Nova Scotia Power has been approved to use $31 million from ratepayer funds to address power disruptions at Michelin’s Waterville plant.
The upgrade will reduce frequent outages that have been impacting production at the tire manufacturer.
The main component of the upgrades will see a dynamic voltage restorer installed, which is designed to quickly stabilize power during brief voltage sags.
Michelin has raised concerns about the increasing frequency of these disruptions in recent years, which have caused financial losses.
The Utility and Review Board approved the investment, stating the upgrade was necessary to meet provincial standards and improve service for large industrial customers.
Michelin employs around 3,600 people in Nova Scotia, including many at the Waterville facility.