Topic:"Billing Procedures" in M12451

Demographic Vulnerability - Communities include higher proportions of elders, youth, and low-income households, all of whom are more sensitive to rising energy costs. - Affordable, reliable electricity is foundational for: - o Exercising g...

AI summary Communities with higher proportions of elders, youth, and low-income households face greater vulnerability to rising energy costs. Affordable electricity is essential for governance, cultural preservation, health, and well-being. Reconciliation obligations require the Crown and its agencies to address systemic inequities and prevent disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations.

Customer Growth and Support - Since 2022, NS Power's customer count has increased by 21,000 to approximately 559,000. That - is unprecedented and exciting growth in Nova Scotia in a very short time. This growth has been - driving a 30 perc...

AI summary NS Power reports a 21,000 customer increase since 2022, leading to a 30% surge in work requests. In 2024, they processed 27,000 permits and 44,000 inspections, hired more employees, supported 7,200 new solar customers, reduced residential disconnections by 45%, and implemented payment plans with CA and the Affordable Energy Coalition.

AVAILABILITY CONDITIONS - (a) The customer must commence service under this tariff on November 1st, unless NSPI grants a waiver. - (b) The customer must be equipped with a standard Smart Meter. - (c) The customer must be on electronic bill...

AI summary The availability conditions for the tariff require customers to start service on November 1st (with possible waivers), have a Smart Meter, use electronic billing, and maintain a MyAccount profile. NSPI may limit enrollment and exclude customers on seasonal or Net Metering services under specific regulations.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS - (1) Metering will normally be at the low voltage side of the bulk power transformer. Should the customer's requirements make it necessary for the Company to provide primary metering, then the customer will be required...

AI summary Special conditions outline metering requirements, capital contributions for primary metering, adjustments based on voltage levels, tariff withdrawal for low demand, and the company's right to separate agreements. Meter readings are adjusted by ±1.1% depending on voltage, and customers failing to maintain minimum demand may lose tariff eligibility.

AVAILABILITY This tariff is applicable to three phase electric power and energy, supplied at the low voltage side of the bulk power transformer, to municipal electric utilities. Meter readings shall be increased by 1.1% for each transforma...

AI summary The tariff applies to three-phase electric power supplied to municipal electric utilities. Meter readings are adjusted by 1.1% for each transformation between the meter and the low voltage side of the bulk power supply transformer, and reduced when metering at transmission voltage.

APPLICABILITY This schedule applies to all electric rate classes with the exception of the Wholesale Market Non-Dispatchable Supplier Spill Tariff, the Load Retention Tariff, and the Extra Large Industrial Active Demand Control Tariff. For...

AI summary The schedule applies to all electric rate classes except specified tariffs. Customers in Wholesale or Renewable to Retail markets will have DSM costs directly billed via their energy bills, per Section 79A of the Public Utilities Act and NSEB approval. NSPI's bundled service offerings are referenced as the billing model.

AVAILABILITY CONDITIONS - (a) The customer must commence service under this tariff on November 1st, unless NSPI grants a waiver. - (b) The customer must be equipped with a standard Smart Meter. Effective: November 1, 2024 - (c) The custome...

AI summary The tariff requires customers to commence service on November 1, 2024, with a Smart Meter, electronic billing, and a MyAccount profile. NSPI may limit enrollment and restrict participation for those on seasonal or Net Metering services.

MULTI-UNIT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS TIME OF USE TARIFF Page 3 of 3 Rate Code 89 metering as opposed to the cost of secondary metering. Adjustment to the metered kWh usage will be made when metering is on the high voltage side. Meter readings...

AI summary Adjustments to metered kWh usage by 1.9% when high voltage metering is used. Customers may own transformers for non-standard services and must ensure load does not compromise power supply integrity, considering factors like reliability, harmonics, and voltage stability.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS - (1) Metering will normally be at the low voltage side of the bulk power transformer. Should the customer's requirements make it necessary for the Company to provide primary metering, then the customer will be required...

AI summary The document outlines special conditions for metering, including capital contributions for primary metering, adjustments to kWh readings based on voltage levels, tariff withdrawal for low demand, and the company's right to separate agreements. These conditions apply to Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and its customers under regulatory oversight.

AVAILABILITY This tariff is applicable to three phase electric power and energy, supplied at the low voltage side of the bulk power transformer, to municipal electric utilities. Meter readings shall be increased by 1.1% for each transforma...

AI summary The tariff applies to three-phase electric power supplied to municipal electric utilities at low voltage. Meter readings are adjusted by 1.1% per transformation between the meter and the bulk power transformer to account for losses, with reductions applied when metering occurs at transmission voltage.

Nova Scotia Power Incorporated Page 5 of 23 Open Access Transmission Tariff 2024 Delivery Period Charge ($) Monthly $187.49 /MW of Reserved Capacity per month Weekly $43.27 /MW of Reserved Capacity per week On-peak daily $8.65 /MW of Reser...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) outlines reserved capacity charges under its Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) for 2024, 2026, and 2027, varying by delivery period (yearly, monthly, weekly, on-peak/off-peak daily/hourly). On-peak hours are defined as 09:00–24:00 Atlantic Time, Monday to Friday.

Baseline Data NS Power Customers Customers Meter Reads Opt-out Customers NS Power Customers Meter Reads Annual Reads Opt-out Reads Required Bi-monthly read customers 1,068,918 2 Bi-monthly read customers 36,914 36,914 36,914 26,999 21,454...

AI summary The document presents baseline data on meter reads and related operational metrics for NS Power customers, including details on bi-monthly and monthly read customers, opt-out reads, time required for meter reads, travel time, and staffing requirements.

"Normal business hours" "normal business hours" means 0830 hrs to 1630 hrs, Monday to Friday inclusive excluding Statutory holidays; "Occupant" "occupant" means any person who has the right to occupy any premises; "Opt-Out Fee" "opt-out fe...

