Topic:"Capacity Market Participation" in M08059

ovision Constraints ........................................... 17 Emission Constraints ............................................................................................................... 17 Available Resource New Build Costs ....

AI summary The document outlines sections of a modeling analysis covering emission constraints, resource costs, wind capacity credits, transmission infrastructure, coal plant retirement timelines, and sensitivity analyses. It references a final report by Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. on thermal generation utilization and optimization for Nova Scotia Power.

e Province’s declining power sector emissions schedule and underlying power system technical constraints (primarily, transmission and operating reserves criteria). Modeling Plan and Input Assumptions Synapse developed a modeling plan and a...

AI summary Synapse developed a modeling plan for NSPI’s thermal resource utilization, considering parameters like peak load, wind capacity credit, transmission expansion, and coal plant retirements. The analysis evaluates technical and economic factors impacting thermal fleet optimization and resource transformation scenarios.

This result illustrates the value of wind and energy efficiency resources in comparison to gas, oil, and import energy, which in general are otherwise the marginal energy sources.  All scenarios utilizing a load forecast that reflects med...

AI summary The text compares wind and energy efficiency resources to fossil fuels and imports, showing that higher demand-side management (DSM) and wind capacity accelerate coal unit retirements (as early as 2024) and reduce planning reserve requirements by 157 MW by 2029. Scenario 1, based on 2017 forecasts, retains thermal fleet capacity through 2030, but other scenarios demonstrate lower NPVRR costs.

ources—peak load reduction through energy efficiency and incremental wind, in these instances—when considering whether, or when, to designate the next coal unit for retirement. Notably, this result also indicates a need to construct a new...

AI summary The analysis highlights the economic necessity of constructing a new combined cycle unit in 2023, driven by the Plexos model's capacity expansion algorithm, despite low utilization through 2030. It also notes that two coal unit retirements are projected in the reference scenario over the next decade, influenced by DSM scenarios and wind capacity impacts.

nd scenario 16). This reflects the effect of either high sustaining capital costs or increased wind installations and wind capacity crediting in the Plexos retirement decision.  The presence of fossil‐fleet emission constraints drives dow...

AI summary The text examines energy utilization under fossil-fleet emission constraints, highlighting reduced coal fleet capacity factors, increased reliance on gas/oil, and the impact of wind energy and DSM scenarios. It emphasizes the need for alternative resource planning to achieve lower costs through higher peak load reduction or wind energy integration.

ractual quantities (NS Block and Supplemental Energy) and allows for both Maritime Link Surplus Energy to be available for purchase and for incremental non‐firm imports (and exports) to New Brunswick. Synapse developed a modeling plan and...

AI summary Synapse Energy Economics collaborated with NSPI to model thermal generation optimization using Plexos, incorporating updated fuel costs, sustaining capital estimates, and renewable energy sources (wind, solar, battery storage). The analysis included reserve margin requirements aligned with NPCC reliability criteria and scenarios for new capacity additions.

napse set the Plexos model to maintain a 20 percent reserve margin in all years when making build/retire decisions, in accordance with Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC) reliability criteria. Additional modeling scenarios were des...

AI summary The analysis uses the Plexos model with a 20% reserve margin per NPCC reliability criteria, exploring scenarios involving peak load, wind capacity credit, transmission expansion, capital expenditures, battery storage costs, gas prices, and coal plant retirements. Post-processing of model outputs standardizes data and calculates revenue requirements to compare NPV of scenarios.

Yes Note: “RetirePath1” reflects additional forced retirements of coal plants beyond Lingan 2 in 2020/21. It reflects sequential retirement in Plexos of Lingan 4 (2023), Lingan 3 (2024), Lingan 1 (2025), and Trenton 5 (2026). Sensitivities...

AI summary The text outlines forced retirements of coal plants beyond Lingan 2 in 2020/21, including specific retirements in Plexos (Lingan 4, 3, 1, Trenton 5). It details sensitivity analyses on battery costs, natural gas prices, thermal units, and transmission constraints, aiming to explore system flexibility and efficiency gains under relaxed modeling conditions.

nd pipeline system. Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. NSPI Thermal Generation Utilization and Optimization M08059 22 Final Report 3. MODELING RESULTS 3.1. Capacity Balance, Build and Retirement Results Planning Reserve Requirements – Capacity...

