Stephen McNeil said that he, if elected, would introduce legislation to let private power producers sell their products to customers directly.

This was supposed to be one of the very first promises the Liberal Party leader made during his campaign for the provincial election. He also promised to make more affordable rates. He said that the people in Nova Scotia are presently obligated to the highest rates for electricity compared to the rest of the country. When one has to pay such a high rate, it influences one's daily life, he said.

The Liberals are against Nova Scotia Power to be the only utility power provider in the province. They believe that it will be more beneficial for the market if more producers join the same. It will create more competition and, consequently, lower power rates.

Mr McNeil said that the monopoly must be ended to allow Nova Scotians more choices to opt for the provider of their choice. The end of monopoly in the power business will also mean that there is going to be more stability with a competitive as well as regulated market. The competition among the providers will definitely pull the rates down.

Meanwhile, Premier Darrel Dexter was also talking on the same issue at the Italian Festival held in Halifax. He informed that the Liberals had already been voted 8 times before for putting the HST back in its home energy. He said that it would not be wise to opt for the same.

On the other hand, Jamie Baillie was talking critically on Mr Dexter's past records on allowing 'giveaways' to various businesses. It was the first full day of the election campaign of Nova Scotia when the Progressive-Conservative leader was speaking in front of Scanwood factory. He promised to end corporate bailout in the cases of failed businesses. He also said that the 'giveaway' policy would never work again.

Mr Baillie accused Scanwood of being a victim of the government's policy of loaning funds to failed businesses. The province loaned $4.6 million to Scanwood in 2010. Scanwood made Ikea furniture while it was later placed in receivership.