Topic:"Affordability" in M12619

1 2 In preparing its capital plans, NS Power utilizes its established asset management approach, and 3 considers safety, reliability, climate change adaptation, and affordability, while incorporating the 4 Company’s decarbonization targets...

AI summary NS Power uses an asset management approach to prepare capital plans, focusing on reliability, resiliency, and affordability. The 2026 ACE Plan includes investments in reliability-focused improvements to the T&D system, addressing challenges from severe weather events through vegetation management, storm hardening, and grid modernization.

bility. These targeted reliability projects include vegetation 26 management, storm hardening and reliability upgrades, targeted device replacements, and 27 grid modernization. 28 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 8 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CO...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan focuses on safety compliance, environmental compliance, and aligning with the coal phase-out and renewable energy goals. It includes projects such as hydro dam safety upgrades, PCB remediation, and grid modernization, and addresses directives from the 2025 ACE Plan Decision.

82 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 mitigation strategies, ensuring alignment with NS Power’s operational mission and delivering the 2 greatest value to customers. 3 4 A c...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan outlines mitigation strategies for high-risk assets based on criticality and condition, emphasizing the importance of aligning with NS Power’s operational mission and delivering value to customers. Mitigation approaches include capital investment, refurbishment, and modifications to maintenance practices, with a focus on affordability and feasibility.

ability 23 • Customer affordability and regulatory context 24 25 Figure 6 below provides a visual representation of the AM Mechanism and its role in risk 26 evaluation and mitigation. 27 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 19 of 782 REDACTED REDA...

AI summary NS Power is requesting Board approval for a 2026 ACE Plan, which includes $49.0 million in capital items and $207.3 million in capital routine programs, as well as amendments to the CEJC. The document outlines the context of customer affordability and regulatory considerations.

796,677 1,346,809 - 2,457,629 2026 ACE Plan Upgrades Subsequent Submittal C0041830 Spare Power Production 1,258,324 1,264,622 1,205,613 1,266,552 Approved Unit Transformer Date: December 12, 2025 Page 28 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENT...

AI summary The document outlines the 2026 ACE Plan, including project details such as Spare Power Production and Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) Implementation. The FLISR project is awaiting approval with updated budget figures provided.

Total Routine Capital Spending $207,302,889 $207,302,889 Total Capital Items for which Approval is Sought $256,305,380 $283,999,129 This project total has been reduced below $1M due to federal funding. 1 2 5.3 2026 ACE Plan Capital Items F...

AI summary The document outlines the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, including total routine capital spending and projected capital items for approval. The ACE Plan includes projects expected to be filed for review and approval in 2026, with estimated investments of $174.5 million and total investment of approximately $688.9 million.

f 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only)

AI summary The document contains a 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which is marked as confidential and includes attachments. The content is redacted, indicating that sensitive information has been removed.

TED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) CI# Project Title 2026 Budget ($) Project Total ($) C0062043 IT - SharePoint Technical Migration 1,990,219 3,134,674 This project will migrate bu...

AI summary The document outlines the 2026 ACE Plan, including a project to migrate business records to SharePoint online. It also mentions total capital items for subsequent approval, with a focus on projects with estimated costs of less than $1,000,000.

ment reached with stakeholders pursuant to NS Power’s report provided to the Board on 8 September 5, 2017 (2017 stakeholder agreement). 9 10 Figure 11: Historical Value of Projects Less Than $1M (Millions of dollars) Value of Projects Less...

AI summary The text presents historical data on the value and number of projects less than $1M from 2023 to 2026, including categories such as Gas Turbine, Steam, Hydro, Wind, Transmission, Distribution, and General Plant. It references a 2017 stakeholder agreement and includes a 2026 ACE Plan with confidential attachments.

f 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only)

AI summary The document contains a 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which is marked as confidential and includes attachments. The content is redacted, indicating that sensitive information has been removed.

2018/06 2026/05 13,853,095 24,047 - 13,877,142 49756 HYD Marshall Falls Dam Refurbishment 2016/12 2030/09 917,387 641,240 12,291,829 13,850,456 C0050414 HYD Roseway Asset Decommissioning 2022/07 2026/09 4,738,368 47,619 - 4,785,987 C007048...

AI summary The text presents a table of various hydroelectric projects with start and end dates, costs, and other financial details, followed by a reference to the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which is marked as confidential.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 Figure 26: Summary of 2026 Distribution Capital Investments 2 (Millions of dollars) New 2026 capital spending for projects with total estimated pro...

AI summary The text outlines the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, detailing distribution capital investments in three categories, with specific figures for each. The summary provides an overview of capital spending for projects with varying levels of approval requirements and estimated spending.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 Figure 31: Summary of 2026 General Plant Capital Investments 2 (Millions of dollars) New 2026 capital spending for projects with total estimated pr...

AI summary The text outlines the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, detailing capital spending for various projects, including new investments, future approvals, and smaller projects not requiring approval.

/02 2026/12 245,130 164,874 - 410,004 Total Telecommunications 2,038,491 3,508,360 2,866,859 8,413,711 C0061284 IT - OT Cyber Security Control 2023/11 2026/12 1,957,397 1,917,601 2,905,463 6,780,461 Implementation Phase 1 C0047277 IT - GIS...

AI summary The document outlines various IT projects and their associated costs under the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. These projects span cybersecurity, data migration, customer service improvements, and infrastructure upgrades, with detailed cost breakdowns and timelines provided.

tion & Replacement $1,006,327 $987,791 $749,316 $862,088 Protection Modification & Replacement Total $1,006,327 $987,791 $749,316 $862,088 T001 23115 Provincial Transmission Line Replace $3,135,399 $3,274,053 $3,251,791 $3,322,385 T011 231...

AI summary The text includes financial figures related to various infrastructure projects, such as transmission line replacements and meter maintenance, and references the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which is marked as confidential.

ge 61 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) Project 2024 2025 2025 2026 CI # Project Title # Actual Budget Forecast ACE Plan D005 23158 Unplanned Replace Deteriorated $26,...

AI summary The text provides a table of projected costs for various projects under the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. It includes details for different categories of projects, such as unplanned replacements, regulatory replacements, and new customer upgrades. The table outlines actual, budgeted, forecasted, and ACE Plan figures for each project over multiple years.

1 10.3 Like-for-Like Routine Replacements 2 3 The Board’s 2013 ACE Plan Order Directive 2 provided as follows: 4 5 The Board directs NSPI, in the next ACE Plan application, to analyze the routine 6 expenditures to determine what are the "l...

AI summary The NSEB directed NSPI in 2013 to analyze routine expenditures in the ACE Plan, specifically focusing on 'like-for-like' spending. The data shows a decrease in total routine spending from 2022 to 2023, but an increase in like-for-like spending by 2024 and 2025. The analysis aims to understand the growth of these costs relative to inflation.

f 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only)

AI summary The document contains a 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which is marked as confidential and includes attachments. The content is redacted, indicating that sensitive information has been removed.

REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 Distribution Upgrades and Replacements 2 3 Figure 44: Distribution Upgrades and Replacements 2026 ACE Plan Forecast D005 Unplanned Replace...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan outlines forecasts for distribution upgrades and replacements, including unplanned equipment replacement, regulatory replacements, and provincial storm-related expenditures. These forecasts are based on historical spending averages, adjusted for inflation, and may vary depending on annual decisions and storm activity.

ls with Extreme Event Day storms removed and an annual inflation of 1.8%. There can be $6,927,211 significant variation in this amount based on yearly storm activity. D051 System Performance Improvement 6W-201 - Offload to 50W 82,734 50W-4...

