Topic:"2026 DSM Extension" in M12619

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................ 7 4 2.0 2026 ACE PLAN STRUCTURE ...................................................................

AI summary The document outlines the structure and details of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, including stakeholder engagement, deferred or cancelled capital items from the 2025 ACE Plan, and a summary of expenditures and capital items for the 2026 ACE Plan. It also covers generation-related capital spending.

next depreciation study with the Board prior to filing the 2026 ACE plan, the Board expects 22 the Company to provide an update on the activities it conducted since the filing of the 2025 23 ACE Plan related to evaluating and costing the M...

AI summary The NSEB requires NS Power to provide an update on activities related to the Mersey Hydro System decommissioning and partial decommissioning options since the 2025 ACE Plan was filed, and to include cost estimates for preliminary engineering, stakeholder engagement, and environmental studies in the 2026 ACE Plan.

1 engineering design costs, and procurement costs, in its Mersey system update in the 2026 2 ACE Plan. These cost estimates are also to be included in NS Power’s filing of its NPV 3 analysis comparing the Mersey Redevelopment Project to th...

AI summary The NSEB directs NS Power to include engineering, procurement, and design costs in its 2026 ACE Plan and NPV analysis of the Mersey Redevelopment Project. It also mandates a quality control step in the Project Delivery Model (PDM) and requires NS Power to submit capital expenditures over $1 million for Board approval.

he Company’s decisions related to Date: December 12, 2025 Page 29 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 project deferrals to ensure risks are being appropriately managed...

AI summary The 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan outlines NS Power's proposed capital investments totaling approximately $256.3 million. It includes routine capital expenditures and 20 projects, with some items not requiring NSEB approval but included for transparency. The plan also includes carryover projects from previous years.

Figure 84 below illustrates the overall change in asset age profile for Downline Reclosers 20 between 2025 and 2026. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 129 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (A...

AI summary The text presents figures illustrating the change in the age profile of Downline Reclosers between 2025 and 2026, as part of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. It also mentions a figure showing the current state of Padmount Transformer age profiles.

U&U Q2 - August 5, 2025 $ - $ 2,426,669 $ 445,032 Approved Transmission C0074130 Robie Street Underground P&A OTQ - September 9, 2025 $ - $ 4,465,119 $ 1,221,314 Awaiting Approval Generation C0080112 HYD Big Falls Unit 6 Rotor Re-Insulatio...

AI summary The text provides a table listing various projects with their status, costs, and associated dates. These projects include transmission, generation, and general plant initiatives, with some awaiting approval and others already approved. Costs and associated details are provided for each item.

2026 ACE Plan 2026 ACE Plan $ 2,818,855 $ 2,818,855 $ 66,043 Awaiting Approval Transmission C0053234 96H-T1 Transformer Replacement 2026 ACE Plan 2026 ACE Plan $ 2,056,752 $ 2,056,752 $ 21,093 Awaiting Approval Generation C0068888 TUC3 Con...

AI summary The text presents a list of capital expenditure items under the 2026 ACE Plan, including transformer replacements, system upgrades, and switch replacements, with associated costs and approval status.

ACE Plan Reference Submission or Status Category CI Number Title Submission/Date ACE Amount Actual Spend FIN Submission Date FIN Amount Variance (or U&U and P&A) Approved Amount Awaiting Approval Transmission C0070909 70W-T52 Transformer A...

AI summary The document presents a table outlining several capital items (CIs) under the 2026 ACE Plan, including their status, category, CI numbers, titles, submission dates, ACE amounts, actual spend, and variance. These items are related to infrastructure upgrades in transmission and distribution systems.

on C0080110 L7012 Replacements and Upgrades Phase 1 2026 ACE Plan 2026 ACE Plan $ 5,370,318 $ 5,370,318 $ - Awaiting Approval General Plant C0080111 2026 RTU Deployment 2026 ACE Plan 2026 ACE Plan $ 8,322,655 $ 8,322,655 $ - Awaiting Appro...

AI summary The text presents a list of capital expenditure items under the 2026 ACE Plan, including replacements, upgrades, and refurbishments across various projects, with associated costs listed for each item.