AI summary Defines 'normal business hours' as 0830 to 1630 hrs, Monday-Friday (excluding holidays), 'occupant' as a person with occupancy rights, and 'opt-out fee' as the charge for semi-annual meter reads by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated.

POST CARD METER READING In the event that the Company is unable to obtain meter readings, for billing purposes, during the Company's normal business hours, having exercised due diligence in the usual practice of meter reading, it may leave...

AI summary The document outlines a procedure for obtaining meter readings when the Company cannot access meters during normal business hours. If due diligence fails to secure readings, a prepaid postage card with the reading date is left for the Customer to record and return promptly.

STANDARD METER SERVICE Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) service (also referred to as "smart meters") is the standard for NS Power customers. AMI data shall be used to determine customer billing.

AI summary The document states that Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), also known as smart meters, is the standard service for NS Power customers, with AMI data used to determine customer billing.

ESTIMATED METER READINGNON-STANDARD METER SERVICE

AI summary The document pertains to estimated meter readings and non-standard meter service within a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding. No detailed content or arguments are provided in the text, focusing only on the heading and context of the proceeding.

AMI Opt-Out Meter Reading If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading due "Opting out" or "opt-out" in the context of these Regulations refers to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the the process where custo...

AI summary The document outlines procedures for customers opting out of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) in Nova Scotia. Opt-out customers must submit forms to Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI), with different meter reading frequencies based on customer class. Manual readings are required for opt-out customers, and failure to comply may result in service disconnection. Estimated billing is used when meter readings are unavailable.

Postcard Meter Reading In the event that actual the Company is unable to obtain meter readings are obtained subsequent to estimated readings, the Company shall make the necessary adjustments.

AI summary The text outlines a procedural requirement for the Company to adjust meter readings when actual readings cannot be obtained after initial estimates, ensuring accuracy in billing and energy management processes.

METER READING IN RURAL AREAS Where electric service is supplied to a Customer in a rural area for a Customer, the Company may adopt a post cardpostcard meter reading system for billing purposes of monthly or bi-monthly meter reading. Under...

AI summary In rural areas, the Company may use a postcard meter reading system for billing, requiring customers to record meter readings on postcards and return them with digital images if feasible. The Company may accept these postcard readings as actual meter readings for billing purposes.

ESTIMATED METER READINGS IN RURAL AREAS

AI summary The document heading refers to a regulatory proceeding concerning estimated meter readings in rural areas. No substantive content is provided in the text, but the context suggests it relates to utility regulation in Nova Scotia, potentially involving metering infrastructure and rural service challenges. Key entities and acronyms are listed in the context but not explicitly mentioned in the text.

Esimated Meter Reading In those rural areas where the post card meter reading has been adopted If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading for an opt-out Customer due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the...

AI summary The text outlines procedures for estimating meter readings when customers fail to return postcards, potential disconnection, adjustments for actual readings, and manual reading requirements for non-standard meters. NSPI must use best available data for estimates and ensure manual readings for non-standard services.

METER READING FOR NON-STANDARD METER SERVICE Charges apply to a Customer who is eligible to be provided with a meter which can be read remotely but who opts out and requires the meter to be read on the Customer's premises. These charges ar...

AI summary The document outlines charges for customers opting out of remote meter reading, detailing fees for connection, disconnection, and other services based on meter type and year (2026, 2027). Rates vary for customers with or without remote connect-enabled meters, with higher fees for non-remote options.

NON-STANDARD METER SERVICE

AI summary The document pertains to a regulatory proceeding concerning non-standard meter service in Nova Scotia, likely involving utility providers and regulatory bodies. Key entities may include Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB), though specific details are not provided in the text.

PR-03 Proposed Regulations Attachment 1a (Redline)/2a (Clean) - Regulation 1.1 Interpretation and Definitions Attachment 1b (Redline)/2b (Clean) – Regulation 5.1 Meter Reading Attachment 1c (Redline)/2c (Clean) – Regulation 7.1 Schedule of...

AI summary The document outlines four attachments related to PR-03 Proposed Regulations, including amendments to definitions, meter reading protocols, charge schedules, and load research charges. These updates aim to clarify regulatory frameworks and operational procedures under the Demand Side Management Cost Recovery Rider (DCRR) program.

9. Low-Income Customer Collections and Arrears In discussing the need to address concerns about rates for customers, the Board provided the following directive at paragraph 411 of the 2023-2024 GRA Decision: The proposed review and consult...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board directed NS Power, the Affordable Energy Coalition, and the Consumer Advocate to review the 2013 rate changes and establish a systematic evaluation method. A working group, including these entities, has implemented initiatives to assist low-income customers and those in arrears, with reports due by April 30, 2023.

3.2.18 GHG Emission Compliance Program Revenue The revenue from the sale of emission allowances (credits) under the Nova Scotia Cap-and-Trade program or GHG emissions compliance programs. Revenues of this type are normally recorded in the...

AI summary This section outlines revenue generated from selling emission allowances under Nova Scotia's Cap-and-Trade program or other GHG compliance initiatives. Such revenues are recorded in NS Power's Chart of Accounts under the 'REG EMISSION ALLOWANCE REVENUE' account (5XXXXX).

Non-standard Meter Service (AMI) Opt-out Fee 2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 13A Page 8 of 14 Customer-submitted meter reads are used only on an exception basis when NS Power is unable to obtain an on-site reading. Regulation 5.1 re...

AI summary The document discusses the risks associated with customer-submitted meter reads under the proposed opt-out fee for non-standard meter service (AMI) from 2026-2027. It highlights concerns about inaccuracies and intentional misreporting, especially when combined with bill estimations. The document argues that customer-submitted reads are not a reliable substitute for manual reads, necessitating an opt-out fee to cover the costs of ensuring accuracy.

Observations - ◼ NSPI Percent Electronic Invoices/Paperless Payments in 2023 is 38 percentage points higher than the industry group median - ◼ NSPI Percent Electronic Invoices/Paperless Payments decreased 3 percentage points between 2019 a...

