The Nova Scotia government has signed a 10-year power purchase agreement for its public housing portfolio, locking in rates for electricity generated at the Mersey River Wind Project. The 33-turbine, 148-megawatt facility is currently under construction in Queens County, on Nova Scotia’s south shore, with the expectation that it will begin producing power in 2027.

The deal is projected to deliver a 37,000-tonne annual reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across roughly 12,400 housing units and potentially save the provincial housing agency $25 to $50 million over the extended life of the contract. The latter estimate is based on historical increases in Nova Scotia Power’s rates versus the contracted guarantee of a 1 per cent fixed annual cost increase. The agreement also allows for two five-year extensions after the initial 10-year period.

“By using renewable electricity to power public housing, we are taking action that makes sense for taxpayers and the Province,” maintains John White, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Housing.

The power supplier, Renewall Energy Inc., is the first company to be licensed as a direct renewable energy retailer in the province. Since receiving that approval from the Nova Scotia Energy Board in 2024, it has signed contracts with more than 30 commercial, institutional and industrial customers, including for about 45 per cent of the Halifax Regional Municipality’s corporate electricity consumption.

Financing for the Mersey River Wind Project draws on a $206 million loan from Canada Infrastructure Bank, $25 million from Natural Resources Canada and $700,000 of financial and in-kind support from the Nova Scotia government. The development is also eligible for a federal clean technology investment tax credit for up to 30 per cent of qualifying capital costs.