AI summary The document outlines various system performance improvement and distribution equipment replacement projects under the 2026 ACE Plan, including costs for storm damage repairs, recloser additions, and targeted equipment replacements. These initiatives aim to enhance grid reliability and address infrastructure needs.

2.04 28,066 $ 104.08 2024 51,328 $ 54.16 31,090 $ 108.32 2025 33,869 $ 56.80 30,582 $ 113.60 16 PH = Personhours 17 This value includes Actuals to the end of September 2025 and forecast for the remainder of the year. 18 19 Using the 5-year...

AI summary The text provides a forecast for the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, including projected costs and actuals up to September 2025. It references a 5-year average and an annual inflation factor of 1.80 percent to estimate spending in D005 for 2026.

REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 Figure 46: Forecast 2026 Spend in D005 Year Regular Labour Regular Labour Overtime Overtime (PH) $/PH Labour (PH) Labour $/PH 2026 40,549...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan includes a forecast of labor costs for D005, accounting for impacts from previous years' extreme events. NS Power believes the 5-year budgeting approach is reasonable for addressing cumulative effects from storm activity. The plan also includes forecasting for new customers.

Figure 47: New Customers 2026 ACE Plan Forecast D004 New Customer Upgrades This forecast is developed based on forecasted spending levels in $19,283,936 2025 for New Customer Upgrades with an annual inflation of 1.8%. D018 Primary Equipmen...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan forecast outlines expected spending for new customer upgrades, including residential and commercial costs, based on 2025 spending levels adjusted for 1.8% annual inflation. Specific line items include distribution spare equipment and line extensions.

unmetered services, line extensions and underground $12,328,071 services. This forecast is developed based on forecasted spending levels in 2025 with an annual inflation of 1.8%. Total New Customers $67,837,497 1 2 Joint Use 3 4 Figure 48:...

AI summary The text provides forecasts for unmetered services, line extensions, and underground services, as well as joint use activities, based on historical spending levels and an annual inflation rate of 1.8%. These forecasts are part of the 2026 ACE Plan.

ribution system that already have defined ROWs. 25 Investment to establish new distribution rights-of-way where none have previously existed remains 26 with the New Distribution ROW program. 27 24 M07176, NS Power 2016 Annual Capital Expen...

AI summary The text discusses the 2026 ACE Plan, detailing capital expenditures for work vehicle replacements and transportation vehicles, including quantities, unit prices, and total forecasts. It references prior decisions and documents related to the Annual Capital Expenditure Plan.

23,550 Miscellaneous support for system 52,000 P025 Mobile Radio Total 224,550 P027 Telecommunication Radio & Fibre Ops HVAC & Generator Upgrades 119,000 Radio Site repairs - Miscellaneous 58,300 Add Generator Alarms and Controls 18,700 Mi...

AI summary The text provides a list of miscellaneous expenses and costs associated with various projects and operations, including mobile radio, telecommunication radio, and fibre operations. These costs are part of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which is marked as confidential.

1 It is not clear such items as, for example, plans for replacement of aging 2 transmission and distribution equipment, and storm performance information, 3 beyond the 48-hour restoration metric, will be fully explored in the context of 4...

AI summary The document discusses uncertainties regarding the inclusion of reliability metrics in the ACE Plan, particularly concerning aging infrastructure and storm performance. NS Power has committed to providing risk ratings for reliability-focused distribution projects over $1 million, with updates over five years post-implementation.

1 are necessary. This approach is driven by and aligned with NS Power’s asset management strategy 2 for T&D assets and includes implementation by the Reliability team. In addition to the dedicated 3 areas of scope and responsibilities for...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's reliability initiatives, including updates on the Reliability Team's progress and alignment with the company's asset management strategy. The Board directed NS Power to provide updates on the Reliability Director's implementation progress as part of the ACE Plan, with a focus on reducing outage frequency and duration in 2025.

f 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 2023) as a trend which is expected to continue into the future. However, NS Power’s typical 2 performance compares favourably with t...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan discusses NS Power's performance in terms of outages, noting that tree contacts and failed equipment are the leading causes of customer outages. Continued investment in vegetation clearing and other capital initiatives is expected to improve system reliability and resiliency.

1 2 Significant amount of customer hours from non-MED days due to adverse weather in certain years, 3 such as 2021 and 2022 are not excluded above and do contribute to the volume of tree contacts 4 experienced. Despite the increased freque...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of severe weather on power outages and NS Power's efforts to improve reliability through vegetation management and equipment upgrades. Despite increased weather challenges, there is a positive trend in reducing customer impact. Investments in transmission and distribution rights-of-way are highlighted as part of the 2026 ACE Plan.

and duration of outages caused by failed 29 equipment when compared to recent history. These years were also the most challenging years for 30 severe weather events. The increase in failed primary aerial conductors is believed to be attrib...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan discusses the impact of severe weather events on infrastructure reliability, noting increased failures in primary aerial conductors due to high wind stress. However, NS Power's targeted asset investments have improved equipment reliability, with 2025 showing a positive trend in reducing customer interruptions.

oiler Refractory Replacement 2027 - $TBD • 2028 – TBD POA Boiler Refractory Replacement 2028 - $TBD Depreciation Class: Steam Production Plant – Point Aconi Estimated Life of the Asset: 8 Years Retirement Information: • Categorization of R...

AI summary The document outlines the planned refractory replacement projects for boilers at Point Aconi, with estimated costs to be determined, and provides depreciation class and retirement information for the steam production plant. The justification for the 2026 ACE Plan is based on thermal criteria, specifically equipment replacement and refurbishment.

Drawing No DRAWING NAME: Y:\HALIFAX\DATA\PROJECTS\2022\220322.00 NSPI TUFTS COVE SSP WALL\44 CAD\03 STRUCT\220322.00-MSK05.DWG LAYOUT NAME: OPTION 2 - ELEVATION AND SECTIONS PLOT DATE: Thursday, March 9, 2023 11:12:23 AM CAD OPERATOR: LULI...

AI summary The text includes a drawing name and layout details for a project related to Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI) at Tufts Cove, as well as a reference to the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan with attachment details. The content is partially redacted and includes confidential information.

2026 ACE Plan C0021608 Attachment 1 Page 29 of 34 NORTH NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION A ISSUED FOR REVIEW MAR 9/23 JEF No. Description Date By NSPI

AI summary The document references the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, specifically Attachment 1, Page 29 of 34, which includes a note indicating that the document is not for construction and was issued for review on March 9, 2023, by JEF. The attachment is associated with Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI).

install and that no additional work will be needed to insure proper installation and runout. Any additional work on the stub shaft will be quoted as extra work upon discovery. • The standard NDE performed on these blades is a Magnetic Part...

AI summary The text outlines standard non-destructive testing (NDE) procedures for blades, including Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) and Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI), as well as conditions for additional work and costs. It also mentions the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, though no details are provided.

– CAD. Complete for Mob/Demob, Equipment, Labour, Materials Supervision & Engineering. HST: Not included. CLARIFICATIONS: Our pricing for the proposed inspection work is based on the following clarifications: • Quote is to be considered bu...

