A Break For Bowater Mersey Hinges On Future Of Newpage

Three Nova Scotia paper mills could see a $2 million dollar break on their power bills if Port Hawkesbury's Newpage paper mill remains dormant in 2012. Nova Scotia Power is asking the province's utility and review board to approve a 14 percent reduction in a tariff paid by several industrial customers who produce some of their own power. The proposed change in what's called the "load-following rate" would take effect of January 1st and is adjusted annually. NSP spokesperson David Rodenhiser says with NewPage's load off the system the cost of providing back up electricity to the other mills would be cheaper. The proposed adjustment would be welcomed news for officials and employees at Bowater Mersey's paper mill in Brooklyn, in addition to paper mills in Pictou County and Hantsport.