AI summary The document highlights NSPI's performance in electronic invoicing and paperless payments, showing a 38 percentage point gap above the industry median in 2023, though there was a decline of 3 percentage points between 2019 and 2023. Electronic invoice line items also decreased over the same period.

ON REMOVED) 2026-2027 GRA SR-04 Attachment 1 Page 6 of 26 2. REVENUE LAG The revenue lag represents the number of days from the time customers receive their electric service to the time customers pay for electric service, i.e., when funds...

AI summary The document discusses the revenue lag for a company's electric service, which is the time between when customers receive service and when the company receives payment. The revenue lag is calculated based on four customer classes, with different billing and collection lags. The overall revenue lag was found to be 49.91 days.

tion rates for Point Aconi, Trenton Unit 5 and 6, Point Tupper Marine Terminal, Sydney International Coal Pier, and Steam General Assets. Also, the depreciation study reflects only partial decommissioning costs for hydro generation plants...

AI summary The document outlines proposals by NSP for rate changes, depreciation studies, and regulatory adjustments, including symmetrical storm cost recovery, AMI opt-out fees, and amortization accounting. A public hearing is scheduled for January 2026 to review these applications.

Observations - NSPI Percent Electronic Invoices/Paperless Payments in 2023 is 38 percentage points higher than the industry group median - NSPI Percent Electronic Invoices/Paperless Payments decreased 3 percentage points between 2019 and 2...

AI summary NSPI's electronic invoicing and paperless payments have increased compared to the industry median, but the rate of growth has slowed between 2019 and 2023, with a decline in the percentage of invoice line items processed electronically.

For clarity, the blue underline revisions are those proposed by the Company in the original submission filed September 17, 2025; red underline revisions are the additional clarifications proposed in response to this information request, an...

AI summary The document discusses revisions to Regulation 5.1 regarding estimated meter readings for standard meter service by NS Power. It outlines procedures for estimating usage when actual readings cannot be obtained and specifies requirements for manual readings based on customer class.

(b) This metric is not tracked. Customer-submitted photo or postcard readings are currently used for billing with minimal scrutiny. Meter readings are cumulative. True readings lead to the recovery of any understated usage or underbilled a...

AI summary The document discusses billing practices, including the use of customer-submitted readings and the regulation requiring actual meter readings at specific intervals. It also mentions plans to update online forms as part of cybersecurity recovery efforts and the identification of high-billing exceptions based on predefined thresholds.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL predefined threshold influence the number of flagged accounts. Please refer to the table in part (e) for the annual counts of the "high" billing exceptions. (e) Please refer to the table below which provides a count of cus...

AI summary The text discusses the predefined threshold for identifying 'high' billing exceptions, referencing a table that provides the annual count of customer bills flagged since the approval of the AMI Project in 2018. These counts indicate bills exceeding a dollar-value threshold for their rate code and were reviewed, but they do not represent confirmed incorrect meter reads.

he average number of accounts that leave a payment arrangement without successful completion in relation to the total number of customers in a payment arrangement monthly. The average monthly number of accounts leaving a payment arrangemen...

AI summary The text outlines two metrics related to payment arrangements. The first measures the rate of accounts leaving payment arrangements without success, while the second evaluates UI's engagement with medical protection customers facing arrears but without financial hardship. Both metrics use historical and current year data for comparison.

3. Estimated Bills UI provided its policies and procedures for generating estimated bills. The Company calculates an estimated bill for accounts that have not had an actual meter reading. Application, Sch. H-2.2, p. i. [139](#page-237-1) T...

AI summary The document outlines the policies and procedures used by the Company to generate estimated bills for accounts without actual meter readings. Estimated bills are calculated based on historical usage data or generic consumption factors if no prior data is available. Notices are included on estimated bills to inform customers, and the Authority confirms that these procedures comply with applicable regulations.

Billing This account includes the operating costs associated with the issuance of bills, as well as handling, stationary, postage, and the charges for contract billing services performed by third parties. Billing costs generally vary accor...

AI summary This section discusses billing costs, including operating expenses related to bill issuance, handling, stationary, postage, and third-party contract billing services. Costs vary based on the number of bills issued and may be allocated to customer rate classes using either the number of bills or a weighted number that considers the effort and complexity of billing for different classes.

10.1 Background The 2006 EDR Handbook (see section 10.2) defines scattered unmetered loads as a group of accounts that are not specifically metered. This group consists of bus shelters, telephone booths, CATV amplifiers, traffic signal lig...

AI summary The document discusses the billing of scattered unmetered loads, such as bus shelters and traffic signals, which are typically not metered due to low consumption. There is inconsistency among utilities in how these loads are billed, leading to customer concerns. An interim solution was implemented in 2006, adjusting the monthly service charge to 50% of the GS<50 kW rate for these loads.

Customer-related Costs Billing-related costs will be allocated based on the number of invoices sent to USL customers. However, distributors invoice USL customers differently. The different approaches include: - a) A separate account and in...

AI summary The text discusses how billing-related costs for USL customers should be allocated based on the invoicing approach used by distributors, with specific considerations for meter reading expenses and other identifiable costs. It emphasizes the need to allocate costs fairly and directly where possible.

11.4.1.3 Filing Questions The following information is to be provided. - 1. As a distributor, is there summary billing for USL customers? - 2. Does the distributor do summary billing for customer classifications other than USL? If yes, pro...

AI summary The section outlines questions related to summary billing practices for a distributor, including whether summary billing is provided for USL customers and others, the number of sub-accounts, and the estimated costs and savings associated with summary billing.

TABLE ANALYTIQUE 48 Demand for return 48 Mise en demeure de produire une déclaration DIVISION D SECTION D Payments Paiements 49 Payments 49 Paiements 50 Manner and form of payments 50 Forme et modalités des paiements 51 Assessment of anoth...