AI summary The document outlines the pricing and conditions for proposed inspection work, including budgetary estimates, working hours, exclusions, and responsibilities of the owner and contractor. Key considerations include waste disposal, pretest requirements, access, and liability disclaimers.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0068888 Page 2 of 11 Why do this project now? This project is necessary at this time due to the increasing reliance on heavy fuel oil (HFO) at Tufts Cove, driven by ongoin...

AI summary The project is necessary due to increased reliance on heavy fuel oil at Tufts Cove, which requires a more efficient ash management system. The existing fly ash hauling system is not suitable for sustained use, and expanding vacuum truck usage would increase costs and safety risks. Installing a dedicated ash conveyance and collection system will reduce operating costs and safety risks.

the pricing in place is a fixed cost awarded via request for proposal (RFP) through a design/build contract. Multiple vendors were engaged during the RFP to ensure best pricing and solution quality Date: December 12, 2025 Page 296 of 782 R...

AI summary The text discusses a fixed-cost pricing model established through a request for proposal (RFP) under a design/build contract, with multiple vendors involved to ensure competitive pricing and quality solutions. The document is part of the 2026 ACE Plan and contains redacted confidential information.

B. Pricing only includes safety orientation meetings of no more than one (1) hour duration scheduled on the first work day. Attendance at meetings of greater than one (1) hour duration or not scheduled on the first work day will be invoice...

AI summary The document outlines pricing terms and responsibilities for safety orientation meetings, hazardous material handling, access for field installation, and adherence to standard procedures for equipment removal and installation. It emphasizes the buyer's responsibility for site conditions and the seller's obligation to follow safety and industry standards.

r be liable for more than the price charged for such material as may prove defective, and no payments shall be withheld by Buyer pending adjustment of liability or amount of cost of alleged errors. For specific questions Date: about line D...

AI summary The text outlines terms and conditions related to liability and payment adjustments for defective materials, specifying that buyers should not withhold payments pending resolution of liability or cost adjustments. It also includes a quotation and contact information for Gavin McInnis from Nova Scotia Power - Tuft's Cove.

B. Pricing only includes safety orientation meetings of no more than one (1) hour duration scheduled on the first work day. Attendance at meetings of greater than one (1) hour duration or not scheduled on the first work day will be invoice...

AI summary The document outlines pricing terms and responsibilities for safety orientation meetings, hazardous material handling, access for field installation, and adherence to standard procedures for equipment removal and installation. It emphasizes the buyer's responsibility for site conditions and the seller's obligation to follow safety and industry standards.

% 15% $ 4,265,565 $ 639,835 Sub-Total $ 639,835 Vehicle Overhead Vehicle Labour AO $ 68,190 Sub-Total $ 68,190 Administrative Overhead Labour AO $ 114,396 Contractor AO $ 282,331 Sub-Total $ 396,728 SUB-TOTAL (no AO, AFUDC) $ 4,905,400 TOT...

AI summary The document contains a budget breakdown with various overhead costs and a total cost including AO and AFUDC. It also mentions the 2026 ACE Plan and includes a note about labour figures being used for budgeting purposes.

Pricing and payment is in US Dollars. Sales tax, tariffs, duties & GSA taxes and freight forwarder are by others. Cleaveland/Price, Inc. is not CSA certified. We manufacture to ANSI/IEEE standards. Cleaveland/Price Inc. warrants that the p...

AI summary The text outlines warranty terms for Cleaveland/Price Inc. products, specifying a five-year warranty for mechanical components, one year for electronic components, and six months for batteries. It also notes that labor and replacement costs are the purchaser's responsibility. Pricing is in USD, and delivery depends on factory capacity.

SUB-TOTAL (no AO, AFUDC) $ 908,436 TOTAL (AO, AFUDC included) 1,062,416 Original Cost $ 111,854 Note 1: The labour figures noted above are an average of salaries across a variety of jobs within similar classifications including fringe, and...

AI summary The document includes financial figures such as sub-total and total costs, with notes on labor figures used for budgeting. It also references the 2026 ACE Plan and contains redacted information.

$ - Sub-Total $ 32,456 Administrative Overhead Labour AO $ 88,397 Contractor AO $ 66,284 Sub-Total $ 154,681 SUB-TOTAL (no AO, AFUDC) $ 1,048,550 TOTAL (AO, AFUDC included) $ 1,288,474 Original Cost $ 227,486 Note 1: The labour figures not...

AI summary The document provides a summary of administrative overhead costs, including labour and contractor expenses, and includes a total budget with and without administrative and construction allowances. The original cost and notes on salary averaging and rounding differences are also included.

$ 121,513 Sub-Total $ 121,513 Administrative Overhead Labour AO % 910,133 Contractor AO % $ 142,245 Sub-Total $ 1,052,378 SUB-TOTAL (no AO, AFUDC) $ 6,694,326 TOTAL (AO, AFUDC included) $ 8,322,655 Original Cost N/A Note 1: The labour figu...

AI summary This document provides a summary of administrative overhead costs, including labour and contractor expenses, as part of the 2026 ACE Plan. It includes a total of $8,322,655 when administrative overhead and AFUDC are included, with notes on salary averages and rounding differences.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0080252 Page 3 of 5 Capital Project Detailed Estimate Location: General Plant CI# : C0080252 Title: Intelligent Asset Data Capture & Integration Platform Execution Year: 2025-2026 Cost Support Completed Similar Desc...

AI summary This document outlines a capital project titled 'Intelligent Asset Data Capture & Integration Platform' under the 2026 ACE Plan, with detailed estimates for labor costs across various roles, including GIS Technologists, IT Integration Specialists, and Program Managers, totaling $115,885.

178 Administrative Overhead Labour AO $ 63,306 Sub-Total $ 63,306 SUB-TOTAL (no AO, AFUDC) $ 10,363,978 Federal Funding Offset $ (10,159,521) TOTAL (AO, AFUDC included) $ 267,941 Original Cost N/A Note 1: The labour figures noted above are...

AI summary This document presents an administrative overhead breakdown, including labour costs and federal funding offsets, as part of a 2026 ACE Plan. It outlines budget figures and notes that the data is for budgeting purposes only.

C0080104 - 36V-303 Baxter's Harbour Rd Reconductor Phase 1 D03 C0080612 - 57C-426 Melrose Reconductor and Line Extension Phase 1 General Plant GP01 C0080111 - 2026 RTU Deployment Project Vendor Quote GP02 C0080252 - Intelligent Asset Data...

AI summary The document discusses the confidentiality of commercial information in regulatory proceedings, emphasizing the need to protect customer value and prevent competitive disadvantages to NS Power by limiting access to detailed supplier and vendor information.

ve advantages over other suppliers, and that could be advantageous in bidding or negotiation. Higher prices, or avoidable contractual constraints, will result in unnecessary higher costs to customers. NS Power seeks to keep the terms and c...

AI summary NS Power argues that keeping supplier pricing and arrangements confidential protects customers from higher costs and ensures competitive terms. Additionally, third-party proprietary information and system security, including one-line diagrams, are kept confidential for reliability and security reasons.

em Upgrade 2017 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) OTQ - July 3, 2018 $ 1,018,769 $ 1,275,559 $ 1,070,506 Approved Transmission C0001900 Mount Hope 69-25kV Substation 2018 ACE Plan 2018 ACE Plan $ 2,982,338 $ 2,982,338 $ 2,998,218 Approved...

