For most of its history, Nova Scotia's leaders have tried to exploit the province's energy resources for jobs, revenue and political reward. For three centuries politicians and other prominent players have clashed over the ownership, control and development of energy resources--coal, electric power, offshore petroleum. This book traces the interplay between politics and energy and documents the ongoing failure of government to use energy resources in ways that would create a prosperous and sustainable provincial economy.

RICHARD STARR has had careers as a journalist, public servant, broadcaster, political staffer and freelance policy adviser. He is author of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, appearing in everything from Atlantic Insight to Atlantic Progress. A lifelong student of Maritime history, Starr is married to playwright and former MP Wendy Lill. They live in Dartmouth.

Richard Starr's profile page

Dartmouth-based author, journalist and broadcaster Richard Starr has drilled deep into his reserves of experience as a public servant, political staffer and policy advisor to produce a complete, yet completely digestible portrait of futility and frustration in his latest book Power Failure?...
... Starr has written an important book, and one that is both entertaining and enlightening. While not recommended for all, it is certainly required reading for anyone interested in making some sense of Nova Scotias perplexing energy sector.

Ocean Resources

"...a wide-ranging, soundly researched, stimulating history of the energy follies of past governments...Starr's Power Failure?, unlike past visions of energy salvation, delivers far more than it promises. It will stand as the standard history of Nova Scotia energy politics for years to come."

Chronicle Herald