Town News
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Electric Utility Rate Application
- Details
- Published: Monday, 21 July 2025 11:06
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: Electric Utility Rate Application
- To view the hearing, please visit - https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1835046872579816287
Details
Originally Published: Monday, 12 May 2025 08:06
As approved by Council on March 25, 2025, the Town of Lunenburg has submitted a rate application to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (formerly the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board) on behalf of the Lunenburg Electric Utility.
A public hearing for this application has been scheduled by the Board for July 22, 2025. As part of the application, the Town has requested that the rate increase for General Service customer classes be phased in, with a 15% increase pending approval, and the remaining 6% deferred.
See the official Nova Scotia Energy Board Public Hearing Notice (PDF) here: pdfNotice of Public Hearing(98 KB)
Here are the hearing details and how you can take part:
- Hearing starts: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
(Continuing Wednesday, July 23, 2025, if necessary) - Hearing Location: Town of Lunenburg Council Chambers, 120 Townsend Street (Town Hall Back Entrance), Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
How to Participate in the Public Hearing
- Speak at the Hearing
If you would like to speak during the hearing, you must let the Board know by Monday, June 23, 2025. - Submit Written Comments
You can share your views in writing by sending a letter to the Clerk of the Board:
- Request Intervenor Status
If you wish to take a more active role—such as presenting evidence or asking questions—you can apply for formal standing as an Intervenor. This request must be submitted by Monday, April 28, 2025, and is subject to Board approval.
What Does This Mean for Customers?
Domestic (Household) Customers: Based on an average monthly usage of 837 kWh, households can expect their bills to increase by approximately $17.80 per month, from $152.17 to $169.97.
Even with the increase, Lunenburg’s proposed rates are still 2.7% lower than Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) rates for the same usage.
General Service (Business) Customers: The proposed 21% increase will be phased in to reduce financial pressure:
- 15% applied immediately upon Nova Scotia Energy Board approval.
- The remaining 6% will be recovered over a period determined by the Nova Scotia Energy Board.
These increases must be approved by the Nova Scotia Energy Board before they can take effect. If approved, the new rates are expected to take effect in the fall of 2025.
The Nova Scotia Energy Board is an independent, quasi-judicial body responsible for regulating utilities and ensuring that rates are fair, reasonable, and in the public interest. In this case, the Nova Scotia Energy Board will review the Town’s proposed rate increases to determine if they are justified and reasonable.
Why is This Increase Necessary?
This is the first General Rate increase proposed since 2013. The Town has managed to avoid a general increase as new capital expenditures have been low and relying on smaller adjustments related to power cost flow-throughs. However, rising costs and urgent infrastructure needs have made a rate increase unavoidable.
The proposed increase will help cover operational costs and fund essential capital investments aimed at improving grid reliability, expanding capacity, and modernizing the system to support future growth and meet climate resilience standards.
Bandstand Restoration to Begin Next Week
- Details
- Published: Friday, 11 July 2025 11:15
Please note that the restoration work on the Bandstand will begin the week of July 14th.
Traffic control measures will be in place for the course of the work. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians travelling though the area should obey signage and use caution, as the safety of both residents and workers is a top priority.
The walkway from Cumberland Street to Townsend Street closest to the bandstand will be closed for the duration of the project (as can be seen in the accompanying plan).
We appreciate your cooperation as we restore this important piece of Lunenburg’s heritage. If you have any questions, please contact Town Hall at 902-634-4410 ext 245.
By-Law Infraction Reporting
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 10 July 2025 16:07
The Town of Lunenburg has an online portal for reporting potential by-law infractions - Town of Lunenburg Online By-law Infraction Reporting Form
Please use this form to inquire about potential by-law infractions. Please note that, while providing your contact information is a required part of the process, your name and information stays confidential to any complaint and you can choose not to be contacted in regard to your inquiry.
Reports made using this form will go directly to the By-Law Enforcement Officer for investigation and response. As always, by-law infractions can also be reported in-person at Lunenburg Town Hall, or by phone – (902) 634-4410 ext. 226.
Thank you for your interest in the Town of Lunenburg.
Urban Forest – Tree Planting Program extended to July 11
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 10 July 2025 11:53
The Town of Lunenburg has extended the deadline for applications for its Urban Forest – Tree Planting Program until July 11.
Some of the benefits of urban forests include filtering air and water, controlling storm water, and shade provided by the canopy. The Town is looking for property owners within Town Limits who are interested in having a new tree planted in front of their property, within the Town of Lunenburg’s right-of-way.
The goal for 2025 is to plant 50 trees. If you are interested in getting a tree, please send your address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Staff will determine the suitability of the sites, by assessing above and below ground utilities, etc.
Town Hall Notice - Finance Department - Payment Counter
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 09 July 2025 08:54
The Finance Department Payment Counter will be closed from 12:00 PM to1:00 on Wednesday, July 9th, Thursday, July 10th and Friday, July 11th, 2025.
-We will follow up on all calls as soon as possible, please leave a voicemail.
-You can still use the drop box for documents.
The front entrance remains open for general enquiries and permitting information.
Thank you for your understanding.
Town of Lunenburg Pride Flag Raising
- Details
- Published: Monday, 07 July 2025 23:43
Pride Week in Lunenburg County kicked-off this Sunday (July 6) and the Town of Lunenburg is pleased to once again raise the Pride flag in support of the week and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
We invite everyone to join us on Tuesday, July 8 @ 2:00pm in the Town Hall Council Chambre for remarks and cake as we celebrate 2025 Pride Week.
For more background on Pride Week in Lunenburg County, please visit https://www.lunenburgcountypride.com/pride2025