AI summary This document outlines various capital expenditure projects related to transmission and general plant upgrades, including approvals and disapprovals. It includes details such as project names, costs, and approval statuses, with some items not approved at this time.

POT - HFO Tank Refurbishment 2024 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) OTQ - December 17, 2024 $ 2,012,803 $ 3,684,622 $ 3,628,104 Deferred General Plant C0061287 IT - Third Party Risk Management 2024 ACE Plan (for Subsequent Approval) $ 1,4...

AI summary The text presents a list of capital expenditure items related to the 2024 ACE Plan, including refurbishment of HFO tanks, IT risk management, network security design, and rights-of-way for distribution, with associated costs and approval statuses.

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.

ther transmission plant so as to eliminate NS Power’s requirement for the plant in ques on. • Replace the transmission plant as to maintain NS Power’s transmission system. • Any repairs, upgrades or modifica ons will be costed as per the m...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power's approach to transmission and distribution system upgrades, emphasizing cost justification for capital expenditures and adherence to service provision requirements. It details criteria for replacing transmission infrastructure, cost calculation standards, and the integration of distribution systems with customer service needs.

1 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2 3 NS Power owns and operates the Mersey Hydro System (MHS), a series of six hydroelectric 4 stations and a lake storage diversion along a 21km reach of the Mersey River. The 2026 ACE Plan 5 focuses on sustaining capita...

AI summary NS Power is updating the 2026 ACE Plan to address sustaining investments for the Mersey Hydro System (MHS) while evaluating long-term options via the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The Board directed NS Power to include NPV analyses comparing decommissioning, partial decommissioning, and redevelopment options, along with assumptions, in the ACE Plan application following the next depreciation study.

1 6.0 CONCLUSION 2 3 NS Power has increased the incremental sustaining investment in the MHS to maintain safe and 4 reliable operation of the system, while deferring a major investment for customers until the future 5 of the MHS is determi...

AI summary NS Power defers major redevelopment of Mersey Hydro Station (MHS) until the next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to avoid long-term commitments, aligning with Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan and prioritizing affordability. Incremental investments maintain safe operations while conducting preliminary studies and stakeholder engagement.

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.

1 developed with property owners and industry stakeholders, to explore new opportunities for 2 flexible load management in electrified multi-tenant settings. 3 4 Engagement efforts during the season included a kickoff meeting in November 2...

AI summary NS Power engaged stakeholders in 2024-2025 for flexible load management in multi-tenant settings, filed a TVP Season approach, and received Board approval to align tariffs with standard rates during system outages. The Board emphasized rate equity and program continuity, while NS Power concluded its SGNS project, validating DER coordination benefits for affordability and reliability.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 67 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 8.0 CONCLUSION 2 3 NS Power’s Five-Year Reliability Plan represents a significant, sustained commitment to 4 improving system reliabilit...

AI summary NS Power’s Five-Year Reliability Plan outlines a commitment to improving system reliability and resilience through targeted investments, including vegetation management and grid modernization. The plan aims to achieve a 20 percent improvement in SAIDI by 2029 while maintaining affordability and transparency with stakeholders.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The document is marked as non-confidential and provides context for a regulatory proceeding, referencing Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and the Public Utilities Act (PUA). It includes acronyms such as ATO, CEJC, and TGA, which relate to capital expenditures and regulatory oversight.

2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (NSEB M12619) NSPI Responses to Consumer Advocate Information Requests 1 Request IR-23: 25 (e) Yes, NS Power does believe that creating distance between the treeline edge and power 26 lines will c...

AI summary NSPI responds to information requests regarding the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. It discusses the effectiveness of vegetation management in reducing outages, the coding of outage events, and the use of frontline employee data for decision-making.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 2 (c) Yes, NS Power did consider mitigating approaches but found that any potential approaches 3 led to a scope change definition becoming very complex and difficult to apply consistently 4 across all projects. The main ap...

AI summary NS Power considered various approaches to mitigate scope change complexities but found them too complex. They favor simplified definitions and believe current thresholds will capture most significant changes. They are open to additional language for scope changes based on stakeholder input.

3 1 Request IR-13: 2 3 Reference: N-1, 2026 ACE Plan, page 38, Figure 11: Historical Value of Projects Less than 4 $1M; and page 39, Figure 12: Historical Number of Projects Less Than $1M. 5 6 Preamble: Within 2026 there is a significant i...

AI summary The response to Request IR-13 explains that the increase in spending and number of projects under $1M in 2026 is due to smaller, more frequent capital investments on NS Power's steam assets as the company defers or avoids major investments, aiming to minimize costs as units approach retirement or conversion by 2030.

1 1 Request IR-19: 26 Replacement project. This project is listed as a subsequent submittal in the 2026 ACE Plan and 27 therefore has not yet been filed with the NSEB for approval. The project does not have an approved 28 scope on which to...

AI summary The document outlines requests and responses related to the 2026 ACE Plan and the 5-Year Reliability Plan Update. It includes queries about project submissions, categorization of reliability investments, and affordability and cost-benefit analyses for increased reliability spending.

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 the development of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which incorporates considerations for reliability, and customer affordability in planning for the years 2026 to 2030.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 (b) The key elements that inform the 2018 study—including sustaining capital requirements, 2 decommissioning cost estimates, archaeological considerations, and other inputs that 3 underpin long‑term hydro system planning...

AI summary The 2018 study's key elements, including decommissioning cost estimates and archaeological considerations, have been updated and filed with the Board in the 2025 ACE Plan proceeding (M12012) and NS Power's 2026-2027 General Rate Application (M12451). Updated studies include the Hydro Asset Archaeological Costing Study (2024) and the Hydro System Decommissioning Cost Estimate (Hatch 2024).

2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (NSEB M12619) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-37: 15 reliability and would lead to increased costs in reactive routines D005 and D008. NS Power 16 continuously looks for o...

AI summary NSPI responds to NSEB's request regarding the 2026 ACE Plan, explaining that no external benchmarks were used and that D020 Padmount Replacements were added to address deteriorated transformer assets. Forecasting was based on asset condition and practical execution constraints.

Experience Rating for 2025 is calculated using injury and payroll data from the years 2021 to 2023. The 3-year costs and payroll are determined, and costs are weighted so that the more recent experience has more impact on rates. The key me...

AI summary The document explains the Experience Rating calculation for 2025, based on injury and payroll data from 2021 to 2023. A cost ratio is calculated, which determines the Experience Rating Adjustment. The example provided shows a 11.78% demerit resulting in a $0.29 adjustment. The text also includes information about the 2026 ACE Plan and a Nova Scotia Power Incorporated RFP related to a Tufts Cove project.

SECTION A: Your Rate Components Basic Industry Rate: $3.03 Experience Rating Merit/Demerit: $-0.86 see details in Section D below Rate Surcharge: $0.00 Levv $0.11 $2.28 per $100 assessable payroll Note: Your company's workplace injuries an...

AI summary The rate components include a Basic Industry Rate of $3.03, adjusted by an Experience Rating Merit/Demerit of $-0.86, and a potential surcharge. The Experience Rating Adjustment is tied to workplace injury costs, with 2025 rates ranging from $2.24 to $5.08 based on injury management.

SECTION D: Your Experience Rating Details Experience Rating for 2025 is calculated using injury and payroll data from the years 2021 to 2023. The 3-year costs and payroll are determined, and costs are weighted so that the more recent exper...

