N-52026-2027 GRA Appendix 1-6 - Redacted
117 passages
3. Climate Change Adaptation Plan The Board's directive about the Climate Change Adaptation Plan is found at para. 340 of the 2023- 2024 GRA decision: It is not clear to the Board whether the items identified by NS Power in its response to...
AI summary The Board directs NS Power to develop a formal Climate Change Adaptation Plan by 2025, citing its importance for storm restoration cost prudence and capital processes. NS Power already has a plan and collaborates with CALP, BPTC, and CEATI groups on wildfire mitigation and best practices. Costs will be deferred for recovery post-GRA.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3A Page 3 of 14 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) development of standards through the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) which is incorporating climate risk into its standards, including...
AI summary NS Power is updating its Climate Change Adaptation Plan and Wildfire Mitigation Guide, to be filed as Appendix 3B and 3C. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is integrating climate risk into standards. NS Power presented updates at a CALP technical conference attended by the Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate, and Industrial Group.
CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN Building Climate Resiliency, Revision 1
AI summary The document outlines a Climate Adaptation Plan, Revision 1, focused on building climate resiliency. It serves as a framework for addressing climate risks and enhancing infrastructure and operational preparedness in Nova Scotia's energy sector.
Abstract Climate change is bringing more frequent extreme weather events to Nova Scotia, and we need to continue to adapt our infrastructure to withstand the impacts from climate change.
AI summary Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events in Nova Scotia, necessitating infrastructure adaptations to mitigate climate impacts. The text emphasizes the urgency of preparing energy systems to withstand these challenges.
Executive Summary Hurricane Fiona, which arrived in Nova Scotia in the fall of 2022, was the most damaging storm Nova Scotia Power Inc (NS Power) has ever experienced with 415,000 or 80 percent of customers impacted at its peak. At landfal...
AI summary Hurricane Fiona (2022) caused significant damage to Nova Scotia Power Inc (NS Power), impacting 80% of customers. The Climate Adaptation Plan aims to enhance infrastructure resilience against climate change, using guidance from the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA). NS Power integrates climate risks into asset management, addressing extreme weather, sea level rise, and temperature changes to ensure reliable energy delivery.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 5 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) meet the capital expenditure justification criteria (CEJC), as approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. NS Power recognizes tha...
AI summary NS Power outlines its approach to climate adaptation planning, emphasizing flexibility and continuous improvement. It commits to monitoring climate risks, sharing accountability across departments, and enhancing climate knowledge through data collection and external expertise, while adhering to capital expenditure justification criteria (CEJC) approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
The Need for Adaptation Planning " Climate change is upon us, and its impacts are getting more severe with each passing year ."[1](#page-30-1) Increases in the intensity, frequency, duration, and geographic reach of extreme weather and cha...
AI summary Climate change is increasing, leading to more extreme weather events. NS Power emphasizes adaptation planning to address physical risks to assets and operations, ensuring service reliability for customers. Examples include flooded generation stations and changes in natural resources affecting operations.
About this Report Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) has chosen to utilize the Canadian Electricity Association's Climate Change and Extreme Weather: A Guide to Adaptation Planning for Electricity Companies 1 Global Commission on Adaptation...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) references the Canadian Electricity Association's climate adaptation guide and two external reports on climate resilience and risk management for utilities in its regulatory proceeding document.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 7 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) in Canada[3](#page-31-3) (CEA Guide) to develop its approach to climate adaptation planning. The CEA Guide outlines eight practical steps fo...
AI summary The document references the Climate Adaptation (CEA) Guide, which outlines eight practical steps for managing climate change risks. This is part of a broader climate adaptation planning approach being developed in Canada.
Table 1 CEA's Eight-Step Framework for Developing an Adaptation Plan Phase of Development Step in Process Setting the Stage Step One: Define objectives and engage leadership Step Two: Identify critical and vulnerable assets and operations...
AI summary This section outlines the first phase of CEA's Eight-Step Framework for Developing an Adaptation Plan, focusing on setting the stage by defining objectives, engaging leadership, and identifying critical and vulnerable assets and operations.