AI summary This section discusses modeling results related to capacity balance, build and retirement of generation resources. It highlights planning reserve margins (PRM) by scenario and year, and details how the Plexos model optimizes retirement and build decisions based on cost minimization.

verage annual capacity factors because the wind and the saved energy displaces what would otherwise be marginal energy generation at the Tufts Cove facility, in addition to displacing economy imports. Tables 11 through 14, which follow the...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of demand-side management (DSM) and wind energy on thermal generation utilization in different scenarios. It references tables and figures showing capacity factors for various units and scenarios, including the effects of lower load and higher wind generation.

on and Optimization M08059 43 Final Report Table 11: Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet Scenario 1, Reference Case

AI summary The document presents a table titled 'Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet' under Scenario 1, Reference Case, as part of the proceeding related to on and optimization matter M08059.

Final Report Table 13: Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet Scenario 16, NB Transmission, High Wind Capacity Credit, 600 MW Wind

AI summary The text presents a table titled 'Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet' under Scenario 16, which includes NB Transmission, a High Wind Capacity Credit, and a 600 MW Wind capacity. This scenario is part of a larger analysis of energy generation and transmission planning.

Efficiency One. Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. NSPI Thermal Generation Utilization and Optimization M08059 55 Final Report Demand Side Options We have limited out assessment to two different loading scenarios, one based on NSPI’s reference...

AI summary The report discusses demand-side management (DSM) scenarios and their impact on NSPI's capacity mix, highlighting the potential to avoid new gas-fired generation and retire coal units. It also examines the benefits of NB transmission ties and additional wind resources, noting the importance of regional cooperation and infrastructure investment.

NSPI 2017 Plus 50% +25%, +100% Wind Capacity Contribution 2017 NSPI 0% ERIS, 17% NRIS 20% All Wind 25% All Wind (GE Study) NSPI 2017 $400 Million + New Eng. Capac. Either With or Without NB Smaller intertie connection, NB Transmission Mark...

AI summary The document outlines scenarios for wind capacity contributions, NB transmission costs, and coal retire paths. It compares 2017 NSPI baseline figures with alternative scenarios involving higher wind capacity, different transmission strategies, and coal phase-out timelines. Key parameters include financial thresholds, transmission options, and credit implications for various retire paths.

Ref High Ref No No 5 Change Case Med DSM/HighSusCap Med DSM High Ref No No

AI summary The text references a case (Ref 5) involving a change in Med DSM/HighSusCap, indicating a regulatory proceeding related to demand-side management and capacity considerations.

Capacity Factors - Thermal Units 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 40% 43% 31% 23% 23% 22% 24% 13% 16% 11% 18% 19% 4% 6% 1% 16% 19% 12% 22% 20% 13%...

AI summary The table presents capacity factors for various power generation units from 2018 to 2042, showing percentages for each unit over time.

Economics, Inc. NSPI Thermal Generation Utilization and Optimization M08059 A.5.4-5 Appendix Table 5: Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet Scenario 7, High Wind Capacity Credit

AI summary The document presents an appendix table analyzing thermal fleet capacity factors under Scenario 7, which involves high wind capacity credit. It references NSPI's thermal generation optimization and a matter number (M08059) related to the analysis.

al Generation Utilization and Optimization M08059 A.5.4-10 Appendix Table 10: Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet Scenario 17, Medium DMS, NB Transmission, High Wind Capacity Credit

AI summary The text refers to a scenario (Scenario 17) in a regulatory proceeding related to generation utilization and optimization, focusing on capacity factors for the thermal fleet under conditions of Medium DMS, NB Transmission, and High Wind Capacity Credit. The appendix table likely details these factors, contributing to discussions on energy system planning and resource allocation.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - New CT Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. NSPI Thermal Generation Utilization and Optimization M08059 A.5.4-11 Appendix Table 11: Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet Scenario 25, Retirement Path

AI summary The document presents an appendix table titled 'Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet' under the scenario 'Scenario 25, Retirement Path' from the proceeding M08059, which involves NSPI Thermal Generation Utilization and Optimization.

Energy Economics, Inc. NSPI Thermal Generation Utilization and Optimization M08059 A.5.4-11 Appendix Table 11: Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet Scenario 25, Retirement Path

AI summary This document presents an appendix table titled 'Capacity Factors – Thermal Fleet' under Scenario 25, Retirement Path, which is part of a study conducted by Energy Economics, Inc. for NSPI on thermal generation utilization and optimization.

