Nova Scotia's privately owned electric company is increasing the rates by about 4%. According to a CBC article, "Some have to choose between heating and eating as N.S. power rates go up again," this will be the third increase in five years and many poor residents and welfare recipitants can't afford to pay any more. The Affordable Energy Coalition, a coalition of anti-poverty and environmental groups are worried that the power utility will tie electricity prices to fossil fuel costs. They are pushing for Nova Scotia to become less dependent on fossil fuels and to focus on energy efficiency, and lower prices for low income people.

New "smart meters" being installed in some neighborhoods are supposed to encourage energy conservation by holding residents accountable for the amount of electricity they use, but because low-income tenants usually do not have access to the latest energy-efficient appliances and heating systems, they are at risk of being penalized for using older appliances, usually supplied by landlords. The current smart meter plan does not hold landlords accountable for energy useage, only individual tenants. Read more on the impact of smart meters on tenants on the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario website.

A coalition of anti-poverty groups pressure the Nova Scotia government to reduce the cost of utilities. Low income earners are living in substandard conditions due to the high cost of utilities. Read a CBC article regarding the issue of expensive utilities.