AI summary Experience Rating for 2025 uses injury and payroll data from 2021–2023, with a weighted cost ratio (costs/payroll) determining rates. A lower cost ratio relative to the rate group reduces the rate, exemplified by a -28.49% merit adjustment of $-0.86.

ELLIOT EXCAVATORS LIMITED Diane Lockhart 103 PARK RD ELMSDALE, NS B2S 2L3 Business No: 120872254NW0001 Date: August 19, 2022 Page: 1 Your 2023 assessment rate: $2.44 per $100 assessable payroll SECTION A: Your Rate Components Basic Industr...

AI summary The document outlines the 2023 assessment rate for Elliot Excavators Limited, which is calculated based on the basic industry rate, experience rating adjustment, and levies. The rate is influenced by workplace injuries and associated costs, with the note that reducing injuries can lower the rate.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 installations. The first table below provides the estimated average hours per RTU for 2 electrical design technologist. For the second table, tower analysis/upgrades consulting has 3 been identified to be needed for only...

AI summary The document discusses the estimated average hours and costs for various labor categories involved in installations and site upgrades, noting that tower analysis/upgrades consulting is only required for eight of twenty-one sites, while other labor categories vary by site.

3 M12619, Exhibit N-1, Application, Appendix G, Figure 34, page 53 of 71, line 2. 1 (a) What is the total amount of investment planned for 2026 for the ROW projects shown 2 in Figure 33 and Figure 34? 3 4 (b) What is the share of this tota...

AI summary The document outlines questions and responses related to the planned investment for ROW projects in 2026, including the share of this investment relative to total distribution and T&D projects, expected improvements in reliability, and the impact on priority feeders and customer classes.

(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 Approved Transmission C0041830 Spare Power Pro...

AI summary The document outlines spending details for top 10 projects initiated prior to 2025 that are not included in the 2025 ACE Plan. These projects are either approved or awaiting approval, with various statuses and associated costs. Some projects are linked to orders to quash (OTQ) and are scheduled for subsequent approval.

explain why ratepayers are expected to continue paying for the growth of an old asset fleet they are moving away from, while simultaneously paying for the transition to new renewable energy services? - 6. How does the utility justify using...

AI summary The text raises concerns about ratepayers being expected to fund the decommissioning of outdated assets while transitioning to renewable energy, and questions the utility's use of mechanisms like the fam-fuel account and dda to continue extracting value from depreciating assets. It also inquires about the return on equity and penalties NS Power is willing to pay for failing to deliver reliable power and invest in renewables.

1 2 BEFORE THE NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 3 4 IN THE MATTER OF The Public Utilities Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c.380 as amended 5 and - - 6 7 IN THE MATTER OF an Application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated for approval of its 2026 ANNUAL CAPITAL...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, especially in light of rising energy costs and environmental regulations. The SBA stresses the importance of ensuring that expenditures provide promised benefits and achieve cost savings.

nd service days, a scheduling improvement initiative intended to reduce travel time and therefore travel costs associated with appointment booked work including renovations which are included in D004. [54] However, contractor activities pr...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's efforts to improve contractor efficiency and reduce costs through scheduling initiatives and software like Maximo/Salesforce. However, it highlights a lack of detailed tracking and measurement of contractor efficiency and productivity, despite acknowledged increases in contractor costs.

2.3.7 Routine Program Evolution and Capital Envelopes [77] The IG raised concerns with respect to what it characterized as "capital envelope filling." It relied on evidence that when an initially contemplated project cannot proceed, NS Pow...

AI summary The IG and DOE raised concerns about NS Power's capital envelope management, citing significant underspending on the 2025 ACE Plan and the reallocation of funds to other projects. NS Power defended its approach, emphasizing a risk-based, flexible capital planning process and noting that expenditures have varied relative to forecasts.

2.4 Interested Party Review of the CEJC [86] The IG recommended interested party review of the Routine Expenditure provisions of the CEJC, including consideration of a materiality threshold requiring enhanced justification where a Routine...

AI summary The IG recommended an interested party review of the Routine Expenditure provisions of the CEJC, including a materiality threshold for significant year-over-year growth. NS Power opposed a separate process, citing existing transparency and scrutiny through the annual ACE Plan, reporting requirements, and ATO processes.

how much they would be willing to pay to avoid an outage. VoLL could serve as a metric to evaluate the economic impact of power outages and for making decisions about investments in grid reliability. [159] A VoLL survey was sent to residen...

AI summary The document discusses the evaluation of new reliability metrics, including the Value of Lost Load (VoLL) and metrics like the Momentary Average Interruption Frequency Index and the Average Service Availability Index, to assess grid reliability and resiliency. Surveys were conducted with residential and commercial customers to inform these efforts, and NS Power plans to use the results in its 2027 ACE Plan application.

dditional stress on these assets. Battery storage was mandated by legislation and might help to alleviate the latter situation, but this option is also very expensive from a capital cost perspective. [166] The cost of climate change itself...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of climate change on NS Power's capital spending, including increased stress on physical assets from extreme weather events and legislative mandates. It also highlights the costs associated with decarbonization objectives, such as renewable procurement and battery storage, and the potential for these costs to be passed on to ratepayers.

A Direction for Comprehensive Reporting Is Warranted The Industrial Group submits that the Board should direct NSPI to file, alongside each future ACE Plan, a ratepayer cost exposure reporting that includes: - NSPI's ACE capital program (a...

AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) urges the Board to require NSPI to provide detailed ratepayer cost exposure reporting in future ACE Plans, including capital program costs, reliability intertie costs, and IESO-NS-related expenses. NS Power argues that such analysis is not feasible due to uncertainties and complexities in estimating revenue requirements. The Board previously questioned the usefulness of this information and may reconsider based on recent developments and the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act.

6.2 Regulatory Compact [179] Any analysis of what affordability means in the public utility context starts with the regulatory compact enshrined in the Public Utilities Act . In essence, in return for fulfilling an obligation to provide re...

AI summary The regulatory compact under the Public Utilities Act establishes that public utilities must provide safe, reliable service and can recover prudently incurred costs and a reasonable return on equity. Affordability in this context relates to selecting the least costly option to meet service requirements, as outlined in cost of service and rate of return frameworks.

6.3 Affordability as a consideration under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act [181] Affordability wording was introduced into the PUA by 2014 amendments about demand side management. The Board had to consider affordability when assessing...

AI summary The text discusses affordability considerations under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act, noting that affordability provisions related to demand side management plans were repealed. It also highlights the Board's responsibility to ensure capital projects provide safe, reliable, and economical energy, while still meeting environmental and performance standards.

6.4 NS Power's Position About Rate Affordability and Capital Projects [183] The concept of affordability has been raised in different ways, when addressing concerns about the significant costs of the Five-Year Reliability Plan, and the 202...

AI summary NS Power argues that affordability should be assessed within the GRA framework, emphasizing that capital expenditures are necessary and prudent if they align with performance standards and least cost principles. The Board acknowledges the need for flexibility in capital programs but warns against deferring maintenance, citing risks to rate impacts.

10.0 MERSEY UPDATE [221] NS Power owns and operates the Mersey Hydro System (MHS), a series of six hydroelectric stations and a lake storage diversion along a 21 km reach of the Mersey River. The Mersey Hydro System Redevelopment Project (...