NSPI 2017 Plus 50% +25%, +100% Wind Capacity Contribution 2017 NSPI 0% ERIS, 17% NRIS 20% All Wind 25% All Wind (GE Study) NSPI 2017 $400 Million + New Eng. Capac. Either With or Without NB Smaller intertie connection, NB Transmission Mark...

AI summary The document outlines scenarios for wind capacity contributions, NB Transmission market costs, and retirement paths (Retire Path 1 and 2) with associated financial figures, transmission planning considerations, and credit mechanisms like High Wind Capacity Credit. It includes modeling parameters for load forecasts and intertie connection options.

ive individual years for ST production cost (8760 hour) runs (2020, 2025, 2030, 2035, and 2040). Specific Capacity Resource Options to be Considered in Capacity Expansion/Retirement Analysis The following resource options will be made avai...

AI summary The document outlines resource options for capacity expansion and retirement analysis, including existing thermal plants, renewables, storage, and import capacities. It details parameters for PLEXOS optimization and the baseline resource mix, including NSPI's contributions.

Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board Mailing address Office PO Box 1692, Unit “MM 3rd Floor, 1601 Lower Water Street Halifax, Nova Scotia Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3P6 B3J 3S3 1 855 442-4448 (toll-free) [email protected] 902 424-4448 t ht...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board directed Nova Scotia Power Inc. to conduct further analysis on underutilized thermal generation plants, optimize sustaining capital, and evaluate storage and wind capacity contributions following a technical conference on generation utilization and optimization.

llions of dollars of projected sustaining capital on those facilities still remains outstanding. In addition, analysis of storage options and wind capacity contributions deserve greater consideration. In order to move forward with these ma...

AI summary The Board engages Synapse Energy Economics Inc. to analyze generation resource utilization and cost-effective options for Nova Scotia ratepayers. A reclassification of thermal units is deferred until after the 2017-2019 rate stabilization period. Stakeholders will review Terms of Reference, and NSPI will provide technical data for analysis.

g resource adequacy requirements), or they affect the capacity contributions available from existing and potentially new alternative capacity resources. The eight action items are characterized below: 1. Optimize the level of sustaining ca...

AI summary The text outlines eight action items addressing resource adequacy, including optimizing fossil fuel capital expenditures, conducting wind penetration studies, regional coordination, evaluating wind capacity value, monitoring market opportunities, assessing demand response, securing DSM commitments, and evaluating Mersey Development. These focus on reliability, transmission, and renewable integration.

ain energy storage technologies and use cases are currently in the midst of rapid cost declines that will likely persist.” (Executive Summary, page 3, emphasis added) 3‐ Regional Coordination Options Continuing regional coordination has sy...

AI summary The text highlights rapid energy storage cost declines, advocates for regional grid coordination among Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland to enhance wind integration, and critiques NSPI's low 12% wind capacity credit compared to higher regional benchmarks (20-46%). It emphasizes technical cooperation and grid modernization for efficient wind resource planning.

% to 46% of capacity and Quebec’s use of 30%.9 The contribution of wind resources to capacity requirements must continue to be carefully examined; if Nova Scotia was to use a capacity credit of 20% 8 EPRI, Energy Storage Cost Summary for U...

AI summary The text examines Nova Scotia's capacity requirements, emphasizing the need to assess wind resource capacity credits and explore import capacity via the Maritime Link and New Brunswick. It highlights the potential of demand response and energy efficiency programs to address resource adequacy gaps, particularly under different coal plant retirement scenarios.

t paths. Additional firm capacity could also be available across the Maritime Link to meet resource adequacy needs. 6 – Demand Response and DSM Resource Commitments through Energy Efficiency Programs NSPI’s need for capacity resources is p...

AI summary NSPI's capacity needs are based on meeting peak load, which occurs infrequently. Demand response mechanisms could reduce the need for up to 300 MW of capacity. The 2016 load duration curve illustrates that peak loads are brief, suggesting demand response could address most capacity requirements.

7009 7885 8761 Hours per Year Load Greater than Indicated Value Source: NSPI OASIS, Hourly Load Data, 2016. 10 Based on 600 MW (20% ‐ 12%). 7 In the most recent load forecast, NSPI projects increasing peak load. In response to the Board’s...

