News
Berwick Electric Commission Operating Budget
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 29 October 2025 14:08
Berwick Electric Commission
2025–26 Budget Summary
The Berwick Electric Commission’s 2025–26 Budget focuses on maintaining reliable service while investing in infrastructure renewal and operational efficiency. The approved plan outlines revenues and expenses of $7.37 million, maintaining a balanced financial outlook for the coming year.
Revenue Overview
Total projected revenue for 2025–26 is $7,374,444, a 2 % increase over the 2024–25 budget.
Power Sales – $7,287,574
Power sales remain the Commission’s primary source of income, with modest growth across most customer classes:
- Domestic Sales – $3,198,204
- Small General Customers – $161,439
- General Sales – $886,776
- Industrial Sales – $1,517,515
- Service Charges (all classes) – $1,417,621
- Street Lighting – $71,663
- Yard Lighting – $34,356
Overall, power sales revenue reflects a 3 % increase compared to 2024–25, driven by strong industrial and general sales.
Other Revenue – $86,870
- Connection Fees – $3,500
- Wiring Permits – $16,000
- Miscellaneous Revenue – $19,170
- Late Payment Penalties – $20,000
- Bullfrog Power Revenue – $25,000
- EV Charger Revenue – $1,700
- Return on Investments – $1,500
While “Other Revenue” decreased by 26 %, these figures align with normal post-pandemic activity and fewer one-time recoveries.
Expense Overview
Total expenses for 2025–26 are also budgeted at $7,374,444, representing a 3 % increase over 2024–25. The expense plan emphasizes infrastructure, technology upgrades, and fiscal sustainability.
| Category | 2025–26 Budget | Change | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wages & Benefits | $452,787 | ▼ 27 % | Position adjustments and efficiencies |
| Insurance | $98,540 | ▲ 125 % | Updated coverage for assets and liability |
| Repairs & Maintenance | $96,873 | ▲ 435 % | Investment in system reliability |
| Debenture Principal & Interest | $500,432 | ▲ Significant | Funding long-term capital projects |
| Administration Fees (Town of Berwick) | $275,965 | ▲ 9 % | Updated cost-sharing arrangement |
| Professional & IT Services | $147,456 | ▲ Substantial | Technology modernization and compliance |
| Power Purchases | $5,053,568 | ▼ 4 % | Reflects market and consumption forecasts |
| Depreciation | $738,307 | ▲ 111 % | Reflects capital asset additions |
| Transfer from Depreciation Reserve | ($395,351) | — | Offset to capital depreciation |
| Transfer to Reserve | $0 | ▼ 100 % | No new reserve contributions this year |
Net Position
The 2025–26 budget is balanced, with revenues and expenses both totaling $7.37 million. This marks a shift from the 2024–25 unaudited surplus of $789,319, focusing current revenues on reinvestment in infrastructure and service reliability.
Key Takeaways
- Stable Revenue Base: 3 % growth in power sales.
- Targeted Reinvestment: More funds for maintenance, upgrades, and insurance coverage.
- Debt Management: Increased payments tied to capital renewal projects.
- Community Commitment: Continued dedication to reliable, safe, and affordable power service.
The Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 23 October 2025 15:09
The Nova Scotia Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP) provides a $400 rebate to eligible residents to help with home heating costs. Eligibility is based on 2024 net household income, with a cap of $45,000 for families and $30,000 for single-person households. Applicants must pay for their own heat, whether they rent or own. The application period for the 2025-2026 season runs from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.
Eligibility requirements
Families with a combined 2024 net income of
or less.
Single-person households with a 2024 net income of
or less.
Dependence on heat:
You must pay for your own heat.
Online: The fastest way to apply is online at The Heating Assistance Rebate Program (HARP)
Check status: You can check the status of your application using the online status checker tool at novascotia.ca/heatinghelp.
Open: October 1, 2025.
Close: March 31, 2026.
Municipal Planning Strategy & Land Use Bylaw
- Details
- Published: Thursday, 23 October 2025 11:51
The Town of Berwick's Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw are in effect as of today, Thursday, October 23, 2025.
After two years of drafting and public consultation, Municipal Council approved the proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw on July 8, 2025. The documents were then submitted to the Nova Scotia Department of Municipal Affairs for ministerial review.
The Minister has approved both documents with amendments. These documents replace the 2012 Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw.
Access the documents
The 2025 Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-law, including the Ministerial Amendments, can be inspected at the Town Hall during regular business hours. Here are links to documents online:
In-Cider September 2025 Edition
- Details
- Published: Friday, 26 September 2025 15:04
The September edition of the In-Cider newsletter is now available. Read it online or download your copy to stay up to date on Town news, events, and notices.
Committees of Council Vacancies
- Details
- Published: Friday, 12 September 2025 11:09
The Town of Berwick is seeking enthusiastic citizens willing to volunteer their time to serve on a Committee of Council. When you volunteer on a Committee, you learn more about your community, have a voice on issues that matter, and make a difference in your Town.
September 2025:
The following committees have vacancies and are actively recruiting new members!
Audit Committee (1 vacancy)
Berwick Electric Commission (1 vacancy)
Police Services Advisory Committee (1 vacancy)
Deadline for applications is Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Learn More:
Audit Committee:
The Audit Committee carries out a detailed review of the financial statements with the auditor, as well as provides advice to Town Council on matters relating to audit and finances of the Municipality.
The Audit Committee meets a minimum of twice yearly.
Application form: Audit Committee Application Form
Return to: Krista at
Berwick Electric Commission
The Berwick Electric Commission provides governance to the Utility to ensure that the electric utility provides reliable, safe, and affordable service to its customers, remains financially viable, and adapts to emerging challenges like sustainability and technological advancements.
The Berwick Electric Commission meets bi-monthly (daytime).
Application form: Berwick Electric Commission Application Form
Return to: Krista at
Police Services Advisory Committee:
The Police Services Advisory Committee provides advice to Town Council in relation to the enforcement of law, the maintenance of law and order, and the prevention of crime in the municipality. The Town of Berwick Police Services Advisory Committee is made up of council, staff and citizen representatives. Applicants must have a willingness to learn and an interest in the Police Services in Berwick.
The Police Services Advisory Committee meets bi-monthly (evenings).
Application form: Police Services Advisory Application Form
Return to: Krista at
Applications may also be picked up and dropped off at Town Hall
Town of Berwick
Committee Application
236 Commercial Street
Berwick, NS B0P 1E0
A Friendly Reminder About Town Hall Dumpsters
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 06 August 2025 15:50
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