About the Green Choice Program
Easier access to renewable energy will help to create jobs and ensure that Nova Scotia continues to lead in the fight against climate change.
That’s why the province has appointed Coho as the independent procurement administrator for low-impact renewable electricity for large energy customers under the Green Choice program.
The Procurement Administrator will enroll interested and eligible buyers, conduct a Requests for Proposals and issue Power Purchase Agreements for renewable electricity generation for large energy customers. That includes the federal government, which has committed to acquire all of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2022. Regulations for the Green Choice program are being developed.
The Green Choice program offers a new, simplified process for large-scale energy customers to procure renewable electricity. Coho will provide advice and consult on program design during the procurement process. Nova Scotia Power, interested large energy customers and proponents will be consulted on program design.
Quote:
"Coho is honored to be selected as procurement administrator by the Province of Nova Scotia. We look forward to working with key stakeholders to facilitate local renewable energy procurement and creating the opportunity for Nova Scotians to demonstrate their leadership on climate change."
Terence de Pentheny O'Kelly , Vice President of Client Service, Coho
Quick Facts:
- Amendments to the Electricity Act in February created the Green Choice program for larger power customers and resulted from an MOU signed with the federal government in 2019
- The government has previously used independent procurement administrators for wind power generation, solar energy refits for public buildings, and tidal power generation
- Coho will carry out renewable energy procurement for all electricity customers in the future
- Other provinces such as Alberta and Saskatchewan have achieved record low prices for renewable energy supply by using competitive procurement practices
- Coho, an independent energy advisor based in Maryland, has more than a decade of experience conducting renewable energy procurements for institutional and corporate users and engaging stakeholder
Additional resources:
- The Electricity Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/electricity.pdf
- Coho: https://www.cohoclimate.com