AI summary NSPI's load forecast projects increasing peak demand, citing Synapse's report as justification. However, Synapse recommends refining peak load calculations due to historically flat historical peaks. The text argues for urgent analysis of alternatives to coal plant investments, emphasizing a portfolio approach over single substitutions to ensure cost-effective, reliable service.

6, 2016 NPCC 2016 LONG RANGE ADEQUACY OVERVIEW Peak Season Reserve Margins 10-Year On-Peak Generation Anticipated Additions

AI summary The NPCC's 2016 Long Range Adequacy Overview discusses peak season reserve margins and 10-year on-peak generation additions, highlighting infrastructure planning and capacity market participation considerations for power system reliability.

Probabilistic Assessment Overview  General Overview – The Maritimes Area is a winter peaking area with separate jurisdictions and regulators in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island (PEI), and Northern Maine. The GE MARS model...

AI summary The Maritimes Area probabilistic assessment uses the NPCC's GE MARS model to evaluate resource adequacy, showing minimal changes in LOLH and EUE despite increased demand from electric heating. Capacity resources and operating procedures mitigate reliability risks, aligning with a 20% reserve margin criterion.

mands and potential NPCC CP-8 Working Group 48 Approved by the RCC - December 6, 2016 NPCC 2016 LONG RANGE ADEQUACY OVERVIEW imports to NB from NS that may begin after the completion of the HVDC interconnection to the Canadian province of...

AI summary The document discusses energy efficiency program growth in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia's planned renewable capacity additions (wind, solar, biomass), and potential impacts of retiring a coal plant. It notes that HVDC interconnection to Newfoundland may offset coal retirement, with reliability concerns if hydro capacity delays occur.

as a significant difference of opinion between NSP! and the Board Staff consultants, Liberty and Synapse, on the issue of the approach to determining the future use of NSPI’s thermal generation fleet. In essence, NSPI's position appears to...

AI summary NSPI and Board consultants (Liberty, Synapse) disagree on analyzing NSPI’s thermal fleet future. NSPI argues delaying analysis due to unresolved issues (cap-and-trade, interprovincial transmission) is prudent. Consultants advocate immediate rigorous analysis. PHP supports NSPI’s goal of least-cost long-term solutions. Tufts Cove Unit 3 issues remain unresolved.

File No: SM002557-00003 Nancy G. Rubin, Q.C. Direct Dial: 902.420-3337 [email protected] April 27, 2017 Delivered by E-mail Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 3rd Floor 1601 Lower Wa...

AI summary NSPI responds to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board's concerns regarding its 10-Year System Outlook Report, noting increased peak demand despite declining energy sales. It explains that variable renewable integration has altered steam unit utilization, requiring low-capacity thermal units to meet capacity needs and maintain reserve margins.

ed to serve firm peak demand and maintain the system’s planning reserve margin.2 (emphasis added) 1 NSPI 10-year System Outlook Report, p.18 2 NSPI 10-year System Outlook Report, p. 25 3090853 v1 Doreen Friis April 27, 2017 Page 2 In other...

AI summary The text discusses NSPI's capacity factors for power plants, discrepancies in data provided, and planning challenges due to federal policies like carbon pricing. It highlights the need for accurate information and flexibility in planning amid regulatory uncertainty.

e system to accommodate these changes in load. This is called operating reserve. 4 NSPI October 19, 2016 responses to Board information requests, 3090853 v1 Doreen Friis April 27, 2017 Page 3 inform future COS decisions. In the interim, no...

AI summary The Industrial Group recommends reviewing the cost classification of thermal plants and providing capacity factor forecasts for 2022-2026. They also urge NSPI to report on the capacity value and cost allocation of ERIS-connected wind. The IRP was criticized for not addressing cost allocation, and the Board agreed that revising classifications was premature.

echnical Conference, NS Power discussed its intention to improve its engagement process. 1 NSUARB Letter, 10‐Year System Outlook Report, February 9, 2017, M07540. April 27, 2017 D. Friis Stakeholders brought to the Company’s attention more...

