Sustainability
Committed to a Sustainable Future
Our focus on sustainability is foundational to our strategy, and the progress we’re making is a demonstration of the values we live by.
Across our operating companies, we put the needs of our customers at the center of everything we do. We collaborate and care for each other, the environment and our communities — and we’re not afraid to tackle big challenges, including those related to climate change. Above all, we value the safety of our teams and communities.
Our Approach
We believe in transparency, accountability and continually working to do better.
Through our robust governance practices and our commitment to driving operational excellence, we continue to make progress and work to effectively manage our risks across Emera.
We regularly assess our material sustainability priorities to ensure we're focused on the issues that are most important to our stakeholders and our businesses. We're working to meet rapidly growing demand for energy, adapting to the physical impacts of climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy— all while enhancing reliability and considering affordability for utility customers.
For more information about our sustainability priorities and the progress we're making, please see our 2023 Emera Sustainability Report.
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Key Examples
Cleaner Energy Leading to Cost Savings at Tampa Electric
Solar development is providing material cost benefits to Tampa Electric customers while helping to reduce CO2 emissions. Solar generation reduces our use of fuel to generate electricity, lowering fuel costs for customers. Also, while the price of other fuel sources can cause bills to fluctuate, the cost of solar power is consistent and predictable. Since 2017, solar generation has saved Tampa Electric customers approximately $200 million in fuel costs. Four new solar projects were brought into service in 2023, bringing Tampa Electric’s total solar generation capacity to over 1,250 MW. Two more solar projects are expected to be online by the end of 2024, adding another 100 MW of capacity.
Nova Scotia Power’s Path to 2030
In 2023, Nova Scotia Power released its Path to 2030 report capturing the utility’s plan for moving off coal and reaching 80 per cent renewable electricity sales by 2030. The document is based on the foundational work completed as part of Nova Scotia Power’s 2023 Evergreen Integrated Resource Plan and is aligned with the Government of Nova Scotia’s 2030 Clean Power Plan. The Path to 2030 provides clarity around the projects and initiatives that will enable Nova Scotia Power to achieve ambitious climate goals while maintaining safe, reliable service. This includes expanding the use of wind and solar energy, adding grid-scale battery storage, undertaking additional grid stability and reliability upgrades, putting in place new transmission infrastructure, and other initiatives. “This transition will require significant investments from multiple parties, and it will take all of us, the provincial and federal governments, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and partners, working together to get there,” says Nova Scotia Power CEO Peter Gregg.
Nova Scotia Power Adapts to Address Severe Weather
In 2023, Nova Scotia experienced unprecedented, significant wildfires and severe rainfall. Nova Scotia Power has taken steps to reduce the potential impacts extreme weather events like these can have on its infrastructure. The team continues to identify and enhance wildfire risk reduction measures. These include performing drone and helicopter inspections during wildfire conditions, ensuring a wide perimeter around substations is cleared of vegetation, satellite monitoring of vegetation conditions, installing nest deterrents and animal guards on transmission equipment and at substations, and targeted replacement of uninsulated conductors. To better protect assets from overland flooding, Nova Scotia Power is investing in its hydroelectric dams and other water control equipment (such as gates and hoists); thermal fleet projects, such as ash capping, to divert surface water and lessen the burden on containment ponds; and installing underground pumping equipment to better protect underground infrastructure from the potential impacts of flooding. The team also completed a coastal flood study at its Tufts Cove Generating Station to understand the risk and potential impact of sea level rise and storm surge in the coming decades. The study examined 20 different scenarios to help identify coastal protection projects for the site.
Tampa Electric and Nova Scotia Power Receive National Recognition
Tampa Electric and Nova Scotia Power have received national accolades for their respective storm preparedness programs. Tampa Electric is the first utility in Florida to be recognized as StormReady by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The designation is based on Tampa Electric’s storm preparedness, including year-round training, written plans, facilities, communication with employees and community partners, as well as how the company monitors weather and how it receives and shares severe weather warnings. Along with peers, Nova Scotia Power received the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award in 2023. Award recipients were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process. The award recognizes the significant recovery and mutual assistance efforts after Hurricane Fiona made landfall in Nova Scotia. Through the North Atlantic Mutual Aid Group, Nova Scotia Power was assisted by crews from United Illuminating in Connecticut and Central Maine Power. The award was presented to all three utilities for their coordinated response.