AI summary This section outlines various provisions related to payments and interest, including the manner and form of payments, definitions of transactions and electronic payments, and rules regarding compound interest and its waiver or cancellation.

ductible 248(1), but does not include a natural person or a part- par l’effet de la division 95(2)f.11)(ii)(D)) nership. (contribuable) sur le total des sommes dont chacune re- présente : transaction includes an arrangement or event. (opér...

AI summary The text outlines definitions related to tax regulations, including terms such as 'transaction,' 'transferred capacity,' and provisions under subsection 95(2)f.11)(ii)(D). It discusses revenue from interests and financing of affiliated companies and sums included under specific tax subdivisions.

2 the foreign affiliate’s relevant affiliate écrit en vertu de la présente division selon les interest and financing expenses (as de- modalités réglementaires, fined in subsection 18.2(1)) (determined without regard to this clause and subs...

AI summary The text outlines specific financial calculations related to a foreign affiliate's interest and financing expenses, as well as foreign accrual property losses, under a regulatory framework. These calculations are determined without regard to certain subsections of the Income Tax Regulations.

3 les dépenses d’intérêts et de finance- (determined without regard to this clause, ment de la société affiliée pertinentes clause (D) and subsection 18.2(19)) for the (au sens du paragraphe 18.2(1)) de la socié- taxation year, and té étra...

AI summary The text outlines the determination of interest and finance expenses of a foreign affiliate, excluding specific provisions, and references the foreign affiliate's foreign accrual property loss or income for the taxation year.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL Undertaking U-23: To explain how [billing] thresholds are set and whether system picked up billing anomalies from cyber. Response U-23: My Energy Insights will provide increases usage alerts specific to an individual custo...

AI summary NS Power explains that billing thresholds are set based on fixed dollar amounts per rate class to identify unusually high bills. My Energy Insights, which provides usage alerts, is currently unavailable due to a cyber incident and is expected to be restored in Q3 2026. The billing system generates estimated bills based on historic consumption and reviews them against thresholds, typically flagging less than 0.3% of annual bills for review.

d 23 throughout the year, as enabled by AMI, provides a foundation to "precisely determine the amount 24 of energy used before a new rate came into effect and after the new rate came into effect". 25 26 However, the calculation of customer...

AI summary The document discusses challenges in billing customers under new energy rates, noting that the legacy Customer Information System (CIS) uses single meter reads and prorates rates based on days in a billing period. Implementing time-differentiated billing would require significant system changes and could take at least six months.

NON-STANDARD METER SERVICE When a Domestic or Small General class customer has chosen to receive non-standard meter service, such Customer's meter shall be read semi-annually, including when such opt-out Customer applies for the Equal Bill...

AI summary Non-standard meter service for Domestic and Small General class customers requires semi-annual meter reads, with estimated billing between reads. For customers with demand charges, monthly meter reads are required.

Postcard Meter Reading In the event that the Company is unable to obtain meter readings for a Customer, the Company may adopt a postcard meter reading systemfor billing purposes . Under such system, the Company shall supply the Customer wi...

AI summary The document outlines a postcard meter reading system for billing purposes when the Company cannot obtain meter readings. Customers are provided with prepaid postage cards to record and return meter readings, which the Company may treat as actual readings.

Esimated Meter Reading Regulation 5.1 Meter Reading Page 2 of 2 If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading for an opt-out Customer due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the Customer to return the postcar...

AI summary This section of the regulation outlines the procedures for estimating meter readings when actual readings cannot be obtained. The Company must use the best available data to estimate usage, and may disconnect service or require meter relocation if the Customer fails to cooperate. Adjustments are required if actual readings are obtained after estimated ones, and specific requirements apply for non-standard meter service.

Postcard Meter Reading In the event that the Company is unable to obtain meter readings for a Customer, the Company may adopt a postcard meter reading systemfor billing purposes . Under such system, the Company shall supply the Customer wi...

AI summary The document outlines a postcard meter reading system that a company may use when unable to obtain direct meter readings. Customers are provided with prepaid postage cards to record and return meter readings, which the company may treat as actual readings for billing purposes.

Esimated Meter Reading If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading for an opt-out Customer due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the Customer to return the postcard reading as described above, then the am...

AI summary The document outlines procedures for estimating meter readings when actual readings are unavailable, including adjustments when actual readings are later obtained and requirements for manual readings for non-standard meter service.

Rate Codes 05, 06

AI summary The text references Rate Codes 05 and 06, which are likely classifications or categories used in the regulatory process for utility rate structures or billing procedures.

10.2 Meter Reading RtR Customer meter reading requirements are set out in NS Power Regulations Section 5 – Meter Reading and Billing.

AI summary The document outlines the meter reading and billing requirements for RtR Customers as specified in NS Power Regulations Section 5.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS - (1) Metering will normally be at the low voltage side of the bulk power transformer. Should the customer's requirements make it necessary for the Company to provide primary metering, then the customer will be required...

AI summary The special conditions outline requirements for metering and billing adjustments based on voltage levels and customer demand. Customers requiring primary metering must contribute additional capital costs. The company may withdraw tariff availability if a customer consistently fails to maintain a minimum billing demand. The company also reserves the right to establish separate agreements for specific issues.

10.2 Meter Reading RtR Customer meter reading requirements are set out in NS Power Regulations Section 5 – Meter Reading and Billing.

AI summary The document outlines the meter reading requirements for RtR customers, referencing NS Power Regulations Section 5 – Meter Reading and Billing.

- - (49) METERS (Meter Shop Only) - - - - - - (50) COMMUNICATIONS - - - - - - (51) STREET LIGHTING 589 - - 570 - 19 (53) TOTAL DISTRIBUTION 58,332.2 - - 56,423 - 1,910 (54) (55) TOTAL CUSTOMER OPERATIONS - T & D 79,764.491 - 20,472 56,423...

AI summary The text presents a table of operational costs and figures related to distribution, customer operations, generation services, and customer service for a utility company. It includes line items such as street lighting, total distribution, customer service experience, and billing services, along with associated costs and variances.