AI summary NS Power owns the Mersey Hydro System and is planning a redevelopment project over 20-30 years. The project was included in previous ACE Plans but was deferred until 2031 to evaluate alternatives and align with renewable energy goals and affordability considerations. The Board's 2025 ACE Plan Order provided specific directives related to the project.

- 1. NS Power will provide Designated Confidential Information, as defined herein, to the Designated Recipient as defined in the undertaking to which this schedule is attached. - 2. Designated Confidential Information shall consist of mate...

AI summary NS Power outlines the types of information designated as confidential in its 2026 ACE Plan filing, including engineering studies, commercial quotations, and proprietary third-party information, which are confirmed as confidential by the Nova Scotia Energy Board.

NOTICE OF INTERVENTION OF: K + S Windsor Salt Ltd. CKF Inc. Crown Fibre Tube Inc. Irving Shipbuilding Inc. Maritime Paper Products Ltd. Michelin North America (Canada) Inc. Compass Minerals Canada Corp. Farnell Packaging Ltd. P & H Milling...

AI summary The Industrial Group, comprising several large and medium industrial customers of NSPI, requests to intervene in this matter as their costs and rates may be affected by the outcome. They are addressing issues established by the NSEB.

Request IR-138: - The application notes that Phase 11 will be influenced by vegetation condition data derived from Satellite Imagery and artificial intelligence. This data will allow NS Power to be better informed on the updated vegetative...

AI summary The application for Phase 11 highlights the use of satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to improve vegetation condition data and prioritize feeder work. A request is made for a cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate that these technologies will be cost-effective.

Request IR-151: - In Appendix D on page 455, the proposed change to the requirements directing when to apply for a FIN is an increase of the underspent threshold from -5%/ $250,000 to -10%/ $500,000 in order to exclude contingency. - a) Pl...

AI summary The text discusses proposed changes to the financial incentive (FIN) application requirements, including increasing the underspent threshold and excluding contingency. It asks for stakeholder feedback, whether NS Power considered excluding contingency in the threshold calculation, and if NS Power will notify the Board of significant underspending below the $1M approval threshold.

Request IR-183: - Page 710, "NS Power agrees with the NSEB and stakeholders that effective investments lead to - the best possible balance between reliability improvements and affordability for customers." How - has this trade off been det...

AI summary NS Power agrees with the NSEB and stakeholders that effective investments balance reliability improvements and affordability for customers. The question raised is how this trade-off has been determined.

- 26 million. 1 2 3 4 5 (a) Please explain the principal drivers of the increase in capital spending budgets in 2025 and 2026, and going forward, with specific reference to projects, capital investment required, and the portion attributabl...

AI summary The text outlines a regulatory inquiry into the principal drivers of increased capital spending budgets for 2025 and 2026, including the impact on customer rates, affordability considerations, and the inclusion of external funding in capital investment figures. References are made to the 2026 ACE Plan and specific figures and appendices.

- 28 (a) Please explain the variance in forecasted total expense between the 2025 29 ACE Plan and the 2026 ACE Plan for each of the following projects, 1 2 including key drivers (scope, schedule, vendor costs, resourcing, cyber related req...

AI summary The document requests an explanation of the variance in forecasted total expense between the 2025 and 2026 ACE Plans for specific IT projects, including the impact of the 2025 cybersecurity breach, reconciliation of project treatment, and an explanation of the significant increase in spending and number of under-£1M projects in 2026.

- 29 (ii) its interfaces with the "broader Energy Delivery team" and 30 "Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) team"; and 1 (iii) accountability (role/title) for vegetation management, feeder 2 inspection, transmission line inspection, capital...

AI summary The document outlines requests for information related to accountability roles in vegetation management, reliability-based project evaluation metrics, and storm performance updates. It references the 2026 ACE Plan and seeks details on reliability metrics used by other utilities.

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.

nd the total amount anticipated (or at least order of magnitude). Reference:N-1, 2026 ACE Plan, pages 14, 31, and 33. Preamble: The Application provides different total approval requests sought. Please reconcile the figures within the 2026...

AI summary The document requests clarification on the discrepancies in the 2026 ACE Plan's total approval requests and asks NSPI to explain the significant increase in capital spending budgets from 2025 and 2026, including the drivers, impact on customer rates, and consideration of affordability. It also asks whether Figure 1 includes external funding and requests an updated figure if not.

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.

1 2025 M12619 2 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 3 IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act 4 IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) 5 for approval of approximately $284.0 million of its Annual 6 Capital Ex...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is handling a proceeding involving an application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for approval of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. A request has been made to John D. Wilson, the Consumer Advocate, regarding whether information in the 2025 Q4 Capital Report has altered his previous opinions on the matter.

Summary - 15 Ratepayers are facing significant financial hardships, both from electricity cost increases and - 16 general inflation as well as external pressures. The SBA respectfully submits that all of NS - 17 Power's expenditures should...

AI summary The SBA highlights the financial hardships faced by ratepayers due to rising electricity costs and inflation, urging NS Power to ensure cost savings through efficient management. It notes that a matter before the Board reviewing NS Power's 5-year Reliability Plan may assist in evaluating improvements.

- These are the closing submissions of the Department of Energy, Government of Nova Scotia (the - "Department") regarding Nova Scotia Power Incorporated's ("NS Power", "NSP" or the "Utility") - 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan Ap...

AI summary The Department of Energy supports NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan but emphasizes the need for ratepayer affordability and cost-containment. Concerns are raised about the growing capital intensity and the need for comprehensive least-cost planning to ensure expenditures align with customer benefits and asset prudency.

Standard of Review - Under Section 35A of the Public Utilities Act , the legal burden of proof rests with the public utility. - NS Power is required to establish that its proposed expenditures are prudent, necessary, and - aligned with Lea...

AI summary The standard of review under the Public Utilities Act places the burden of proof on NS Power to justify expenditures as prudent, necessary, and aligned with Least-Cost Utility Planning. The Board must apply heightened scrutiny due to affordability concerns, ensuring investments are justified with verifiable evidence and avoid cost overruns.

Cumulative Ratepayer Impact A key consideration in assessing long-term regulatory prudence is the cumulative impact of utility investment decisions on customer affordability. Over the past two decades, NSPI's capital investment program has...

AI summary The document discusses the cumulative impact of NSPI's capital investments on electricity rates and affordability over the past 20 years. Despite limited growth in transmission infrastructure and generation capacity, average customer rates have increased significantly. The Department urges the Board to evaluate the affordability and value of future capital expenditures.

Conclusion & Requested Board Actions - At a time when affordability pressures facing Nova Scotian households remain significant, the Board's oversight role becomes increasingly important. The Department therefore respectfully submits that...

AI summary The Department requests the Board to implement structural measures for the 2026 ACE Plan, including capping the ACE envelope, auditing the Fixed Asset Register, enforcing reliability performance accountability, and applying prudence reviews. These actions aim to ensure affordability, prudence, and alignment with public interest.

No Rate Impact or Affordability Analysis NSPI confirmed that when developing its capital program, "specific rate impacts are not calculated" at the program level.[57](#page-15-0) Instead, rate impacts related to the capital program are sai...

AI summary NSPI stated that rate impacts are not calculated at the program level but included in the GRA. Affordability considerations are addressed at the individual asset level and through the GRA process. However, there is no evidence of a rate impact assessment or affordability analysis for the Reliability Plan or its Year 2 implementation.