NS Power recognizes that climate change is an enterprise risk to utilities and that adaptation planning is a prudent and important risk management strategy. This chapter comprises CEA step one which outlines the reasoning behind this view...
AI summary NS Power acknowledges climate change as an enterprise risk and emphasizes the importance of adaptation planning as a key risk management strategy. This chapter outlines the reasoning and how NS Power's goals support adaptation planning.
1. Step 1: Define Objectives and Engage Leadership The following section lays out the case for treating climate change as an enterprise risk and the need for adaptation planning.
AI summary The text emphasizes the importance of treating climate change as an enterprise risk and highlights the necessity of adaptation planning within regulatory proceedings. It sets the stage for addressing climate-related risks in energy sector operations and governance.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 8 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Figure 1.1 Map of NS Power Infrastructure NS Power recognizes the need for proactive climate change risk management to anticipate, plan for,...
AI summary NS Power is implementing a climate adaptation planning process to manage risks from climate change and extreme weather events on its $5 billion electricity infrastructure. The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), filed with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, outlines a comprehensive approach to asset management aligned with corporate and regulatory goals.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 9 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) emerging challenges such as climate change and the integration of renewable energy sources. By utilizing a risk-based decision-making approa...
AI summary NS Power's SAMP integrates climate adaptation planning into asset management, using risk-based decisions to build a resilient grid. This approach aligns with climate adaptation goals, ensuring reliable service while addressing climate change impacts and renewable energy integration.
1.2. Goals and Objectives The goal of the Climate Adaptation Plan is to ensure the utility continues to successfully deliver on its mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity, while improving its resilience to climate cha...
AI summary NS Power's Climate Adaptation Plan aims to ensure reliable electricity delivery while enhancing resilience to climate change. Key objectives include integrating climate risks into asset management, leveraging climate science, reducing vulnerabilities, fostering industry collaboration, and driving innovation for long-term adaptation.
Scope of Adaptation Planning Exercise This Climate Adaptation Plan is applicable to all NS Power's physical assets owned or managed by the company associated with generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in the province of...
AI summary The Climate Adaptation Plan applies to NS Power's physical assets related to electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Nova Scotia. It excludes partnerships and employee health and wellness impacts.
Limitations of Adaptation Planning Exercise NS Power acknowledges that climate change poses set of risks that is broader than only physical risks, to company assets. While the broader scope is not addressed in this climate adaptation plann...
AI summary NS Power's climate adaptation planning exercise focuses on transition risks through strategic deliverables like the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and 10-Year System Outlook (10YSO), but does not address broader physical risks to company assets. Transition risks are managed within System Planning functions.
1.3. Leadership Engagement NS Power's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and senior management understand that climate change is a risk, influencing how the utility operates. This perspective aligns with NS Power's parent organization, Emera,...
AI summary NS Power's leadership recognizes climate change as a critical risk and opportunity, aligning with its parent company Emera's sustainability goals. The company's purpose and mission focus on delivering reliable, affordable electricity and a cleaner energy future. Its 2025 Corporate Strategy emphasizes customer value and reliability, reflecting leadership engagement on climate issues.
Pillar 2 (Reliability+): We are building a reliable, modern grid that supports electrification. Adaptation planning will support cost-efficient deployment of services by enabling appropriate assessment of climate risks so maintenance can b...
AI summary Pillar 2 (Reliability+) focuses on enhancing grid reliability through adaptation planning, storm hardening, and grid modernization to address climate risks and support electrification. These initiatives aim to improve resilience against climate-related disruptions and ensure efficient maintenance prioritization.
Business Case for Climate Change Adaptation Warming of the global climate system is unequivocal and climate change impacts are expected to intensify in the future. Impacts of warming global average temperatures are wide-ranging and include...
AI summary The text discusses the unequivocal warming of the global climate, leading to impacts like flooding, infrastructure damage, and heat stress. It references the Canada's Changing Climate Report and highlights the World Economic Forum's Annual Global Risks Report, which ranks climate change as a top risk since 2012.
