Nova Scotia Power is set for a leadership transition as it grapples with the repercussions of a cyberattack and a contentious proposal for increased electricity rates. Peter Gregg, the current CEO, will step down on March 1, transitioning to a new role as vice-president of strategy and policy at Emera Inc., the utility’s parent company. He will be succeeded by Vivek Sood, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the grocery sector.
Leadership Change Amid Challenges
The appointment of Vivek Sood, a member of the Nova Scotia Power board and former executive at Sobeys Inc. and its parent company, Empire Company Ltd., comes at a critical time. Nova Scotia Power is under scrutiny due to ongoing investigations and customer complaints linked to its response to a significant cyberattack that occurred in March 2025. This incident compromised the data of approximately 280,000 customers, leading to heightened concerns about the utility’s operational reliability.
Politicians and customers have expressed frustration, particularly regarding unexpected spikes in their electricity bills following the cyber breach. Many constituents have reported charges significantly higher than usual, prompting calls for accountability and transparency from the utility.
Rate Hike Proposal Sparks Outrage
In conjunction with the leadership transition, Nova Scotia Power is also pushing for an eight per cent increase in electricity rates, aimed to take effect by the beginning of next year, pending approval. This proposed hike has attracted considerable backlash, as many residents are already grappling with the fallout from the cyberattack and the associated billing issues.
The utility’s repeated failure to meet reliability standards for the eighth consecutive year has further fueled dissatisfaction. As the company prepares to unveil its plans for the rate increase, it faces mounting pressure from both customers and political leaders to justify the need for higher prices amidst ongoing operational challenges.
Navigating a Complex Landscape
The transition to new leadership could signal a shift in strategy for Nova Scotia Power as it seeks to restore public confidence and address the numerous challenges it faces. Sood’s experience in the corporate sector may offer fresh perspectives, but the utility’s immediate concerns over cybersecurity and customer satisfaction will require urgent attention.
As the new CEO, Sood will need to navigate the complexities of restoring trust while tackling the pressing issues of rate increases and operational reliability. The scrutiny surrounding Nova Scotia Power’s recent decisions underscores the importance of effective leadership in the utility sector, especially in times of crisis.
Why it Matters
The developments at Nova Scotia Power highlight the broader implications for utility companies in navigating cybersecurity threats and customer relations. As energy providers increasingly rely on technology, the stakes are higher than ever for maintaining customer trust and ensuring operational integrity. The outcome of this leadership change and the proposed rate increase could set a precedent for how utility companies manage crises and engage with their customers in the future.