ACE Plan is individually justified based on current condition assessments; NS Power does not work backward from predetermined spending targets. Where condition assessments indicate that projects can safely be deferred or require revised sc...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan is based on a risk-based, bottom-up approach to capital planning, ensuring investments align with asset condition and statutory obligations. Affordability is addressed through least-cost risk mitigation and the General Rate Application process. NS Power opposes caps on capital expenditures, arguing they could compromise service reliability and safety.

% estimate reflects the collective judgment of experienced field operations and vegetation - management professionals, based on their knowledge of how these events present in practice.[33](#page-15-3) - Second, the record provides importan...

AI summary The text discusses the interpretation of vegetation proxy data in the context of the 2026 ACE Plan, noting that Tree Contacts are excluded from certain figures and that the 40% proxy is used separately in Appendix G, Figure 2. It references NS Power's Rebuttal Evidence and hearing transcripts.

- administrative matter for the Board and stakeholders to consider in future proceedings. - Specifically, NS Power respectfully submits that there may be value in reassessing the extent of - information and the number of figures included i...

AI summary NS Power suggests that the 2026 ACE Plan may benefit from a reassessment of the information included, particularly in Section 11.1.4, due to potential confusion and lack of probative value. It also proposes moving reliability-related information to the Five-Year Reliability Plan update to consolidate and streamline data presentation for the Board and stakeholders.

2.5 Rate Impacts - The IG requests that the Board direct NS Power to file, alongside each future ACE Plan, a - consolidated ratepayer cost exposure report setting out the utility's ACE capital program, - Reliability Tie costs, known or rea...

AI summary The Intervenor Group (IG) requests that NS Power provide detailed ratepayer cost exposure reports with future ACE Plans and suggests that spending should be scrutinized for affordability and necessity. The IG also asks for a quantitative assessment of the Reliability Plan's impact on rates and overall affordability analysis for ratepayer classes.

6.0 CONCLUSION In this proceeding, NS Power has demonstrated that the investments proposed in the 2026 ACE Plan are prudent, necessary, and aligned with the Company's statutory obligation to provide safe and adequate service to customers....

AI summary NS Power argues that the 2026 ACE Plan investments are prudent and necessary, aligning with statutory obligations. They claim the investments are appropriately developed and assessed, with no material gaps in the regulatory framework. NS Power emphasizes affordability and the need to maintain safe, reliable service while keeping rates low. They recommend the Board approve the plan and reject additional directives.

2.4 Interested Party Review of the CEJC [86] The IG recommended interested party review of the Routine Expenditure provisions of the CEJC, including consideration of a materiality threshold requiring enhanced justification where a Routine...

AI summary The IG recommended an interested party review of the Routine Expenditure provisions of the CEJC, including a materiality threshold for significant year-over-year growth. NS Power opposed a separate process, arguing that the annual ACE Plan, reporting requirements, and ATO processes already ensure adequate transparency and scrutiny.

3.2 CEJC Scope Change Amendments and Recommendations [99] Capital project Scope Change applications are currently addressed in Section 12.2 of NS Power's Capital Expenditure Justification Criteria. These are intended to address changes in...

AI summary The document discusses the need to define 'Scope Change' in the CEJC, as raised by the IG during the 2025 ACE Plan proceeding. The Board agreed and directed NS Power to consult on incorporating a definition into the CEJC for the 2026 ACE Plan.

te the fact it was meant to capture the "total spend for 2026 as well". The inconsistencies raise questions about the transparency and accuracy of the reported Plan. [IG Closing Submissions, pp. 4-5] [142] The IG submits that NS Power's re...

AI summary The IG criticizes NS Power for inconsistencies in reporting the 2025 ACE Plan, highlighting a $234 million discrepancy between the Year 1 and Year 2 figures. NS Power responds by explaining that the $179.4 million figure reflects uncompleted projects and unplanned work in 2025, leading to the variance between the forecast and actual spending.

dditional stress on these assets. Battery storage was mandated by legislation and might help to alleviate the latter situation, but this option is also very expensive from a capital cost perspective. [166] The cost of climate change itself...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of climate change on NS Power's capital spending, including the stress on physical assets from increasing wind gusts and the need for costly battery storage. It also addresses the financial implications of meeting decarbonization objectives, such as fast-acting generation and renewable procurement, and the potential costs passed on to ratepayers.

A Direction for Comprehensive Reporting Is Warranted The Industrial Group submits that the Board should direct NSPI to file, alongside each future ACE Plan, a ratepayer cost exposure reporting that includes: - NSPI's ACE capital program (a...

AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) argues that the Board should require NSPI to provide detailed ratepayer cost exposure reports with each future ACE Plan, including capital programs, reliability intertie costs, and IESO-NS-related costs. NS Power opposes this, citing the complexity and uncertainty in estimating such impacts. The Board previously questioned the usefulness of including revenue requirement estimates in ACE Plans and may revisit the issue in light of new developments and the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act.

6.2 Regulatory Compact [179] Any analysis of what affordability means in the public utility context starts with the regulatory compact enshrined in the Public Utilities Act . In essence, in return for fulfilling an obligation to provide re...

AI summary The regulatory compact under the Public Utilities Act establishes that public utilities must provide safe, adequate, and reliable electricity service without discrimination, in exchange for recovering prudently incurred costs and a reasonable rate of return. Affordability is assessed based on whether the least costly option is selected to meet legislative or Board requirements, as seen in the CEJC framework and capital project approvals.

6.3 Affordability as a consideration under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act [181] Affordability wording was introduced into the PUA by 2014 amendments about demand side management. The Board had to consider affordability when assessing...

AI summary The Energy and Regulatory Boards Act requires the Board to consider affordability in the approval of demand side management plans. This requirement was recently repealed, but the Board's approach to affordability has not fundamentally changed. Section 6(2) of the Act emphasizes the need for safe, secure, reliable, and economical energy, reinforcing the use of least cost alternatives for capital projects while ensuring compliance with environmental and performance standards.

6.4 NS Power's Position About Rate Affordability and Capital Projects [183] The concept of affordability has been raised in different ways, when addressing concerns about the significant costs of the Five-Year Reliability Plan, and the 202...

AI summary NS Power argues that affordability should be assessed in the GRA forum, emphasizing that capital expenditures are prudent and necessary if they meet performance standards and least cost principles. The Board acknowledges the need for flexibility in capital programs but warns against deferring maintenance to avoid rate impacts.

10.0 MERSEY UPDATE [221] NS Power owns and operates the Mersey Hydro System (MHS), a series of six hydroelectric stations and a lake storage diversion along a 21 km reach of the Mersey River. The Mersey Hydro System Redevelopment Project (...

AI summary NS Power's Mersey Hydro System Redevelopment Project involves upgrading six hydroelectric stations over 20-30 years. The project was deferred until 2031 in the 2023 ACE Plan to allow further evaluation of alternatives, considering renewable energy targets, asset risk, and affordability. The Board's 2025 ACE Plan Order provided directives for the project.

I N D E X O F P R O C E E D I N G S April 21, 2026 PAGE NO. Hearing opens 1 Preliminary matters 1 Opening Statement by Consumer Advocate 13 Opening Statement by Small Business Advocate 17 Opening Statement by Nova Scotia Department of Ener...

