AI-generated summary
· Rir · 07/20/2026
Nova Scotia Power filed responses to 18 NSEB information requests on the $3.66M Seton Ridge Underground Network capital project, defending the underground-over-overhead design choice and clarifying cost responsibilities between the utility and developer.
AI summary
- Nova Scotia Power confirmed the $3,656,609 project cost covers only NS Power-owned electrical infrastructure (conductors, switching, transformers, engineering, and a 10% contingency), while developer-funded civil works — trenching, ductbank installation, concrete encasement, and surface restoration — are excluded from rate base (IR-2, IR-4)
- NS Power stated no lifecycle cost analysis or Economic Analysis Model (EAM) was prepared comparing underground versus overhead alternatives; a Class 4 planning-level overhead estimate of approximately $622,000 (range $0.4M–$0.9M) was prepared retroactively for comparative purposes, versus $1.18M per kilometre for the proposed underground system (IR-5, IR-10)
- The underground system is designed to initially operate at 12.5 kV but is built to accommodate a future transition to 25 kV; NS Power confirmed that no wholesale replacement of underground infrastructure is anticipated at the time of voltage conversion, as equipment is being selected with future 25 kV compatibility in mind (IR-9, IR-12)
- The Susie Lake Substation — which is critical to the broader Rockingham area 12.5 kV to 25 kV conversion strategy — has not yet been constructed due to site acquisition challenges; the current target in-service date is 2028, delayed from an original 2023 target (IR-16)
- NS Power confirmed it did not consult with HRM prior to development layout approval, and did not communicate potential rate impacts to municipal planners; the developer was informed of the Board approval requirement and the generally higher capital costs associated with underground infrastructure (IR-12)
Disclaimer: This summary was generated by AI from the filings it describes. We take care to make it accurate, but errors are possible - and it isn't advice. Only the filings themselves are the record: if you're relying on something here, confirm it against the source documents or the Nova Scotia Energy Board's own record. Full disclaimer →
What was filed
Documents filed on this day
- N-2 NSPI (NSEB) RIRs 1-18
- 102842 Letter enclosing RIRs