970,271,743 (557) Small General 68,514,938 (558) General 378,788,180 (559) Large General 52,607,094 (560) Small Industrial 41,802,365 (561) Medium Industrial 71,721,412 (562) Large Industrial 80,164,570 PHP 39,560,463 39,560 (563) Municipa...

AI summary The text presents a series of numerical data points and percentages related to billing and revenue factors, wiring inspections, and cost allocation. These figures are likely related to utility operations, including billing distribution, inspection splits, and energy demand and energy factors for various segments.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-1: 2 1 below 2 percent. 3 4 As a result, subject to the explanation provided in Compliance IR-2 part (d), NS Power is 5 reading meters and billing customers consistent with its practices prior to the cyber 6 i...

AI summary The text discusses NS Power's meter reading and billing processes following a cybersecurity incident. It explains that meter connections have been restored, and billing is returning to normal, with estimated bills at around 2% or less. The impact of the incident on the proration approach has been mitigated.

estrictions, and overall ability to make such a change. Doubling the processing burden on these systems is likely to require system hardware or other upgrades to handle the additional processing load. • Payments : Pre-Authorized Payments a...

AI summary The text discusses the potential impact of doubling the processing burden on systems due to off-cycle billing, which may require hardware upgrades. It also highlights the effect on 120,000 customers enrolled in Pre-Authorized Payments, leading to multiple payments.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 extractions in short periods of time for customers, potentially leading to customer 2 confusion and inconvenience. Doubling the volume of pre-authorized payments 3 would require consultation with the Company's payment pr...

AI summary The text discusses potential challenges related to doubling the volume of pre-authorized payments, including impacts on payment processing systems, customer confusion, increased call volume at the Customer Care Centre, and difficulties in reading opt-out customers' meters on a specific date. It also mentions the need for modifications to a custom program to handle off-cycle meter reading service orders.

1 Request IR-7: 2 3 NS Power stated that additional billing periods or split billing periods could impact other 4 systems that rely on the billing data and mentioned that the MyEnergy Insights tool provides 5 personalized energy usage and...

AI summary The document discusses the potential impacts of additional or split billing periods on systems like MyEnergy Insights and MyAccount, including concerns about billing period duration variability and the effect of a cybersecurity breach on the MyEnergy Insights tool.

POSTCARD METER READING In the event that the Company is unable to obtain meter readings for a Customer, the Company may adopt a postcard meter reading systemfor billing purposes . Under such system, the Company shall supply the Customer wi...

AI summary The document outlines a postcard meter reading system as an alternative when the Company cannot obtain direct meter readings. Customers are provided with prepaid postage cards to record and return meter readings, which the Company may accept as official for billing purposes.

ESIMATED METER READING If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading r due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the Customer to return the postcard reading, then the amount of power and energy used by the Cust...

AI summary The document outlines procedures for estimated meter readings when actual readings cannot be obtained. If estimated readings occur five times consecutively, the customer must arrange for proper meter reading, or the company may disconnect service or require meter relocation. Adjustments will be made if actual readings are obtained after estimates.

Postcard Meter Reading In the event that the Company is unable to obtain meter readings for a Customer, the Company may adopt a postcard meter reading systemfor billing purposes . Under such system, the Company shall supply the Customer wi...

AI summary The Company may use a postcard meter reading system when unable to obtain direct meter readings. Customers are provided with prepaid postage cards to record and return meter readings, which the Company may treat as actual readings for billing purposes.

Esimated Meter Reading If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading for an opt-out Customer due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the Customer to return the postcard reading as described above, then the am...

AI summary The document outlines the procedures for estimating meter readings when actual readings are not available, including requirements for customers to arrange for meter readings and potential consequences for non-compliance, such as disconnection or meter relocation.

Salary and compensation recoverable from rates, charges or fees 3 For the purpose of subsection 64B(8) of the Act, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated may recover the following remuneration from its rates, charges or fees approved by the Board:...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP) may recover executive compensation from rates, limited by compa-ratios under the Public Utilities Act. The new Senior Officials Pay Plan (2023-138) replaced the old plan (2007-85), altering pay scales and affecting recoverable compensation. NSP calculates CEO remuneration as 10% above the new plan's maximum, while other executives are capped at 100% compa-ratio plus 13% benefits.

3.10 Miscellaneous Charges and Regulations

AI summary The section '3.10 Miscellaneous Charges and Regulations' is under review, but no specific content or details are provided in the text. Further analysis of this section would require additional information or context.

on 5.1 allows for customersubmitted readings, NS Power still needs to receive, verify, and process these readings, along with handling disputes and correcting errors. [Exhibit N-8 Appendix 13A, p. 8] [675] In response to Board IR-148, NS P...

AI summary NS Power explains its process for handling customer-submitted AMI meter readings, noting current instructional materials and plans to update them by 2026. It also describes its ability to detect billing anomalies exceeding predefined thresholds, as requested in Board IR-148.

3.10.2.1 Findings [680] The Board has several concerns with NS Power's request to implement AMI opt-out fees at this time. Based on the responses provided during the hearing, it appears that meter reader costs associated with opt-out meter...

AI summary The Board rejects NS Power's request to implement AMI opt-out fees due to insufficient cost delineation, questionable assumptions in cost projections, and reluctance to consider self-reporting alternatives. Concerns include inadequate justification for projected cost increases and failure to explore technological solutions for verifying customer readings.

4.6 Implementation of New Rates (Cyber Incident Impact) [727] At the hearing, NS Power said that it now has communication with roughly 400,000 of its customer meters and has targeted the end of March to have all meters (approximately 555,0...

AI summary NS Power discussed implementing new rates affected by a cyber incident, noting challenges in prorating rate changes due to extended meter reading intervals. It acknowledged potential for higher charges during colder periods but emphasized progress with AMI technology, though historical data storage is limited to 60-90 days.

4.6.1 Findings [730] The Board is concerned that customers who have higher usage during the recent colder period of the year might end up paying more than the approved current rate for the electricity they are currently using because of th...