AI summary The document outlines the proceedings of a hearing held on April 21, 2026, including opening statements from various stakeholders such as the Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate, and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy. It also includes direct and cross-examinations, as well as exhibits related to Nova Scotia Power's T&D WAM Phase II report and routine spending.

OPENING STATEMENT 25 NS DEPT. OF ENERGY 1 issue must remain outstanding until IESO NS can complete a 2 review and lead a competitive procurement process. 3 More widely, NSPI's continued high 4 level transmission spending must not risk dupl...

AI summary The Department of Energy highlights concerns with NSPI's transmission spending, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and project management practices. A major cybersecurity breach in 2025 affected customer data, leading to a loss of public trust. NSPI has budgeted for CIS replacement and cybersecurity upgrades but faces scrutiny over potential double recovery from ratepayers. The ACE Plan is criticized for lacking accountability in project management and cost overruns.

NS POWER PANEL 43 In-ch, (Power) 1 integrity programs. Since then, I've held several roles 6 Scotia Power in this matter; is that correct? 7 (Pickles) Yes, that's correct. A. 8 And that evidence includes Nova Q. 9 Scotia Power's Applicatio...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power's 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan), highlighting the company's commitment to safe and reliable electricity delivery. It includes evidence submitted by Nova Scotia Power, including their application, responses to information requests, and rebuttal evidence, all prepared under the direction of the panel.

NS POWER PANEL 175 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 [12:30:15] Q. Where you've indicated that 2 perhaps the unit prices are going up, has NSPI considered 3 reducing the number of units for some of those items per 4 year in order to reduce the overall...

AI summary The discussion centers on NSPI's approach to routine capital expenditures, emphasizing that decisions are based on risk mitigation and least cost methods. Affordability is addressed through a GRA process rather than during the preparation of the ACE Plan. NSPI argues that not proceeding with necessary work would be more costly or impactful.

NS POWER PANEL 177 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 routine, keep these trucks on the road longer, that's 2 going to have an impact on the operating expenses. The 3 maintenance costs on those trucks near the end of their 4 life increases significantly...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the impact of delaying vehicle replacements on operating expenses and safety, as well as the development of the ACE Plan, which prioritizes affordability and least-cost methods for customers. The conversation also touches on capital expenditure decisions and their internal considerations.

NS POWER PANEL 211 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 Q. And then the second one or the 14 reviewed the listed projects from 2025 with what is 15 forecasted for 2026? 16 (MacMullin) So let's look at A. 17 these three specific projects that you've highli...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the evaluation of infrastructure projects, specifically three substations, as part of an asset management process. The witness mentions the use of updated mechanisms and prioritized investment plans, referencing Appendix G and the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) program.

NS POWER PANEL 225 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 BY MS. RUDDERHAM: 2 Yeah. And in that chart I Q. 3 know that the table that was provided in this year's 4 Application for the projects that's in response to one of 5 the Board IRs. Are you able to in...

AI summary Ms. Rudderham is requesting an updated table from the 2025 actual projects with total spend, budget comparisons, and 2026 projections. The discussion involves updating a table from an IR response related to the ACE Plan and ensuring clarity in the instructions for the update.

NS POWER PANEL 237 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 doing the plan, showing numbers that we think would be 2 extremely difficult to predict in an accurate sense 3 doesn't provide the value that would be needed to 4 undertake that analysis. 5 Q. A coup...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the intent of a plan to achieve certain performance outcomes by 2029, emphasizing that the plan is not to invest at any cost but to balance affordability with necessary investments. The Board has mandated performance standards, and there is a focus on ensuring costs are reasonable and manageable for customers.

NS POWER PANEL 245 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 building the ACE Plan as a whole, all starts at the bottom 2 level, where individual project managers are tasked to 3 mitigate risks in the least-cost method. And when those 4 when that least-cost me...

AI summary The discussion centers on the Affordability Clean Energy (ACE) Plan and its alignment with Nova Scotia Power's Capital Plan, emphasizing bottom-up risk mitigation and affordability considerations. The ACE Plan provides more detailed capital investment planning compared to the General Rate Application (GRA), and large projects require Board approval.

NS POWER PANEL 247 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 correct? 2 (Beaton) Yes, it is. A. 3 Q. Okay. 4 MS. RUDDERHAM: So Mr. Norwood, if you 5 don't mind scrolling down a little bit further to page 18 6 there? I'm looking at lines 15 to 17. Right there....

AI summary The discussion focuses on the consideration of affordability in the context of capital expenditures for high-risk assets. The application emphasizes the use of SME knowledge to determine the most cost-effective mitigation approach, taking into account customer affordability and execution feasibility.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 to mitigate the risks related to that asset, choosing and 2 ensuring we are choosing the least-cost method is how they 3 consider affordability. 4 Q. Okay. So there's not a separate...

AI summary The discussion focuses on how affordability is considered in project-level decisions, emphasizing the least-cost method to mitigate risks, and clarifies that affordability analysis at the program level is addressed through General Rate Applications.

NS POWER PANEL 249 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 investment decision, it would consider customer 15 correct? 16 (Beaton) Correct. The A. 17 Reliability Tie would be removed from here. 18 Okay. It says on the asterisk Q. 19 there that $11 million wa...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the discrepancy between the budgeted amount of $20.6 million and the $11 million refunded for the Reliability Tie project, with the explanation being a timing issue regarding when the spending occurred relative to the budget expectations. The conversation also touches on categories of spending, including preliminary spending and spending on projects not included in the 2025 ACE Plan.

NS POWER PANEL 301 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 metrics that you're trying to look at the overall risk of 2 that asset. And that looks at your condition of your 3 assets, as well as what you think it's going to do in 4 terms of performance. There are...

AI summary The discussion centers on the evaluation of asset risk using a suite of metrics, including both leading and lagging indicators, to prioritize investments and demonstrate reliability benefits. The focus is on how specific projects, such as conductor upgrades and line relocations, reduce risk and improve performance over time.

NS POWER PANEL 319 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 this project. And the question I wanted to focus in on is 2 BY MR. MAHODY: 3 Witness panel, I'm headed to the Q. 4 Pennsylvania breaker issue. 5 If we could call up N-1, page 402, 6 please. 7 And so you...

AI summary The text references a regulatory proceeding involving Nova Scotia Power, focusing on the Pennsylvania breaker issue and the determination of risk levels associated with circuit breakers. It includes references to specific pages and Board IR-126.

NS POWER PANEL 521 Questions, (Chair) 1 that are reflected in this routine. It's also there is 13 Could we just hold on for one Q. 14 second? 15 (SHORT PAUSE) 16 Never mind. My apologies. THE CHAIR: 17 BY THE CHAIR: 18 Okay. I'm going to t...

AI summary The Chair of the NS Power Panel 521 is discussing the reasonableness of costs associated with transmission line replacement and upgrade projects approved since the 2021 ACE Plan. The Chair notes that while cost data is available, there is a need for a benchmark to assess whether these costs are reasonable.

that I've attended every moment of the hearings, but I have attended the vast majority. Q. Okay. So have any of those opinions changed, or do you want to change or provide any Cr-ex, (Kayter) additional opinion based on any of the evidence...

AI summary The witness confirms attendance at hearings and acknowledges that some opinions may change based on evidence presented. Specific reference is made to an undertaking related to the definition of transactions and labour hours in the Maximus sales force application and asset management program.