AI summary NS Power aims to improve stakeholder engagement following feedback on its thermal unit utilization and investment strategy. Key discussion topics include reserve margin requirements, federal coal legislation impacts, gas consumption outlook, and regional transmission interconnections. Stakeholders emphasized the need for transparency on resource adequacy planning and potential alternatives to NS Power's existing investment strategy for fossil fuel units.

D a ™ Blackburn Law April 27, 2017 VIA EMAIL Ms. Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax NS B3J 383 Dear Ms. Friis: Re: M07540 — Nova Scotia Power Inc. 2...

AI summary Blackburn Law comments on Nova Scotia Power's 2016 System Outlook Report, arguing that retaining coal plants as peaking units during winter high-demand periods, despite reduced coal burning, still poses environmental risks from coal pile management, dust control, and ash handling. NS Power defends this approach as economically viable, though it plans to retire Lingan 2 post-Maritime Link. The SBA highlights environmental and reliability concerns.

ile, control coal dust, and provide ash handling. Older coal plants will also need capital investment to keep them running reliably and running a peaking duty cycle these plants were not designed for. NS Power has expressed reluctance to s...

AI summary The text discusses the need to retire older coal plants and analyze the economic viability of alternatives like natural gas, transmission interconnections, hydro imports, and energy storage, contingent on carbon pricing. NS Power's reluctance to study coal retirements until carbon targets are clearer is noted, but the authors advocate for a carbon-price-based analysis to inform policy decisions and track technological cost changes annually.

Maritimes coordination coordination M&N: Maritimes and Northeast gas availability / Nova Scotia delivery Synapse will refine the above approach, developing and documenting the sets of input assumptions to use during July. The process invol...

AI summary Synapse is refining a modeling approach for capacity expansion, involving steps like specifying load forecasts, resource costs, and executing the Plexos model. The scope includes report development, stakeholder feedback, and potential regulatory hearing in early 2018.

a. Refine modeling plan – create scenarios/sensitivities as necessary to reflect use of Plexos optimization and capacity expansion modules, and to bound the results given the uncertainties of certain input assumptions. This will include de...

AI summary The text outlines requirements for refining energy modeling plans, specifying load forecasts, researching resource costs, and defining balancing area constructs. Key tasks include using Plexos optimization modules, accounting for firm/non-firm load, developing cost assumptions, and addressing transmission constraints between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland.

25 $ 8,912,500 TUC3 $ 824,375 $ 793,125 $ 3,280,625 $ 868,125 $ 1,255,625 $ 524,375 $ 768,125 $ 543,125 $ 868,125 $ 505,625 $ 10,231,250 TUC6 $ 1,822,500 $ 1,997,500 $ 4,847,500 $ 2,297,500 $ 4,747,500 $ 1,822,500 $ 2,197,500 $ 1,897,500 $...

AI summary The text presents financial figures related to capital investments and discusses how the 2014 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Action Plan influences Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s (NSPI) thermal fleet economics by affecting peak demand and capacity contributions from alternative resources.

opportunities. 7. Obtain DSM resource commitments consistent with the IRP analysis. 8. Evaluate options for Mersey Development, and the potential to add 30 MW of capacity to the system. In addition to these IRP action items, continuing red...

AI summary The document outlines IRP action items, including DSM resource commitments and evaluating Mersey Development's 30 MW capacity potential. It criticizes NSPI for not rigorously analyzing the economic optimality of retaining seven coal units beyond 2030, citing gaps in their 2014 IRP analysis regarding capital expenditures and renewable energy cost impacts.

stated at the 4/13/2017 technical conference, is not well-supported. It is not at all clear that lengthy retention of the coal units was the most economic option arising from the 2014 IRP analysis. 5 5 A truer optimization, given the model...

AI summary The text critiques the 2014 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for inadequately evaluating alternatives to retaining coal units, emphasizing the need for iterative analysis to compare resource plans. It highlights demand-side management (DSM) and alternative capacity options (e.g., wind, storage, demand response) as more economical solutions and recommends additional system studies.

ain energy storage technologies and use cases are currently in the midst of rapid cost declines that will likely persist.” (Executive Summary, page 3, emphasis added) 3- Regional Coordination Options Continuing regional coordination has sy...

AI summary The text highlights rapid declines in energy storage costs, advocates for regional grid coordination among Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland to enhance wind integration, and critiques NSPI's low wind capacity credit (12%) compared to higher regional benchmarks (20%-46%). It emphasizes technical cooperation and grid modernization for reliability and decarbonization.

pital assumptions will be included for new resources, both fueled and renewable?  How will the declining capacity value of new incremental wind resources be accounted for? NS Power has reviewed the example assumptions provided in the Term...