Weather versus Climate: Weather refers to the actual atmospheric conditions over a short period of time (i.e., hours, days), while climate refers to weather patterns experienced across a region over longer time periods, typically 30 years....
AI summary The text distinguishes weather (short-term atmospheric conditions) from climate (long-term patterns). It highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, citing a 2021 report and the World Energy Council's findings (1980–2014 saw a fourfold rise in such events). Adaptation to climate risks is framed as a global imperative, with references to Canadian and international climate reports.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 12 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Adapting to the changing climate is not an alternative to increasing action to slow climate change, but adaptation has become a crucial com...
AI summary The text emphasizes the importance of climate adaptation as a complement to mitigation efforts, citing high benefit-cost ratios (2:1 to 10:1) from the Global Commission on Adaptation. It highlights NS Power's potential benefits, including reduced economic losses and improved infrastructure resilience through climate risk-based maintenance.
Climate Change as an Enterprise Risk for Utilities The electric utilities sector is being significantly impacted by physical effects of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that the electricity secto...
AI summary The electric utilities sector, particularly in Nova Scotia, faces significant risks from climate change, including both acute and chronic impacts. These risks threaten the integrity of generation, transmission, and distribution assets. NS Power, which operates most of these assets, must adapt to these risks in planning to ensure system reliability.
[Table 1.1,](#page-36-0) below presents some examples of the types of physical climate risk-related impacts expected for Canadian electric utilities such as NS Power. Table 1.1: Physical Climate Risk-Related Impacts for Canadian Electric U...
AI summary The document outlines physical climate risk-related impacts for Canadian electric utilities, such as NS Power, including damage to infrastructure from extreme weather and sea level rise. It also highlights opportunities for utilities as climate adaptation efforts progress.
While NS Power is a leader in climate change mitigation, adaptation is still needed NS Power has achieved the fastest transition to cleaner energy among Canadian utilities and is on track to achieve its target of supplying 80% of its energ...
AI summary NS Power is a leader in climate mitigation, achieving 54% CO2 reduction since 2005 and targeting 80% renewable energy by 2030. However, climate adaptation remains critical, including safeguarding electricity assets. Climate change requires both mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (preparing for impacts).
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 14 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) adaptations to address the locked-in climate change effects and mitigation to reduce or halt even greater climate change impacts. Incorpora...
AI summary The text emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change adaptation into electricity system planning to proactively manage risks and enhance resilience against both short- and long-term climate impacts. It highlights the role of adaptation processes in mitigating climate change effects and improving system resilience.
1.5. Importance of Scenario Analysis for Understanding and Managing Climate Change To better prepare for the future, electric utilities require data that can provide insights into the degree of impact that can be expected on their assets a...
AI summary Electric utilities need scenario analysis to assess climate change impacts on assets and operations. Scenarios like RCPs and WEO help evaluate financial, strategic, and operational risks. NS Power uses IPCC RCP data for adaptation planning but has not yet adopted newer SSP frameworks, citing minimal outcome differences between CMIP5/CMIP6 datasets.
1.6. NS Power's Adaptation Planning Process In 2019, NS Power began investigating how it might better understand and strategically manage climate-related risks and opportunities. NS Power recognized the potential magnitude of impact that c...
AI summary NS Power initiated climate adaptation planning in 2019 to address climate risks to its assets and operations. It engaged Manifest Climate for training and risk assessment, and Acclimatise for climate data analytics. The process included interviews and a technical report to inform risk management strategies.
3. Step 3: Identify Key Potential Climate Impacts This section explains how NS Power has increased its knowledge on how climate impacts may develop over time and how they might be prioritized for adaptation. It summarizes the climate scena...
AI summary NS Power outlines its approach to identifying climate impacts on assets and operations through collaboration with Acclimatise and Manifest. The process includes climate scenario data analysis, prioritization methods, and integration into asset management. The CEA Guide's Step 3 focuses on assessing existing and potential climate risks to critical infrastructure.
Physical Climate Risk Analysis - Contracted a physical climate risk service provider, Acclimatise, to conduct a physical climate risk analysis of NS Power's assets; Acclimatise completed the following tasks: - Mapped the relevant climate h...