AI summary The Board is concerned that prorating electricity bills during a rate increase may unfairly burden customers with higher usage during colder periods, especially after a cyber attack prolonged meter reads. With AMI meters, precise energy usage tracking before and after rate changes should avoid prorating. The Board directs NS Power to justify prorating in its compliance filing or use AMI data to apply approved rates based on actual consumption timing.

d in longer periods between actual meter readings than usual. It was also not clear to the Board why NS Power needed to continue to use proration at all given its significant investment in AMI meters. In its compliance filing, NS Power exp...

AI summary NS Power explained its continued use of proration due to limitations in its legacy Customer Information System, despite significant investment in AMI meters. It also addressed concerns about extended proration periods caused by a cyberattack, stating that operations have largely returned to normal with billing accuracy within regulated standards.

10.2 Meter Reading RtR Customer meter reading requirements are set out in NS Power Regulations Section 5 – Meter Reading and Billing.

AI summary The document outlines the meter reading requirements for RtR customers as defined in NS Power Regulations Section 5 – Meter Reading and Billing.

POSTCARD METER READING In the event that the Company is unable to obtain meter readings for a Customer, the Company may adopt a postcard meter reading systemfor billing purposes . Under such system, the Company shall supply the Customer wi...

AI summary The document outlines a postcard meter reading system that Nova Scotia Power may use when unable to obtain direct meter readings. Customers are provided with prepaid postage cards to record and return meter readings, which the company may accept as actual readings for billing purposes.

ESIMATED METER READING If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading r due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the Customer to return the postcard reading, then the amount of power and energy used by the Cust...

AI summary The document outlines procedures for estimated meter readings when actual readings cannot be obtained. If estimated readings occur five times consecutively, the customer must arrange for proper meter readings, or the company may disconnect service or require meter relocation. Adjustments will be made if actual readings are obtained after estimated ones.

METER READING IN RURAL AREAS Where electric service is supplied to a Customer in a rural area, the Company may adopt a postcard meter reading system of monthly or bi-monthly meter reading. Under such system, the Company shall supply the Cu...

AI summary The document outlines a postcard meter reading system for rural areas, allowing customers to record and return meter readings via prepaid postage cards. The company may consider these postcard readings as valid for billing purposes.

Request IR-88: - Reference: SR-04 Attachment 1 - Please provide a schedule of costs related to the most recent lag study (including costs for fuels, - OM&G labour, OM&G non-labour, grants in lieu of taxes, HST collected, HST/GST paid, and...

AI summary The request seeks a detailed schedule of costs from the most recent lag study, including fuel, OM&G labor and non-labor expenses, grants, HST, and DSM, all reconciled to the 2023 audited financial statements.

Request IR-57: Reference: Exhibit N-6, Appendix 7E, Executive Compensation Report - a) Please confirm, or explain otherwise, that the "pay plan" referenced in the Nova Scotia Power Incorporated Regulations is defined as "the Senior Officia...

AI summary Request IR-57 seeks clarification on Nova Scotia Power's (NSP) pay plan regulations, including its definition, revocation by Order in Council 2023-138, impact on rate calculations, differences between old and new pay plans, and communications between NSP and government officials regarding the revocation.

Request IR-89: - Reference: Exhibit N-3 GRA Direct Evidence, Section 9.2.1 Average Capital Assets - On pages 52-53 of its application, NS Power notes that it has removed approximately $700 million - from its rate base for the DDA assets (P...

AI summary NS Power removed $700 million from its rate base for DDA assets, citing securitization by 2026, and seeks to defer depreciation and return if delayed. Requests include documentation on securitization timelines, deferral costs, debt issuance breakdowns, and updates on retired assets, customer deposits, and unapproved capital items. The proceeding involves GRA, FAM, and RTR programs.

Request IR-144: - Reference: Exhibit N-3 GRA Direct Evidence, Section 13.7, AMI Opt-Out Fee - a) Please describe any limits NS Power currently faces in reading AMI meters over the air as a result of its cybersecurity breach. - b) Please de...

AI summary Request IR-144 seeks information from NS Power regarding cybersecurity breach impacts on AMI meter readings, manual reading arrangements, timelines for resuming automated readings, and the accuracy of cost estimates for manual reading of opt-out customers in 2026–2027.

Request IR-145: - Reference: Exhibit N-8, Appendix 13A, page 6 of 14 - NS Power stated that it has refreshed its jurisdictional review using the same utilities included in its 2017 summary. Appendix 13B lists four Canadian utilities and si...

AI summary NS Power updated its jurisdictional review using utilities from its 2017 summary, listing four Canadian and six U.S. utilities in Appendix 13B. The proceeding requests clarification on whether NS Power reviewed opt-out policies for other utilities and if any utilities do not charge meter read opt-out fees.

Request IR-147: - Regulation 5.1 provides customers with the ability to record their meter readings and submit those - to NS Power for billing purposes. That Regulation also states that an actual reading must be taken - by NS Power at leas...

AI summary Regulation 5.1 allows customers to submit meter readings to NS Power and mandates periodic in-person readings. The request seeks confirmation of the Board's authority to amend the regulation and identification of legal requirements mandating the 12/6-month reading intervals.

Request IR-148: - Reference: Exhibit N-8, Appendix 13A, page 8 of 14 - NS Power stated that customer-submitted meter readings can result in intentional misreporting - and that it could be challenging to accurately capture consumption readi...

AI summary NS Power highlights challenges with customer-submitted AMI meter readings, including potential misreporting and 177 accounts submitting postcard/photo readings in 2024. The proceeding requests details on incorrect readings, instructional materials, anomaly detection capabilities, and historical incidents since 2018.

Request IR-149: Reference: Exhibit N-8, Appendix 13C NS Power stated: As of April 1, 2025, approximately 97 percent of AMI meters have been migrated to fully automated meter reading and billing using AMI meter data, known as Over-the-Air (...