AI summary NS Power discusses challenges in system stability analysis for new resources, emphasizing the need for independent studies due to changing transmission and system conditions. It highlights reliability risks with the 150 MW and 800 MW import options from New Brunswick, citing potential mismatches with the NS Power system's scale and reliability requirements.

1 July 17, 2017 VIA EMAIL Ms. Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Friis: Re: M08059 – Generation Utilization and Optimization Th...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate comments on the proposed Terms of Reference for M08059, highlighting the need to consider distributed generation's impact, energy supply uncertainties, demand response from AMI, and worst-case scenarios for coal and Tufts Cove steam. They recommend Synapse consult stakeholders for scenario input.

I Thermal Resources Through and Possibly Beyond 2030 Synapse Energy Economics July 7August 1, 2017 Introduction The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board’s May 5, 2017 letter in M08059 - Generation Utilization and Optimization indicated an...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board requested Synapse Energy Economics to analyze optimal utilization of NSPI’s thermal generation fleet, considering sustaining capital expenditures, storage options, and wind capacity contributions. The study focuses on economic impacts for ratepayers using the Plexos modeling system.

1 capacity and energy to reliably meet Nova Scotia electricity load in all years of the analysis. It will include a time frame of at least 20-25 years (through 2038-2043). Our initial use of the modeling framework will entail determining a...

AI summary The document outlines a 20-25 year modeling framework to determine optimal resource paths for Nova Scotia's electricity needs, considering scenarios like varying gas prices and wind capacity contributions. Different model runs with assumption sets will generate candidate resource plans, though not all permutations are defined due to time constraints.

o reflect the concerns expressed in the set of NS UARB information requests (October 2016) in regards to NSPI’s 2016 10-Year System Outlook Report. Summary – NSPI’s Outlook on the Thermal Steam Fleet NSPI plans for continuing operation of...

AI summary NSPI plans to continue operating its thermal steam fleet through 2030, except for retired Lingan 2, citing resource adequacy needs. Tufts Cove 1 (TUC1) is projected to remain operational beyond 2025, contradicting 2014 IRP assumptions. Sustaining capital for thermal units is estimated at $445M (2017-2026), with discrepancies noted between 2017 ACE plan projections and current forecasts.

568,125 $ 505,625 $ 8,912,500 TUC3 $ 824,375 $ 793,125 $ 3,280,625 $ 868,125 $ 1,255,625 $ 524,375 $ 768,125 $ 543,125 $ 868,125 $ 505,625 $ 10,231,250 TUC6 $ 1,822,500 $ 1,997,500 $ 4,847,500 $ 2,297,500 $ 4,747,500 $ 1,822,500 $ 2,197,50...

AI summary The 2014 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Action Plan's eight action items influence Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s (NSPI) thermal fleet economics by affecting peak demand and capacity contributions from existing and new resources, impacting resource adequacy requirements and capital investment decisions.

f capacity and Quebec’s use of 30%.13 The contribution of wind resources to capacity 11 Ibid. 12 EPRI, Energy Storage Cost Summary for Utility Planning:Executive Summary, November 2016, page 17. Available at http://www.tdworld.com/sites/td...

AI summary The text examines wind capacity credits, import capacity via the Maritime Link and New Brunswick, and the role of demand response/DSM programs in meeting resource adequacy needs. It highlights potential increases in resource adequacy from wind credits and the need to explore import capacity and DSM commitments.

ritical to continue to Page 5 of 8 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) June 7, 2018 D. Friis Synapse Recommendation NS Power Response / Position assess the pattern of these costs and project future costs. 5. Establish requirements...

AI summary Synapse recommends assessing wind integration costs, enhancing transmission infrastructure, and improving inter-provincial coordination. NS Power supports these measures, emphasizing the need for technical assessments, grid reinforcement, and capacity planning to accommodate increased wind energy and maintain reliability.

bon reduction requirements, federal equivalency and the operation of the Maritime Link. With regard to the study framework proposed by Synapse, the Company suggests consideration of the following: • Whether the period of study needs to be...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power (NSP) questions Synapse's proposed 25-year study framework, raising concerns about resource availability (e.g., NB transmission, battery storage), uncertainty in federal/provincial regulations, and the need for clarity on DSM program selection criteria. NSP also notes the Board's planned 2018 DSM hearing and lack of reference plan criteria.

