How it could change. Amendment to provincial electrical code regulations
Create a plug-in generation class for certified systems under 1200W with reduced permit and electrician requirements for cord-and-outlet connection only.
Legal basis: Provincial electrical safety and the permit regime sit under the Labour ministry in Nova Scotia. Amendments can create a cord-connected plug-in solar class for certified equipment without legislative action.
Does this need new legislation? No
How it could change. Policy direction and UARB rulemaking under the Electricity Act (NS)
Create a plug-in generation category in the Solar Adopter / Net Metering program for certified systems under 1200W, exempt from engineering review, interconnection agreement, and meter upgrade. On-site use only, anti-islanding required.
Legal basis: Nova Scotia Power operates under UARB regulation. The Minister of Energy (currently the Premier) can direct policy through the Electricity Act and related statutes, including tariff and interconnection structures. A plug-in class can be established through a Solar Adopter program amendment or a new tariff filing at UARB.
Does this need new legislation? No
Example elsewhere. Nova Scotia has used UARB rulemaking to create and modify net metering, community solar, and Green Choice programs. The mechanism is routinely exercised.