Imagine receiving a $500 power bill for a cottage that’s been sitting empty and disconnected for a year. That’s exactly what happened to 89-year-old Eric Orde, a long-time resident of Nova Scotia, who’s now questioning the fairness of his utility provider. But here’s where it gets controversial: Nova Scotia Power has been under scrutiny after a cybersecurity breach earlier this year, which has left some customers with inflated bills and more questions than answers. Could this be a case of systemic error, or is there something more at play? Let’s dive in.
Eric Orde has owned his cottage outside Annapolis Royal for 35 years. Every year, he meticulously turns off the power at the electrical panel when the cottage isn’t in use. Typically, his bill hovers around $50 during these periods, and it only climbs to $120–$150 when he stays there for the summer months. But in late October, he was stunned to receive a bill for $488.25—despite the cottage being vacant since November 2024. “I called them a bunch of thieves,” Orde told CBC News from his home in Granville Ferry, N.S., his frustration palpable.
And this is the part most people miss: Orde’s ordeal isn’t an isolated incident. Nova Scotia’s energy board recently agreed to investigate inaccurate billing and other issues stemming from the cybersecurity breach at Nova Scotia Power. The utility has admitted that some customers are receiving inflated bills, but for Orde, the response has been less than satisfactory. Initially, he was offered a $49 credit, which was later increased to $200. “That’s still not enough,” he said. “The cottage has never been used, yet they’re charging me as if it had been.”
What’s more, Orde’s experience with customer service has left him deeply unimpressed. He spent hours on the phone trying to get answers, only to be told that someone would call him back—a call that never came. When CBC News reached out to Nova Scotia Power about Orde’s situation, a spokesperson confirmed that a representative had spoken to him, but Orde remains unsatisfied. “I feel like I’m being charged more than I should be,” he said.
Nova Scotia Power is hosting community sessions across the province to address customer concerns and help them understand their billing options. However, for many like Orde, these efforts may feel too little, too late. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Should customers bear the brunt of a cybersecurity breach that wasn’t their fault? Or should utility companies be held to a higher standard of accountability?
As the energy board investigates and class-action lawsuits loom, one thing is clear: this issue isn’t just about a single inflated bill—it’s about trust, transparency, and fairness. What do you think? Is Nova Scotia Power doing enough to address these concerns, or is more action needed? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.
