Nova Scotia Power will resume charging late payment fees on Oct. 1, ending an 18-month freeze put in place after a sophisticated April 2025 cyberattack. The utility says it is giving customers advance notice so those struggling can arrange interest-free payment plans or seek community support.
## Why the freeze is ending
The late-fee suspension began after an April 2025 cybersecurity breach that disrupted digital meter readings and exposed personal data. For months following the attack, bills were estimated while workers were hired to collect manual meter readings; all customers were reconnected to digital meter reading systems in April. Nova Scotia Power says current bills now reflect accurate meter data and that it is confident readings are correct.
## Who will be affected and available options
About nine per cent of customers are in arrears, up from roughly eight per cent in February, and the average amount owed is $1,300. Nova Scotia Power will apply late fees only to balances that remain on Oct. 1 and going forward — the charges will not be backdated.
To ease the transition, the utility is offering interest-free payment plans of up to two years for customers who call and make arrangements before October. “If customers need help, if they are struggling, it’s important that they call us,” said Chris Lanteigne, director of customer care.
## Nova Scotia Power late fees and community support
As part of its response, the utility’s parent company, Emera, is funding a new $500,000 community energy fund to help low-income customers. The program, launching in the fall, will distribute money to charities and organizations that assist with power bills and is structured as a matching program: Nova Scotia Power will supplement aid provided by those organizations.
## What customers should do now
Customers with outstanding balances should contact Nova Scotia Power to discuss payment-plan options before Oct. 1 to avoid late fees on remaining balances. The utility’s customer service lines continue to receive calls and questions from thousands of residents daily.
The resumption of late fees marks a step toward normalizing billing after the cyberattack, but the company has signaled flexibility for those who proactively seek help.