C0080206 POA Boiler Refurbishment 2026 2026 ACE Plan 2026 ACE Plan $ 1,304,600 $ 1,304,600 $ - Awaiting Approval General Plant C0080252 Intelligent Asset Data Capture & Integration Platform 2026 ACE Plan 2026 ACE Plan $ 267,941 $ 267,941 $...

AI summary The text lists several capital expenditure projects under the 2026 ACE Plan, including boiler refurbishments, asset data integration platforms, distribution right of way expansions, and various hydroelectric refurbishment and analysis projects. Some are awaiting approval, while others are pending submission.

02 Sydney Depot Improvements 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 2,700,000 $ - Pending Submission Transmission C0032382 142H - Susie Lake Substation 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 8,256,386 $ 671,904 Pending Submission Gen...

AI summary The document lists several capital expenditure items under the 2026 ACE Plan, including improvements to the Sydney Depot, Susie Lake Substation, and various IT and generation-related projects, with associated costs and approvals pending.

HYD ANN Facility Isolation 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 4,083,925 $ 2,778,287 Pending Submission Transmission C0059483 83V L-5017 and L-5046 Rebuild Tap 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 1,207,318 $ 212,714 Pending Sub...

AI summary The document outlines several capital expenditure projects under the 2026 ACE Plan, including facility isolation, transmission rebuilds, IT migrations, and environmental upgrades, with varying amounts approved and pending.

IT - Managed Detect & Respond 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 2,585,071 $ 140,002 Pending Submission General Plant C0068714 IT - Identity & Access Management 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 4,324,589 $ 914,563 Pending S...

AI summary The text lists several IT and transmission projects with associated costs under the 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval), including IT security, DERMS solutions, ADMS upgrades, and transformer replacements.

10H-T2 Transformer Replacement 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 2,878,891 $ 20,582 Pending Submission Transmission C0070327 IR 673 Network Upgrade Benjamins Mill Wind 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 265,000 $ 7,946 Pendi...

AI summary The text lists various capital expenditure projects under the 2026 ACE Plan, including transformer replacements, network upgrades, and the construction of a new substation, with associated costs and approvals pending.

HYD Malay Falls Rubber Dam 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 2,237,339 $ 42,684 Pending Submission Generation C0076273 Bear Head Ash Management Site - Life Extension 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 10,148,108 $ 18,725 Pen...

AI summary The document outlines several pending submissions related to capital expenditures under the 2026 ACE Plan, including projects such as the Malay Falls Rubber Dam, Bear Head Ash Management Site life extension, and various infrastructure upgrades across generation, distribution, and transmission systems.

Replacements and Upgrades Phase 1 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 2,490,532 $ - Pending Submission Generation C0080219 HYD Deep Brook Spillway & Intake Refurbishment 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 3,142,201 $ 4,250 Pen...

AI summary This text outlines various capital expenditure projects under the 2026 ACE Plan, including turbine refurbishments, infrastructure upgrades, and other initiatives, with associated costs and pending approvals.

se 2 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 13,000,000 $ 2,875,292 Pending Submission General Plant C0082133 IT - Renew Microsoft Enterprise Agreement 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 1,800,000 $ - Pending Submission Generation...

AI summary The text outlines the 2026 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) with specific line items related to IT and generation capacity requirements, along with deferred or cancelled projects from the 2025 ACE Plan. These projects are part of broader planning and capital expenditure processes.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix D Page 7 of 179 New Updates - Scope Change • Examples that would trigger a Scope Change application: o The refurbishment (component replacement) of an asset is changed to a full asset replacement. (i.e. a Steam Turbi...

AI summary This section outlines the conditions under which a scope change would be required for the 2026 ACE Plan. Examples include changing from component replacement to full asset replacement or altering the technology application. However, changes in quantity of units without altering the project intent are not considered scope changes.

conducted since the filing of the 2025 ACE Plan related to evaluating 26 and costing the MHS decommissioning and partial decommissioning options. 27 28 10. The Board directs NS Power to include cost estimates for further preliminary 29 eng...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) directs Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) to include detailed cost estimates for Mersey system updates in its 2026 ACE Plan, including preliminary engineering, stakeholder engagement, environmental studies, and procurement costs. These estimates must also be incorporated into NS Power’s NPV analysis comparing the Mersey Redevelopment Project to decommissioning options.

