Nova Scotia Power, NB Power announce pilot project aiming to save $20M

NB Power and Nova Scotia Power are teaming up to deliver electricity to both provinces, in hopes of saving up to a combined $20 million per year.

The utilities have launched a one-year pilot project of so-called "co-operative dispatch," which they say will optimize power generation, improve efficiency, and help them meet renewable energy and emissions standards.

Their generating stations will be dispatched as one fleet using the current tieline capacity, without any additional investment, they said in a joint statement on Friday.

"This is the next step in a co-operative relationship between our two utilities to find common sense ways to benefit our region," said Bob Hanf, the CEO of Nova Scotia Power.

Builds on reserve sharing agreement

The two utilities already have an agreement to share the responsibility for back-up generation.

NB Power president and CEO Gaëtan Thomas calls the latest agreement, "significant."

"We’re two small provinces and close neighbours with a long history of co-operation. Working together to find ways to benefit New Brunswickers and Nova Scotians – to save them money in their homes and businesses – is the right thing to do for our region," he said.

"We’re pleased to continue working closely with our friends in Nova Scotia to find new and innovative ways to help our customers."

The pilot began early testing in January, recently expanded and is planned for the next 12 months.

The estimated cost savings will depend on several factors, including weather and fuel costs, and are based on a time frame between 2015 and 2022, officials said.