AI summary NS Power contracted Acclimatise to conduct a physical climate risk analysis of its assets. Acclimatise mapped climate hazards to key variables and defined parameters for the analysis, focusing on assessing risks to NS Power's infrastructure.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 18 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) - Harvested best in class present-day and projected datasets and completed climate data analytics to generate physical climate risk analysi...
AI summary NS Power conducted climate risk analysis for 100 critical assets using present-day and projected climate datasets under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. The analysis included monthly outputs with statistical metrics for risk assessment in their asset management mechanism.
Identification of Potential Climate Hazards Associated with Physical Climate Impacts - Identified and listed the relevant climate hazards[16](#page-42-2) that may cause a climate impact based on observed and local knowledge as well as clim...
AI summary The document outlines steps to identify climate hazards impacting infrastructure and service provision, including compiling climate data and conducting site-specific studies. A 'Climate Hazard' is defined as a potential cause of damage or service disruption due to physical climate events.
Example Climate Hazard s: Sea level rise, major precipitation event, storm surge, heat wave, water availability, ice storms, wildfires, hurricanes, etc.
AI summary The document lists example climate hazards such as sea level rise, major precipitation events, storm surges, heat waves, water availability issues, ice storms, wildfires, and hurricanes, highlighting potential risks considered in the regulatory proceeding.
3.1. Physical Climate Risk Analysis The physical climate risk analysis exercise was designed to use the best available climate data to identify the various climate change impacts NS Power might face based on its geographic location and spe...
AI summary NS Power's physical climate risk analysis aims to identify climate change impacts on its infrastructure using climate data, integrate it into asset risk assessments, and inform mitigation strategies. Objectives include identifying risk variables, selecting time horizons, and providing usable data formats.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 19 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) The physical climate risk exercise generated three technical reports that are referenced for more detailed information throughout this plan...
AI summary The document references three technical reports from a physical climate risk analysis: the Acclimatise Scoping Report (Phase 1), Acclimatise Technical Report (Phase 2), and Manifest Technical Report. These outline methodologies, climate data analytics, limitations, and tools like the ELAD matrix for adaptation planning.
Climate Risk Variables Acclimatise recommended a list of climate variables for which modeling results would provide insight into the physical climate risks that NS Power may be facing. This list was developed based on: - NS Power's list of...
AI summary Acclimatise recommended a list of climate variables to model physical climate risks for NS Power, based on climate hazards, the Climate Master spreadsheet, recent weather events, and Acclimatise's experience. Table 3.1 maps these hazards to climate variables, noting that three hazards lack corresponding variables as they are not included in climate models.
CEA Climate Hazard Associated Climate Variables Changes in mean annual and/or seasonal temperature • Temperature, daily mean • Temperature, daily max • Temperature, daily min Changes in runoff and ground conditions • Riverine flooding • La...
AI summary The text outlines various climate hazards and their associated variables, including temperature changes, precipitation patterns, runoff, snow cover, drought, heat waves, and sea level rise. These variables are relevant for assessing climate impacts on infrastructure and energy systems.
Physical Climate Risk Analysis Parameters For Acclimatise to harvest the most relevant data for NS Power, a number of parameters were needed to provide boundaries for the exercise. These parameters were determined in consultation with NS P...
AI summary To conduct a physical climate risk analysis for NS Power, specific parameters were established through consultation with NS Power and Manifest. These parameters are summarized in Table 3.2 and detailed in various sections of the technical reports from Manifest and Acclimatise.
Analysis parameter Value Notes Baseline period 2000-2019 (present day) This timeframe is centered on the year 2010 and it excludes 2020 as there is no climate data available for the full year of 2020 yet. 2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appe...
AI summary This section outlines the parameters and data sources used in the climate analysis for NS Power's 2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B. It includes baseline periods, future scenarios, spatial and temporal resolutions, and climate hazards considered. RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 were selected as future warming scenarios.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 22 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) - Tier 2: Internationally recognized, publicly available, peer-reviewed climate data sources, e.g., IPCC, CMIP5.[18](#page-46-0) The intern...
