Executive Management Changes at Nova Scotia Power

HALIFAX, June 18 /CNW/ - Rob Bennett has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Nova Scotia Power Inc., effective today.

Mr. Bennett, who was most recently Executive Vice President, Revenue and Sustainability, succeeds Ralph Tedesco as part of a planned leadership transition. Mr. Tedesco, who has been Nova Scotia Power's chief executive for the past five years, has been appointed Vice Chair of the Board.

"Rob Bennett's focus and communication skills have been key factors in progress on renewable energy as well as conservation and energy efficiency, which are areas of keen interest to our customers," said Mr. Tedesco. "He has a solid record of delivering results, including major projects like the Northeast Reliability Interconnect transmission line between New Brunswick and Maine."

John McLennan, Chair of the Board, said Nova Scotia Power has undergone a significant transformation under Mr. Tedesco's leadership.

"The company's financial and operational metrics have improved while significant amounts of renewable energy have been added and emissions strategies are reducing the company's environmental footprint," Mr. McLennan said. "We are delighted that Nova Scotia Power will continue to benefit from Ralph's experience and counsel in his new role as Vice Chair."

Mr. McLennan noted several major achievements during Mr. Tedesco's tenure - including reduction in emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides; renewable energy contracts for more than 240 megawatts of new generation; the investment of millions of dollars to help customers, including those with low incomes, manage their energy bills; and a significant improvement in the company's cash flow.

Mr. Bennett, a native of Pictou County, returned to Nova Scotia Power in September 2007 after serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Bangor Hydro-Electric Company. He began his career with Nova Scotia Power in 1988 as a staff engineer, serving in several senior operational and management positions before moving to Maine following Emera Inc.'s acquisition of Bangor Hydro in 2002. Mr. Bennett's extensive experience with transmission systems and renewable power provide a solid foundation for the future.

Mr. Bennett is a Registered Professional Engineer. He holds an undergraduate degree from St. Francis Xavier University and an engineering degree from the DalTech School of Engineering in Halifax. He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and also serves as a director of Children's Wish Foundation.

About Nova Scotia Power

Nova Scotia Power Inc. is the largest wholly-owned subsidiary of Emera Inc. (TSX-EMA), a diversified energy and services company. Nova Scotia Power provides more than 95% of the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power to 478,000 customers in the province. The company is focused on new technologies to enhance customer service and reliability, reduce emissions and add renewable energy. Nova Scotia Power has 1,700 employees and $3 billion in assets.