Topic:"Affordability" in M13093

Other charges Usage Adjustment -982.25GST/Harmonized Tax Adjust -137.5188.40 Adj Provincial Rebate Tax: HST (11931 4938 RT) 603.67 Provincial Rebate -388.08 Total other charges -815.77 Total Account Balance $5,812.95 Equal Bill: Owing $150...

AI summary The text outlines various charges and adjustments on an electricity account, including usage adjustments, GST/Harmonized Tax adjustments, provincial rebate tax, and provincial rebates. It also provides the total account balance and payment details, noting that no late fees or penalties are being applied.

Your Dispute in summary is: That you have service from N.S.Power at That your current outstanding balance with N.S.Power is $7,474.53 That a 21 Aug 2026 NSEB appeal of a previous DRO Decision is relevant and attached. That the DRO instruct...

AI summary The dispute involves a customer of N.S.Power who is disputing an increase in their Equal Billing Plan payment from $550 to $811 per month. The customer claims they agreed to the $550 payment with the energy board, while N.S.Power argues that a new 36-month budget settlement arrangement was proposed due to non-payment of agreed-upon amounts.

ayments remain at $550 per month or that she be removed October 1, 2026 L. Wallace from Equal Billing. This is referenced on page 2 of 14 in the DRO file attached as Confidential Attachment 1 . - September 2, 2026 The DRO responded to the...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) directed NS Power to contact Ms. Coxhead to arrange a payment plan after she failed to make monthly Equal Billing payments of $550. NS Power proposed a 36-month budget settlement with a monthly payment of $811, which includes $600 for current consumption and $211 toward outstanding arrears of $7,474.53.

Operation of the Budget Settlement Amount No interest, penalty, or late payment charges would be applied while Ms. Coxhead remains in compliance with the proposed payment arrangement. Specifically, compliance with the arrangement requires...

AI summary The Budget Settlement Plan allows Ms. Coxhead to pay a fixed monthly amount, avoiding late fees as long as she complies. NS Power will review and adjust the usage component every six months. The arrears repayment amount remains fixed for the 36-month term. At the end, she can choose to stay on Equal Billing or return to standard billing.

Alternatives As an alternative approach, Ms. Coxhead could elect to make a down payment toward the outstanding arrears balance. When offering a Budget Settlement Plan, NS Power would typically request a down payment equal to 50% of the out...

AI summary Ms. Coxhead is presented with an alternative approach to settle her outstanding arrears by making a down payment of 50%, followed by a 36-month repayment plan. This would result in a monthly payment of approximately $620, combining the arrears repayment and estimated usage. No interest or penalties would apply if she remains compliant.

Reasonable Payment Arrangement NS Power has spread repayment of the arrears balance over 36 months, which exceeds the Company's typical maximum repayment period of 24 months and was offered to provide Ms. Coxhead with additional flexibilit...

AI summary NS Power proposes a 36-month repayment plan for Ms. Coxhead's arrears, which exceeds the company's usual 24-month maximum, to provide flexibility. The plan includes a $724 monthly payment covering ongoing electricity usage and arrears repayment. NS Power argues this is reasonable and aligns with the Board's August 21, 2026 direction and regulations.

BACKGROUND & FINDINGS During the Board's review of your previous appeal in M12804, NS Power explained that your Equal Billing Plan payment of $550 per month was to cover your ongoing usage of around $364 per month and arrears of $196 per m...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board reviewed an appeal (M12804) regarding a customer's Equal Billing Plan payment and found that NS Power's proposed $724 monthly payment is reasonable, covering both ongoing energy charges and outstanding arrears. The Board also noted that a down payment could reduce the monthly payment. The customer is encouraged to consider this option, though it remains a significant financial burden.