AI summary The document details climate data sources used for 2030/2050 projections, including IPCC/CMIP5 datasets, reanalysis, downscaled models, and hazard data from NASA/WRI. Five dataset types were employed to address modeling uncertainty and fill data gaps, with emphasis on statistical rigor and spatial resolution.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 23 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) - Monthly output data for each of the three study timeframes present-day (2010), 2030, and 2050 that: - o Represented two warming scenarios...
AI summary The document outlines the provision of monthly output data for three timeframes (2010, 2030, 2050) under two warming scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The data includes statistical formats such as mean, 5th, and 95th percentiles and was provided in GIS format for risk assessment by NS Power's asset reliability teams.
Table 3.3: Summary of Present-Day and Future Projection Climate Data Sources, with Spatial & Temporal Resolutions where Available 20 Climate variable Present- day dataset Dataset type for present- day Present-day spatial resolution Tempora...
AI summary Table 3.3 summarizes present-day and future climate data sources, including their spatial and temporal resolutions, for variables such as temperature, precipitation, and sea level rise. The data sources include reanalysis datasets like ERA5-Land and ERA5, as well as global climate projections from CMIP5.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 25 of 54 Climate variable Present- day dataset Dataset type for present- day Present-day spatial resolution Temporal scale Statistic Output units Future projections analysis data source(s) Dat...
AI summary The document presents a table comparing present-day and future climate datasets related to coastal flooding, riverine flooding, landslide susceptibility, and wildfires. It includes details on spatial resolution, temporal scale, and statistical measures for each climate variable. The data sources include WRI Aqueduct, LHASA, NASA, ERA5, and CMIP5.
3.2. Identification of Critical Assets and Operations Vulnerable to Climate-related Risks Building on the criticality assessment of NS Power assets and the climate datasets, this section focuses on identifying assets and operations vulnera...
AI summary NS Power identifies climate-vulnerable assets using the CEA Guide's climate impact table, mapping hazards to asset classes. Evaluation criteria include adaptation degree, expenditure levels, and timing, informed by climate data and historical operational insights from the EAM team.
The Adaptation Degree variable uses three classifications: - Incremental Climate impact is managed within existing processes - Tactical Climate impact requires new processes - Strategic Climate impact requires a significant change in asset...
AI summary The document outlines NS Power's approach to climate adaptation, categorizing impacts as incremental, tactical, or strategic based on required process changes or asset modifications. It discusses expenditure levels, adaptation timing (near-term, medium-term, long-term), and evaluates infrastructure vulnerabilities across transmission, distribution, and generation assets. NS Power acknowledges the CEA Guide's illustrative climate impact list as a starting point for adaptation planning.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 27 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Figure 3.1 below illustrates how these various climate hazards, such as storm surges, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and increasin...
AI summary The document discusses how climate hazards, such as storm surges and sea level rise, impact NS Power's critical operational areas, including transmission, distribution, and hydroelectric operations. It highlights the use of the ELAD Matrix to prioritize climate adaptation efforts based on expenditure and adaptation degree.
3.3. Selection of Key Climate Impacts for NS Power The extensive climate dataset developed through the physical climate risk analysis completed by Acclimatise is being incorporated into NS Power's assessment of climate impacts for its asse...
AI summary NS Power is incorporating a comprehensive climate dataset from Acclimatise into its assessment of climate impacts on its assets and operations. The dataset will inform NS Power's characterization of climate risks in its adaptation planning process. Table 3.5 outlines key potential climate impacts and their expected risk levels for NS Power's business units.
& lt;sup>22 Direct impacts are defined by the CEA as those with "direct, i.e., unmediated, effects on assets and operations." Indirect impacts are defined as those that "initiate a chain of events that ultimately impact on assets and opera...
AI summary The text defines direct and indirect climate impacts on assets and operations, with examples such as uprooted trees damaging T&D infrastructure and ice accretion increasing physical stress on lines. Climate hazards like wind events, ice storms, and major precipitation are categorized by risk level and their primary impact on business units.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 30 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 3.4. Sample Climate Impact Assessment for Two Assets Critical to NS Power's Mission Tufts Cove – Example of Key Climate Impacts of critical...