1 Extension Period). As such, E1’s prior five-year DSM Plan development was temporarily paused 2 while E1 prepared and filed its 2026 DSM Plan Extension Application, which remains an open 3 Matter before the Board. 43 E1’s 2026 DSM Plan ta...

AI summary E1's 2026 DSM Plan extension targets 528.7 GWh energy savings and 16.3 MW DR capacity with $236.8M investment. NS Power collaborates with DSMAG on cost-effectiveness frameworks and electrification strategies, focusing on affordability and peak load reduction through hybrid electrification scenarios.

22 1 (d) The 2025 actual investment exceeded the amount forecasted in the 2025 ACE Plan, despite 18 (d) Please confirm whether 2025 ACE actual expenditure reporting within the 2026 ACE 19 Plan include any Reliability Tie costs. If not, ple...

AI summary The text discusses discrepancies between the 2025 actual investment and the forecasted amount in the 2025 ACE Plan, specifically regarding Reliability Tie costs and their inclusion in the 2026 ACE Plan. NSPI explains that costs related to Right of Way (ROW) are tracked under different programs and accounts, with vegetation management costs being a specific category.

8 Project 2025 ACE Plan Project Total ($) 2026 ACE Plan Project Total ($) Variance ($) Variance Explanation C0068719 IT - Distributed Intelligence Apps 4,353,461 2,637,356 (1,716,105) Federal funding was confirmed since the 2025 ACE Plan f...

AI summary The document outlines changes in project costs between the 2025 and 2026 ACE Plans, noting factors such as confirmed federal funding, shifts to cloud-based solutions, and the use of high-level estimates prior to detailed requirements being finalized.

1 1 Request IR-19: 3 Reference: N-1, 2026 ACE Plan, Appendix G – Five-Year Reliability Plan Update. 4 5 Preamble: The Board directed NSPI to provide annual updates on the Five-Year 6 Reliability Plan in each ACE Plan filing. NSPI states it...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board requested NSPI to provide details on the process used to update the Five-Year Reliability Plan for 2026, summarize substantive changes, confirm unchanged investment amounts, and explain updates to 2029 goals. NSPI began responding by referencing its asset management approach and condition indicators.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-1 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 3 1987.25 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17...

AI summary The text discusses a decrease in the total forecast for 2025-2029 from the 2025 ACE Plan to the 2026 ACE Plan, indicating changes in projected capital expenditures.

6 (e) Similar to the 2025 ACE Plan, the 2026 ACE Plan budget for D004, D061 and D062 was 7 developed based on the Q3 forecast for each of these routines plus inflation. None of the 8 factors referenced above directly impacted the forecast,...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan budget for D004, D061, and D062 was developed using Q3 forecasts and inflation, with no direct impact from referenced factors. NS Power is satisfied with the revised forecasting methodology and does not plan to make further changes.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL Unit IRP ($) 2026 ACE Plan ($) 7 Matrix, while the criticality scoring is assigned using the CEJC framework based on 8 customer, safety, environmental, and reliability impacts. 1 Request IR-42: 2 3 Directives & Misc pages...

AI summary The response to Request IR-42 discusses changes in the 2026 ACE Plan compared to the 2025 ACE Plan, particularly in forecast spending for thermal generation, combustion turbines, hydro generation, and wind generation. The 2026 ACE Plan shows a decrease in thermal generation spending by approximately $20 million.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 2026 ACE Plan Condition Inputs 3 Directives & Misc pages 87 to 141 4 5 Section 11.1.4 Impact of Reliability Projects pages 92 to 132 6 7 Page 97 addresses the Board's 2025 ACE Plan directive to provide an update on the Cen...

AI summary The text discusses updates on the Centre for Energy Advancement through Technological Innovation (CEATI) Grid Resiliency working group as part of the 2026 ACE Plan application. It requests an update on CEATI activities, a copy of the discussion paper on Transmission System Resiliency, and confirmation on the approval of final terms of reference for the working group.