AI summary NS Power reported that 97% of AMI meters were migrated to OTA billing by April 1, 2025, with all capable meters transitioned. The proceeding asks about the status of the remaining 3% and barriers to migration beyond opt-outs.

ic Utilities Act to order staged or multi-year general rate increases. We encourage the Board to approve five-year rate increases moving forward, to provide stability and predictability for customers. The Board also heard evidence concerni...

AI summary The document advocates for five-year rate increases to ensure customer stability, highlights billing instability from Nova Scotia Power's cybersecurity incident, and criticizes the utility's ongoing reliability failures. It argues that systemic issues in planning, risk allocation, and governance require an independent review to restore public confidence and ensure fair rate decisions.

Cyber Attack - 111. The cyber-attack resulted from circumstances within NS Power's operational control, yet ratepayers bear the financial and operational consequences, including billing uncertainty and potential financial exposure. - 112....

AI summary A cyber-attack on NS Power led to billing uncertainties and financial risks for ratepayers. The Department argues NS Power, as a regulated monopoly, must adhere to strict cybersecurity and service standards under the Public Utilities Act . Investigations are called for into billing practices, consumer protections, and financial relief. NS Power claims not to seek cost recovery, but ratepayers may bear indirect costs. The Board is urged to address accountability and transparency.

, p 18, paragraph 118. DATE FILED: February 6, 2026 Page 24 of 37 15 Exhibit N-3, page 8 of 99. 16 Exhibit N-40. 17 Transcript, January 9, 2025, p 888, lines 7-14. - 1 At paragraphs 119-123 of its submission, the DOE requests that "to the...

AI summary The DOE requests delaying rate increases until NS Power confirms no higher charges for current consumption and delays cost shareholders. The reply argues no basis for delay, citing NS Power's experience and billing progress, with over 84% of customers receiving accurate reads via smart meters and manual readings.

Salary and compensation recoverable from rates, charges or fees 3 For the purpose of subsection 64B(8) of the Act, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated may recover the following remuneration from its rates, charges or fees approved by the Board:...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP) may recover executive compensation from rates, charges, or fees under subsection 64B(8) of the Act. The regulations reference a revised Senior Officials Pay Plan (Order in Council 2023-138), which replaced the previous plan (Order in Council 2007-85). NSP calculates CEO compensation as 10% above the new plan's maximum, while other executives are capped at 100% compa-ratio plus 13% benefits.

27, … In the GRA negotiation process, securitization received unanimous support from customer representatives as the preferred solution for financing the DDA assets. … Not only have customer representatives viewed securitization favourably...

AI summary The document discusses support for securitization as a financing solution for DDA assets, endorsed by customer representatives and credit rating agencies. Intervenors oppose retroactive deferral effectiveness but agree on securitization's benefits, citing lower financing costs and past examples like the 2024 FAM receivables purchase. The Board acknowledges evidence that securitization reduces costs, citing improved bond yields and market responses to NS Power's actions.

3.10 Miscellaneous Charges and Regulations

AI summary The section '3.10 Miscellaneous Charges and Regulations' outlines various charges, adjustments, and regulatory frameworks relevant to utility operations and rate structures in Nova Scotia. It references multiple acronyms and entities involved in energy regulation and management.

on 5.1 allows for customersubmitted readings, NS Power still needs to receive, verify, and process these readings, along with handling disputes and correcting errors. [Exhibit N-8 Appendix 13A, p. 8] [675] In response to Board IR-148, NS P...

AI summary NS Power allows customer-submitted AMI readings but must verify, process, and resolve disputes. In 2024, 16 postcard and 161 photo meter submissions were received, though tracking accuracy is not done. Instructional materials are available online, with planned updates by 2026. NS Power can detect billing anomalies exceeding predefined thresholds.

3.10.2.1 Findings [680] The Board has several concerns with NS Power's request to implement AMI opt-out fees at this time. Based on the responses provided during the hearing, it appears that meter reader costs associated with opt-out meter...

AI summary The Board rejects NS Power's request to implement AMI opt-out fees, citing insufficient cost delineation, questionable forecasts (e.g., 20x increase in customer care costs), and reluctance to adopt self-reporting options for opt-out customers. NS Power's dismissal of self-reporting is challenged, as existing practices (e.g., accepting photo readings) contradict claims of feasibility issues. The Board directs NS Power to address these concerns in a compliance filing.

orating bills to accommodate its proposed rate increase, the Board directs that the bills covering the time that the new rates come into effect be prepared on the basis that the energy consumed in the billing period is charged at the actua...

AI summary The Board directs that bills under the new rate structure should be prepared based on actual rates at the time of energy consumption, not the new rates, as outlined in paragraph 732.

Request IR-1: - Section 4.6 of the Board's decision in this matter expressed concern about implementing the rate - increase through prorating in the context of the potential for prorating over a period that was longer - than a single billi...

AI summary The Board's decision (Section 4.6) raised concerns about prorating rate increases over extended billing periods due to a cybersecurity breach, but NS Power's compliance filing didn't address prolonged billing issues. The request asks whether NS Power's processes have returned to normal and how ongoing impacts might affect prorating.

Request IR-2: On March 31, 2026, NS Power announced that: Meter connections to our billing system have been restored and customer billing is returning to normal. The number of customer bills we have to estimate has also returned to normal...

AI summary NS Power announced meter connections to its billing system have been restored, with estimated bills returning to ~2%. Questions seek clarification on why billing is 'returning' but not 'returned' to normal, requirements for full normalization, timelines, and details on billing accuracy for April. Concerns include ensuring energy consumption limits, actual read timelines, and estimated billing durations.

Request IR-3: - In its compliance filing, NS Power suggested that the problem with precisely allocating the amount of energy on a bill to pre-rate increase and post-rate increase use was due to limitations on its "legacy Customer Informati...

AI summary NS Power's legacy CIS system struggles with accurate energy allocation for time-differentiated rates due to reliance on single meter reads. The regulator questions how CIS handles residential time-of-day rates, system dependencies preventing irregular billing periods, necessity of detailed coding for irregular end dates, and CIS limitations in managing account closures.

