If approved, the utility hopes to replace all lead service lines within its boundaries within the next 18 years.

In a news release Monday, the utility said it has recommended to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board that there be no increase in water rates for the next two years.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board slashed gas prices by 7.8 cents per litre at midnight, setting a minimum price of 71.6 cents per litre as of Friday.

The last time the price of a litre of gas dropped this low was more than three years ago, on Aug. 5, 2016, when the price hit 94.5 cents a litre. 

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board will be invoking its interrupter clause due to significant shifts in the market prices of gasoline and diesel oil.

Halifax Water customers could see their rates increase in September due to what the utility says are "increasing costs for electricity, fuel, chemicals and wages."

The restoration effort was more than double the cost of 2003's Hurricane Juan, adjusted for inflation.

Fuel and purchased power costs represent Nova Scotia Power’s single largest expense, comprising approximately 45% of the total cost of producing and distributing electricity.

The changes will become active at midnight, meaning they would go into effect on Wednesday.

Lori MacLean, a spokeswoman for Alton Gas, said it was expected the remaining protesters would move their belongings away from the company's Nova Scotia property by 5 p.m.