AI summary The document presents a climate impact assessment for Tufts Cove, NS Power's key natural gas-fired generating station. It identifies physical climate risks, including sea level rise (projected 13-26cm by 2050) and increased hot days (9-13.5 days by 2050). Temperature changes and coastal flooding risks are highlighted as critical threats to the asset's operations and reliability.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 31 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Nova Scotia-New Brunswick Transmission Corridor – Example of Key Climate Impacts for Critical Transmission Asset Identified in Step 2 The t...
AI summary This document discusses the climate risks to the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick transmission corridor, including coastal flooding, ice accumulation, and rising temperatures. It highlights the projected impacts on transmission lines and the adaptations taken by NS Power, such as updated infrastructure standards and a funding agreement to reinforce the Chignecto Isthmus.
4. Step 4: Assess Risks to Critical and Vulnerable Assets and Operations This section explains NS Power's existing asset risk assessment process and lays the groundwork for integrating climate impacts into assessments of generation and T&D...
AI summary NS Power's asset risk assessment process, integrating climate impacts, uses EAM's methodology to evaluate risks, inform investment and maintenance strategies, and adapt to climate change. The process assesses risks to critical assets and operations, incorporating climate considerations alongside safety risks.
4.1. NS Power's Asset Risk Management Process – Asset Reliability Teams The Asset Reliability Team process at NS Power, as detailed in the Asset Management System Procedure (NSPI-AMS-001), plays a crucial role in the Company's climate adap...
AI summary NS Power's Asset Reliability Teams are integral to its climate adaptation strategy, managing asset risks and ensuring system resilience. These teams assess and maintain critical assets, using risk matrices and integrating climate adaptation plans to enhance reliability.
Evaluating Climate Datasets for Physical Impacts to Assets NS Power regularly reviews the climate datasets provided by Acclimatise and Manifest in [Step 3](#page-41-0) to integrate the key climate impacts [(Table 3.5)](#page-52-1) into the...
AI summary NS Power evaluates climate datasets from Acclimatise and Manifest to assess physical impacts on assets, focusing on wind events affecting overhead infrastructure. Historical wind data shows lower values than CSA standards, prompting recommendations for updated design criteria. Climate trends indicate rising wind speeds by 2030/2050, informing risk mitigation strategies for asset reliability.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 35 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Climate ERA5 Grid Trend Historical 1:50 Return Period Adjustment for Climate Change Projection Parameter Location Value 2030s 2050s 2070s 1...
AI summary This table presents climate projections for ice thickness and wind speed in Nova Scotia based on the ERA5 model. Ice thickness is projected to decrease slightly, while wind speed is expected to increase over time. These data are part of a climate study conducted by NS Power.
Chapter 3: Risk/Opportunity Response and Adaptation Planning Chapter 3 comprises two steps that show how NS Power's asset risk assessment approach can be used to record and monitor climate data and feed learnings from the data into decisio...
AI summary Chapter 3 outlines NS Power's two-step process for using asset risk assessments to monitor climate data and inform adaptation measures. This includes identifying potential measures and developing business cases, enabling enterprise-wide prioritization of climate mitigation strategies.
5. Step 5 Identify Potential Adaptation Measures (risk controls) This step reviews the types of risk mitigation measures that are available to NS Power to adapt to physical climate impacts and the Company's management system for climate in...
AI summary NS Power's Step 5 focuses on identifying adaptation measures to mitigate physical climate risks. The process involves annual risk assessments by asset reliability teams, prioritizing high/medium-high risks. Mitigation options are evaluated through two streams: asset teams proposing solutions and capital engineering resources flagging assets. No standardized response exists for risks, with treatments varying by asset.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 37 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Figure 5.1: NS Power Capital Planning Cycle As described in [Step 4,](#page-56-0) climate risks are assessed with all other potential risks...
