location nearby its existing facility to meet growing demand… Read More…

  • Metalumen Manufacturing, Inc. Announces NRG INTENSI-T as New Sales Agency in Quebec

    Metalumen Manufacturing, Inc. Announces NRG INTENSI-T as New Sales Agency in Quebec

    June 23, 2025 Metalumen Manufacturing, Inc. is pleased to welcome NRG INTENSI-T as its new sales agency for the Quebec region. This partnership strengthens regional support and reflects a shared commitment to innovation and excellence. Since 1977, Metalumen has been designing, engineering, and manufacturing lighting products that blend functionality with design, offering luminaires tailored to… Read More…

  • IDEAL Electrical™ and BILT® Make it Easier to Learn Conduit Bending

    IDEAL Electrical™ and BILT® Make it Easier to Learn Conduit Bending

    June 23, 2025 Conduit bending – one of the hardest skills for professional electricians to master – is now easier than ever to learn, thanks to a first-of-its kind partnership between BILT, an app that has revolutionized step-by-step interactive instructions for DIYers and IDEAL Electrical, a 108-year old manufacturer of electrical tools and supplies for professional electricians…. Read More…

  • Introducing the New WAGO App: Your Jobsite Sidekick

    Introducing the New WAGO App: Your Jobsite Sidekick

    WAGO at your fingertips — scan the QR to get the app now. Stay connected with WAGO wherever you go. Download the WAGO App to access product details, documentation, configuration tools, as well as local distributors — all from your mobile device. Scan the QR code to get started on the App Store or Google… Read More…