. An additional benefit of this approach is that it will also allow the model to optimize the in-service year of new DSM and transmission resources. ii) The “WindCapCredit” scenarios may be redundant, as they effectively represent the capa...

AI summary The text discusses optimizing DSM and transmission resource in-service years, questions the redundancy of WindCapCredit scenarios due to fixed wind capacity contributions, and notes the need to run the Short Term (ST) module annually for production cost modeling in retirement path scenarios.

File No: SM002557-00003 Nancy G. Rubin, Q.C. Direct Dial: 902.420-3337 [email protected] June 20, 2018 Delivered by E-mail Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 3rd Floor 1601 Lower Wat...

AI summary The Industrial Group supports NSPI's position that retaining the coal fleet through 2030 is cost-effective and necessary for firm capacity, citing Synapse's analysis. The report indicates that under specific parameters, the thermal fleet (excluding certain units) should be retained, with modeling showing financial soundness across scenarios.

~ Blackburn Law June 21, 2018 VIA EMAIL Ms. Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Friis: Re: M08059 - Generation Utilization and Op...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) highlights concerns about Nova Scotia Power's (NSPI) continued capital expenditures on fossil fuel generation, arguing that without analysis of economic obsolescence, small businesses may face unnecessary costs and stranded assets. The SBA emphasizes sector transformation, including renewable energy adoption and the Maritime Link transmission line, which may render older fossil fuel plants obsolete.

this area. Failure to do so could result in customers, such as small businesses, paying more for their electricity than is necessary and NSPI have a significant amount of ultimately stranded assets. 1 T: 902-835-8544 F: 902-835-4310 E: inf...

AI summary The SBA acknowledges Synapse's report on thermal fleet economic benefits through 2030 but warns against misinterpreting its findings as directives for resource planning. The report's focus was limited to fossil-fueled thermal fleet retention, not broader energy/resource evaluations, which should be addressed in the next IRP. Concerns include potential stranded assets and affordability impacts on small businesses.

vide guidance on other energy and capacity resources. OBJECTIVE OF THE REPORT It is important to keep in perspective that the objective of the Report by Synapse in this matter was stated as follows: The purpose of the Generation Optimizati...

AI summary The Synapse report evaluated the cost-effectiveness of retaining NSPI's thermal fleet through 2030, concluding it was beneficial for ratepayers. NSPI supported Synapse's recommendations but emphasized the need for a new DSM study and detailed battery storage analysis for the next IRP.

Memorandum TO: M08059 GENERATION UTILIZATION AND OPTIMIZATION STAKEHOLDERS FROM: BOB FAGAN – SYNAPSE ENERGY ECONOMICS DATE: JULY 9, 2018 RE: SYNAPSE REPLY SUBMISSION - RESPONSE TO STAKEHOLDER COMMENTS ON FINAL REPORT This memo responds to...

AI summary Synapse Energy Economics responds to stakeholder comments on NS Power's thermal generation utilization report, with NS Power, the Industrial Group, SBA, and PHP opposing further hearings. EfficiencyOne plans a DSM study before the next IRP, while the Consumer Advocate recommends a separate proceeding to address wind capacity valuation.

ot indicate it should be part of this matter. Synapse concurs with NS Power, the Industrial Group, the Small Business Advocate, and PHP that no further process is necessary in respect to this matter. Synapse’s primary reply comment in this...

AI summary Synapse agrees with NS Power and other stakeholders that no further process is needed for this matter. Synapse emphasizes the interpretation of its findings, noting that under reference scenarios, thermal fleet retention is indicated through 2030, though this is not a final determination on long-term utilization.

city and unit commitment requirements needed in association with the Tufts Cove thermal units, to allow appropriate parameterization in Plexos to enable possible economic retirement. 8. Identify candidates for the “next” coal retirement al...

AI summary The text outlines tasks for the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process, including parameterizing Tufts Cove thermal units in Plexos, ranking coal units for retirement after Lingan 2, monitoring natural gas trends, and addressing items from the Bates White fuel audit report during the IRP's first phase.