US EditionRegulatory board approves Halifax Water rate application – with adjustments
The Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board rejected deficit elimination in the rate hike and capped increases below the requested 36%, citing rate shock concerns.
- On Dec. 16, 2025, the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board approved a rate increase of at least 20 per cent for Halifax Water, pending final review after a compliance filing by Dec. 23.
- Halifax Water had originally sought two increases totaling 35.6 per cent over three months, which the NSRAB said represented `rate shock` and denied `deficit elimination`, cutting the April hike to seven per cent.
- Halifax Water said its request was driven by inflation, rising interest rates, depleted reserves, and aging infrastructure, operating on a break-even basis with no profit since April 2023.
- The board required Halifax Water to recalculate rates within one week and submit a compliance filing by Dec. 23, updating its Rate Affordability Study and improving debt handling.
- Amid customer letters, the regulator noted concerns from customers, seniors, landlords, tenants and businesses while Oland Brewery warned of unfair costs and Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore urged auditor general reviews and federal partnership.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Halifax Water’s proposed increase amounts to ‘rate shock,’ regulatory board asks for adjustments - Halifax
Halifax Water customers will have a rate hike next year but exactly how much is yet to be seen. The utility had asked for a 35.6 per cent increase over three months.
Regulator board cuts down Halifax Water's rate increase
Halifax Water had a rate increase approved by the provincial regulatory board, but the utility will not be getting the full amount it asked for, heading into 2026. A decision from the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board (NSRAB) on Tuesday said the initial 36 per cent increase the utility asked for represented “rate shock.” […]
Halifax Water rate hike scaled back after regulator decision
With files from releases: Halifax Water’s attempt to significantly raise water and wastewater rates has been partially curtailed by the Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board, which approved the utility’s application but ordered changes that will reduce the increases originally proposed. Halifax Water had asked for two major rate hikes in early 2026: a 15.8 […] More
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