(3) Spending on projects started prior to 2025, not in the 2025 ACE Plan: Top 10 projects that were included in prior ACE Plans or approved prior to 2025 CI Project Title Functional Class 2025 Awaiting Approval Generation C0021608 TUC Shor...

AI summary This section lists the top 10 projects approved prior to 2025 or included in prior ACE Plans, which are awaiting approval for spending in 2025. These projects span various functional classes, including generation and transmission, and are planned to be included in the 2026 ACE Plan.

2.3.1 Increase in Recent ACE Plans [39] NS Power requested approval of approximately $207.3 million for Routine Capital Expenditures in the 2026 ACE Plan. Reported routine capital expenditures declined from $230 million in 2022 to $153.3 m...

AI summary NS Power requested approval for $207.3 million in routine capital expenditures for the 2026 ACE Plan. Routine capital spending has increased from $153.3 million in 2023 to $176.4 million in 2024 and is forecast to reach $140 million in 2026, driven primarily by distribution upgrades and replacements.

program. That may well be true for the 2026 ACE Plan, but at a more general level, the assurance is somewhat difficult to reconcile with what occurred in relation to the Synchronous Condenser Project. [206] If NS Power no longer pursues th...

AI summary The document discusses the potential impact of the IESO Nova Scotia's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) on The Path to 2030 and the challenges of aligning it with the 2027 ACE Plan. It references the transfer of NS Power employees to IESO Nova Scotia and the timeline for the IRP's final report.

analysis comparing the Mersey Redevelopment Project to the decommissioning and partial decommissioning options. NS Power complied with these directives in Appendix E of its 2026 ACE Plan application. [224] The total cost of the Mersey Rede...

AI summary The Mersey Redevelopment Project's total cost has been estimated at around $1.2 billion in recent ACE Plans, with construction deferred until 2031. NS Power is awaiting the outcome of the IESO Nova Scotia IRP process and is addressing environmental regulatory and Mi'kmaq concerns, particularly regarding fish passage and compliance with the modernized Fisheries Act.

pdf page 88 – Evergreen IRP vs. 2026 ACE Plan Forecast Comparison by Unit: Please provide a table showing the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and ACE Plan dollar amounts expected to be spent per unit. 1. Are all assets rated each year or is...

AI summary The text requests a comparison between the Evergreen IRP and the 2026 ACE Plan in terms of forecast expenditures per unit. It also asks for clarification on asset rating thresholds and changes in expenditure forecasts for various energy generation and transmission projects between the 2025 and 2026 ACE Plans.

forecast that is significantly higher than that provided in the 2025 ACE Plan Figure 59. Please discuss the changes to this project’s forecast budget. In reference to Impact of Reliability Projects. 1. On pdf page 92 of the application, NS...

AI summary The text requests clarification on budget forecasts for a project in the 2026 ACE Plan and asks for details on how T&D projects will impact performance standards. It also questions the use of the term 'net' in the context of potential negative impacts from some projects and references the CEATI Grid Resiliency working group.

s the Board’s 2025 ACE Plan directive to provide an update on the Centre for Energy Advancement through Technological Innovation (CEATI) Grid Resiliency working group in the 2026 ACE Plan application. 1. Please provide an update on CEATI a...

AI summary The document requests updates on the CEATI Grid Resiliency working group, specifically regarding activities since the 2026 ACE Plan application, the status of the Resiliency Benchmarking Survey, and the approval of terms of reference. It also inquires about alternative reliability metrics evaluated by NS Power and their rationale for not being adopted.

29 (i) the name and CI number; 1 2 (ii) the 2025 budget/forecast originally anticipated in the 2025 ACE Plan; 3 (iii) 2025 actual spend (if any); 4 (iv) variance between budget vs actual; and 5 6 (v) disposition (deferred/cancelled) with t...

AI summary The text outlines regulatory requests related to NSPI's 2025 capital spending, including budget variances, project deferrals, and cost tracking for Right-of-Way (ROW) acquisitions and maintenance. It also requests clarification on the inclusion of Reliability Tie costs in the 2026 ACE Plan.

