Nova Scotia Power Names New President and CEO
Nova Scotia Power recently announced the appointment of Vivek Sood as its new President and CEO, effective March 1. He replaces Peter Gregg, who is transitioning to a new role within Emera Inc., Nova Scotia Power’s parent company.
Appointment of Vivek Sood
Vivek Sood is a prominent business figure in Nova Scotia, having served on Nova Scotia Power’s board since June 2024. With over 30 years of experience in leadership roles, particularly at Sobeys and Empire Group of Companies, Sood is considered well-equipped to guide the utility through its next phase.
In his statement, Sood expressed enthusiasm for fostering a strong company culture and enhancing the utility’s service to stakeholders and communities. He emphasized the commitment to support the 2,200 employees who are integral to the utility’s operations.
Background and Experience
- Former executive vice-president at Sobeys Inc.
- Contributed to shaping corporate strategy and employee culture at a major Canadian retailer.
- Has experience in Crown corporations and publicly traded companies.
Peter Gregg’s Legacy
Peter Gregg has led Nova Scotia Power since November 2020. His tenure was marked by significant challenges, particularly a cybersecurity breach that occurred last year. The incident compromised the personal and financial data of approximately 280,000 customers, leading to critical public scrutiny.
Impact of Cybersecurity Breach
The breach resulted in ongoing billing issues that affected a wide range of customers across the province. Chris Benjamin, a senior coordinator at the Ecology Action Centre, noted that addressing the fallout from this incident will be a key aspect of Gregg’s legacy.
In addition to these challenges, the utility recently proposed an over 8% rate increase for most customers, which may have contributed to public sentiment as Gregg steps down.
Achievements During Leadership
Despite facing substantial criticism, several initiatives under Gregg’s leadership received positive recognition. These include:
- Reduction in the number of power cut-offs.
- Improved services for customers struggling to pay their bills.
- Increased reliance on wind energy and progressing toward decommissioning coal-fired plants.
Although actions taken during his leadership weren’t flawless, progress was noted in several areas critical to the utility’s mission.
Looking Ahead
With Vivek Sood’s appointment, Nova Scotia Power embarks on a new chapter. Stakeholders will be closely watching how Sood addresses ongoing challenges while building upon the initiatives established during Gregg’s tenure.
