Today, the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board (NSRAB) released its decision regarding Halifax Water’s General Rate Application, which was filed earlier this year. The NSRAB approved Halifax Water’s application but found that adjustments must be made to the revenue requirements, which will result in a reduction to the overall rate increases initially proposed. The updated adjustments are to be filed with the NSRAB by December 23, 2025.
Halifax Water’s request was driven by increased inflation, rising interest rates, depleted reserve funds, aging infrastructure and depreciation. This will be the first increase in Halifax Water rates since April 2023.
“We are reviewing the impact of today’s decision and remain committed to providing reliable service to our customers and the environment.” said Kenda MacKenzie, General Manager of Halifax Water. “Our team works hard to provide reliable water, wastewater and stormwater service while controlling costs and maintaining good service for our customers.”
Halifax Water is a municipal utility that operates on a break-even basis, and no profit component is built into the rates. A compliance filing is expected to be filed by December 23, 2025 outlining the new rates.