1 2 3 Given the noted additional scope items, and stated potential impact to the "direction" and "timeline" for this project, does NSPI anticipate filing a scope change application for the C0021835 - IT – CIS Replacement project? If so, wh...

AI summary The text includes regulatory requests related to a scope change application for a project and an affordability analysis for the 2026 ACE Plan. It references the Five-Year Reliability Plan Update and asks NSPI to provide details about projects, their budgets, and reliability enhancements.

on of or forecasting within the 2026 ACE Plan, Five-Year Reliability Plan Update or the Updated Path to 2030? In relation to the transition to the IESO-NS, and work of the Joint Transition Committee: 1. Please provide: 1. the Terms of Refe...

AI summary The text requests information on the Joint Transition Committee's structure and activities related to the IESO-NS transition, as well as details on external funding for the 2026-2030 ACE Plan. It also notes that the 2027–2030 capital forecast excludes expected but unconfirmed external funding.

PI’s cybersecurity risk profile, as assessed internally and/or by third‑party advisors, including any updated risk assessments, audit findings, or mitigation plans (provide documents where available). Reference: N-1, 2026 ACE Plan, page 29...

AI summary The document requests an explanation of the variance in forecasted total expenses for several IT projects between the 2025 and 2026 ACE Plans, including the impact of a 2025 cybersecurity breach. It also asks for reconciliation of the treatment of one project that appears in both 'Subsequent Submittal' and 'Carry-over Capital Spending' categories.

impact to the “direction” and “timeline” for this project, does NSPI anticipate filing a scope change application for the C0021835 - IT – CIS Replacement project? If so, when? If not, please explain. Reference: N-1, 2026 ACE Plan, Appendix...

AI summary The document requests NSPI to clarify if it plans to file a scope change application for the IT – CIS Replacement project and to identify projects in the 2026 ACE Plan that correspond to investments in the 5-Year Reliability Plan Update. It also asks if NSPI has conducted affordability, rate impact, or cost-benefit analyses related to the updated reliability spending.

et risk, evolving fisheries permitting requirements and affordability. [223] The Board's 2025 ACE Plan Order provided the following directives to NS Power related to the Mersey Redevelopment Project: - The Board directs NS Power to provide...

AI summary The Board's 2025 ACE Plan Order directed NS Power to provide a comprehensive update on the Mersey Redevelopment Project in the 2026 ACE Plan, including specific analyses and cost estimates. NS Power complied with these directives in Appendix E of its 2026 ACE Plan application.

10.1 Findings [237] The Board accepts NS Power's Mersey Hydro System Update as filed with the 2026 ACE Plan application. [238] The Board directs NS Power to provide another comprehensive update on the Mersey Redevelopment Project in the 20...

AI summary The Board accepts NS Power's Mersey Hydro System Update as part of the 2026 ACE Plan application and requires a more comprehensive update on the Mersey Redevelopment Project for the 2027 ACE Plan, including capital sustaining costs, NPV analysis, and updates related to the Mersey Hydro System modelling from the 2026 IRP.

why there's a variance from the 2026 ACE Plan, but not necessarily an explanation for the total almost $5 million variance from the 2025 plan; correct? A. (Beaton) That's correct. Standard procedure for these filings is to compare against...

AI summary The discussion addresses a variance in the 2026 ACE Plan compared to the 2025 plan, noting a nearly $5 million discrepancy. The response emphasizes that the focus is on justifying the prudence and necessity of the costs, rather than explaining the variance due to a cybersecurity incident. The speaker also notes that the cost of the project would remain unchanged regardless of when the cyber incident occurred.

NS POWER PANEL 293 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 Q. And then in the 2025 ACE Plan, 2 Nova Scotia Power filed a checklist and the Board 3 considered that and in the Board's decision the Board made 4 the finding that it did, that the checklist was not 5...

AI summary The proceeding discusses Nova Scotia Power's submission of the 2026 ACE Plan, including Appendix H, which outlines controls related to the Project Delivery Model (PDM). The Board previously found the 2025 ACE Plan's checklist unresponsive to its directive, and this document is presented as addressing that issue.