HALIFAX — Nova Scotia Power Inc. says it will resume charging late payment fees on Oct. 1, marking the first time the privately owned utility has applied those charges since a cyberattack last spring disrupted its billing system.
What the change means for customers
Chris Lanteigne, the company's director of customer care, told reporters on Wednesday that late fees, set at 1.5 per cent per month (annual maximum 19.56 per cent), will be reinstated beginning this fall. The move follows a decision to suspend fees after a ransomware incident in April 2025 that affected the personal data of more than 280,000 customers and interrupted automated billing.
Officials said they are providing customers roughly two and a half months' notice before reinstating fees to allow time to address outstanding balances or set up payment arrangements.
"We feel that October 1st of 2026 does provide two-and-a-half months notice for customers,"
Who is behind on payments and available assistance
Nova Scotia Power reported that about 9 per cent of its customers are currently behind on payments, with an average overdue balance of approximately $1,300. The company noted that the historical late rate before the cyberattack was about 4 to 4.5 per cent.
- Late fee rate: 1.5% per month (up to 19.56% annually)
- Customers currently overdue: ~9%
- Average overdue amount: $1,300
To help customers manage balances, Nova Scotia Power outlined several measures, including interest-free payment plans of up to 24 months. The utility also announced a new $500,000 program to match funds for low-income customers who are receiving financial assistance from charities or other organisations. An existing program that waives late fees for low-income customers receiving financial support has been extended for another 18 months.
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| New matching fund | $500,000 to match charity support for low-income customers |
| Interest-free plans | Up to 24 months |
| Fee waivers | Existing low-income waiver extended for 18 months |
Context and local implications
The decision to suspend late fees last year followed the revelation that the company had been the target of a ransomware attack that exposed customer data and required a large-scale response to repair billing systems. Reinstating fees signals the utility's confidence in its billing operations, but it also raises concerns for households already carrying higher-than-normal arrears.
For many Nova Scotians, the timing matters as the province moves toward colder months when energy use — and bills — typically rise. Customers who are uncertain about their account status or who expect difficulty paying should contact Nova Scotia Power to discuss the interest-free payment plans or inquire about the new matching-fund program and fee waivers.
Information on eligibility and how to apply for assistance is available through Nova Scotia Power's customer service channels. The company said it will continue to work with community organisations to reach customers most at risk of falling further behind.
This report is based on statements from Nova Scotia Power and reporting from a company media briefing in Halifax on July 15, 2026.
