For Immediate Release
May 23, 2012
Solidarity Halifax calls for Actions to Oppose Rate Hikes on June 7th
Halifax, NS – Solidarity Halifax’s Power to the People! Campaign is calling for actions against Emera/Nova Scotia Power’s proposed 6% rate hike and in support of democratic, public ownership of Nova Scotia Power.
The actions will coincide with Emera’s Annual General Meeting.
Solidarity Halifax members and community allies will do a mass sing-a-long of Emera’s Profiteers (now at almost 2000 views on Youtube). Participants are encouraged to dress up like pirates – corporate pirates – and there will be prizes for the best costumes.
It’s all taking place down on a Halifax pier at 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 7th (near the Halifax ferry terminal).
“Nova Scotia Power made over $120 million in profits in 2010 while paying their executives millions of dollars, then they have the nerve to demand a 6% power rate hike. Our message is clear, 20 years of a private, for-profit monopoly is enough. It’s time to return Nova Scotia Power to democratic, public ownership,†says Brian Crouse, a member of the Power to the People! Campaign.
Solidarity Halifax invites members of the public to participate in the mass sing-a-long and costume contest.
For more information contact:
Brian Crouse, Power to the People! Campaign, (902) 222-1564
Background:
Nova Scotia Power was privatized in 1992 for less than it was worth. Since then, NSP has made more than $2 billion in profits while increasing power rates six times in the last ten years. This will be the seventh and eighth increase since 2002. Earlier this month Nova Scotia Power announced a proposed rate hike increase of 6% over two years. The case goes to the Utility and Review Board on September 13.
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Solidarity Halifax meets once every month in downtown Halifax to discuss general policies and targeted campaigns. New members are always welcome.
Our next general meeting is scheduled for Sunday, May 27th, from 1-4 p.m. at the Johanna B. Oosterveld Centre at 2103 Gottingen St. Our June general meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 21st from 5-7 p.m. at the same location. For more information contact communications@solidaritykh.org
Please visit our Power to the People campaign to help put Nova Scotia Power under public, democratically run ownership!