Back to the future for energy resources?

The Opposition NDP’s petition against what they see as unfair power hikes is but one of a number of indications how bad things threaten to get on the home-heating and power generation fronts.

This aspect has been pretty well hidden as people expressed surprise and then outrage at gasoline prices. Looking forward to the summer months also took people’s minds off the home heating question. But a request by Nova Scotia Power Inc. for a rate increase for next January has brought the issue back to the fore.

Nova Scotia Power says the increase for most customers will be 11.9 per cent; 12.1 per cent for residential customers. Despite having enough coal under our feet to last our needs for two centuries, we import that resource and oil to use in power generation.

The fact is the cost of energy – for home heating as well as transportation – affects everyone.

Elsewhere, the federal Liberals’ proposed carbon tax is another attempt to deal with environmental issues while keeping fuel prices down. However, their continued tax on home heating fuel is a concern.

But as one federal Tory has said, at least the debate has been launched. The answer includes anything that will keep consumer prices down while being as environmentally responsible as possible.

In our climate, we don’t have the luxury of being able to wait while technological developments provide opportunities. In some cases, we may have to take a step back and do something such as mine and use our own coal in power production if it’s viable financially.

The NDP’s petition won’t have an immediate effect, but it does show that people are more than just concerned and willing to do something about it.

Cutting back in energy use – for vehicles and homes – is one part of the long-term equation while using what we have here, old and new, is another.

The power company is signing contracts for wind power and the Nova Scotia government has announced movement regulating scrutiny for tidal turbines.

Both energy sources are major elements in Kings-Hants, with Minas Basin tidal power being a future boon. It’s all a matter of timing.

Sure, we can sign petitions to tell the government to do or not do or allow something. And it probably feels good to jot down the signature.

But, at best, the effect is only temporary and then we would be in for another round of this hike and that. After all, infrastructure replacement or maintenance cost more and the same costs affecting the vehicle gas tank have a comparable impact on the heating fuel tank or the power bill.

No one on this continent has a direct impact on petroleum prices, but we all can work at reducing their impact on us.