Request IR-4: Does NS Power consider holding all or part of bill payments associated with the pre-rate estimated billings in escrow until the limitations with the legacy Customer Information System are resolved to be an effective means of...

AI summary Request IR-4 asks whether NS Power should hold pre-rate estimated bill payments in escrow until legacy CIS system limitations are resolved, to address ongoing estimated billing issues. The inquiry focuses on the effectiveness of this proposed solution.

Request IR-6: - On page 27 of the compliance filing, NS Power stated: "As 40% of the Company's customers are - still receiving paper bills by mail, this translates to approximately $200,000 in additional OM&G - costs for each additional bi...

AI summary NS Power's compliance filing states that mailing paper bills to 40% of customers incurs $200,000 in additional OM&G costs per bill period. The request seeks clarification on the meaning of 'each additional bill period' and whether the $200,000 figure represents total mailing costs.

Request IR-7: - NS Power stated that additional billing periods or split billing periods could impact other systems - that rely on the billing data and mentioned that the MyEnergy Insights tool provides personalized - energy usage and bill...

AI summary NS Power asserts that additional or split billing periods may affect systems reliant on billing data, including the MyEnergy Insights tool. The request asks for details on impacted systems, how varying billing durations are handled, potential impacts on the tool, effects of a cybersecurity breach, and confirmation of the tool's ability to display daily energy usage averages.

Billing Directive Anticipating that the new rates would take effect in the midst of a billing cycle, the Board directed Nova Scotia Power to rely on the information provided by AMI meters to "precisely determine the amount of energy used b...

AI summary The Board directed Nova Scotia Power to use AMI meter data to accurately apply new rates during a billing cycle, but the company argues this would be costly and complex. The Consumer Advocate suggests prorating rates instead to ensure fairness, despite the risk of some customers paying higher rates for pre-effective-date consumption.

Billing Directive: The SBA acknowledges the Board's concern regarding billing prec1s10n and the ability of advanced meter infrastructure ("AMI") to accurately bill customers where rates changes occur in the middle of a billing cycle and th...

AI summary The SBA acknowledges the Board's Billing Directive requiring split billing to account for rate changes but is concerned about potential costs to ratepayers. NS Power claims that implementing the directive would require significant capital investment. The SBA suggests using proration for this matter but supports upgrading the CIS to eliminate proration in the future.

10.2 Meter Reading RtR Customer meter reading requirements are set out in NS Power Regulations Section 5 – Meter Reading and Billing.

AI summary The document outlines the meter reading and billing requirements for RtR customers as specified in NS Power Regulations Section 5.

11.2 Billing Unless NS Power directs otherwise, the RtR Customer shall be invoiced by the LRS and will pay the LRS for any charges or fees, inclusive of all applicable taxes, owing by the RtR Customer to NS Power under this Distribution Ta...

AI summary This section outlines the billing responsibilities of the RtR Customer under the Distribution Tariff, including charges for distribution system access, demand-side management, storm costs, and other approved items. The RtR Customer agrees to pay the LRS for these charges and waives claims against NS Power related to billing by the LRS.

ESIMATED METER READING If the Company is unable to obtain a meter reading r due to circumstances beyond its control, or due to the failure of the Customer to return the postcard reading, then the amount of power and energy used by the Cust...

AI summary The document outlines procedures for estimating meter readings when actual readings cannot be obtained. If estimated readings occur five times consecutively, the customer must arrange for proper meter readings, or the company may disconnect service or require meter relocation. Adjustments will be made if actual readings are obtained after estimated ones.

METER READING IN RURAL AREAS Where electric service is supplied to a Customer in a rural area, the Company may adopt a postcard meter reading system of monthly or bi-monthly meter reading. Under such system, the Company shall supply the Cu...

AI summary The document outlines a postcard meter reading system for rural areas, where customers are responsible for recording and returning meter readings. This method is considered valid by the company for billing purposes.

1 company's policy position in relation to this, which I 17 additional use within their premises, to have 18 bidirectional meters. And by that, I mean just by virtue 19 of their being on time of day they would not require INTERNATIONAL REP...

AI summary The text discusses the company's policy position regarding bidirectional meters and the challenges related to meter reads and data collection in the context of implementing revised rates. It highlights concerns about the practicality of billing based on estimated data and the need for effective communication.

a and issue 17 bills as a result of that. Again, we still remain on path 18 for March, but the next bill for some of these customers 19 could be in two weeks time, and some of them it could be a month and a half. So I struggle to provide a...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the timing and accuracy of customer billing, with the speaker acknowledging challenges in issuing accurate bills immediately due to data assessment requirements, despite ongoing efforts to move away from estimated billing.

practically do on the ground or on a day-to-day basis to assist customers. But I think where your question is likely going, a suggestion that it ought to be part of a discussion, is a good suggestion, sir. THE CHAIR: Mr. Goodine, could we...

AI summary The discussion centers on Nova Scotia Power's ability to detect billing anomalies that may indicate incorrect meter readings, referencing a specific exhibit and page from a proceeding document.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 system is specific to the customer. 2 Q. Okay. And the threshold that's 3 defined for the specific customer, what is that? Is it 10 4 percent higher than average, 15 percent? How is...

AI summary The discussion centers on a billing threshold system specific to customers, with questions about its definition, whether it is pre-defined or customer-specific, and how it was affected by a cybersecurity breach and recent billing concerns.

Ottawa, Ontario PAGE NO. January 9, 2026 U-21 To provide Nova Scotia Power's actual level of capital investment in '23 and '24 as compared to what was included in the '22 GRA compliance filing 807 U-22 To provide information on why the two...

AI summary The document contains several items from a regulatory proceeding in Nova Scotia, including requests for information on capital investment, project exclusions, and billing thresholds, as well as confidential items. These items relate to compliance filings, cybersecurity impacts, and billing concerns.