AI summary The document outlines NS Power's approach to integrating climate risk assessment into its capital planning cycle, detailing risk mitigation strategies such as critical spares, refurbishment, and asset life assessment. These measures are part of a broader risk management framework addressing climate and other operational risks.
5.2. Five-Year Reliability Plan The Five-Year Reliability Plan, filed with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board in December 2024, represents a significant investment of $1.3 billion aimed at enhancing the resilience and reliability of...
AI summary NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan, filed with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board in December 2024, outlines a $1.3 billion investment to enhance grid resilience through storm hardening, vegetation management, equipment upgrades, and advanced grid modernization. The plan aligns with climate adaptation strategies to reduce outage risks and integrate renewable energy.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 41 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) handle future climate challenges. This integrated approach ensures that NS Power's customers receive dependable and efficient power service...
AI summary NS Power's integrated approach aims to handle future climate challenges, ensuring dependable and efficient power service for customers, even during severe weather events. This is part of the 2026-2027 General Rate Application (GRA) process.
5.3. Wildfire Mitigation Plan As part of NS Power's comprehensive climate adaptation plan, the Wildfire Mitigation Plan plays a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of the Company's electrical infrastructure against the increasing thre...
AI summary NS Power's 2025 Wildfire Mitigation Plan enhances infrastructure resilience through vegetation management, equipment upgrades, and real-time monitoring. It aligns with climate adaptation goals, using predictive analytics to proactively manage wildfire risks, ensuring service reliability and public safety while advancing a sustainable grid.
6. Step 6: Develop a Business Case for Selected Measures This section overviews the procedure for prioritizing recommended adaptation measures. NS Power has robust existing operating and capital expenditure budgeting processes. Adaptation...
AI summary NS Power integrates climate adaptation into existing operating and capital expenditure processes. Measures are selected based on cost, implementation ease, risk mitigation effectiveness, and asset mission. Risk management plans undergo approval by asset teams, management, and regulators. The CEJC process uses a 5x5 risk matrix to prioritize capital expenditures, with detailed criteria outlined in a 2023 document submitted to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.
Chapter 4 Preparation for Implementation Chapter 4 comprises two steps on forward-looking implementation. Although NS Power is well-prepared with a robust, existing asset risk management system, integrating climate data and long-term scena...
AI summary Chapter 4 outlines two steps for forward-looking implementation, emphasizing NS Power's need to integrate climate data and long-term scenario insights into existing asset risk management systems. It details climate-related actions, role-specific responsibilities, and monitoring/reporting mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement.
7. Step 7: Detail and Document Implementing Control Actions This section lists the various NS Power roles that will be involved in integrating climate considerations in order to fulfil this adaptation plan. Each role will have a list of sp...
AI summary NS Power's Step 7 involves integrating climate considerations into existing risk management processes through governance and asset management systems, ensuring roles from leadership to individual personnel address climate-related adaptation needs.
7.1. Roles & Responsibilities The governance of the Climate Adaptation Plan and the associated process will be managed within the following organization structure, utilizing existing resources. Effective implementation of the Climate Adapt...
AI summary The governance of the Climate Adaptation Plan relies on an organizational structure using existing resources, requiring cross-departmental employee responsibility for implementation. Specific roles and accountabilities are detailed in Figure 7.1 and listed textually.
NS Power Executive Leadership Team - Ensures the Climate Adaptation Plan is compatible with the strategic direction of the organization; - Provides visible leadership and strategic direction for the climate adaptation planning and programs...
AI summary The NS Power Executive Leadership Team is responsible for aligning the Climate Adaptation Plan with organizational strategy, leading climate programs, reviewing performance, and ensuring accountability for plan implementation and risk management effectiveness.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 45 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Figure 7.1: Organizational Chart for Management & Oversight of Climate Adaptation Plan
AI summary The document includes Figure 7.1, an organizational chart outlining management and oversight of a Climate Adaptation Plan. Key entities involved include the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) and the Climate Action Leadership Program (CALP), reflecting regulatory focus on climate resilience and governance structures.
Senior Directors (Asset Management and Environment) - Provide visible leadership and strategic direction for the climate adaptation planning and programs; - Ensure the Climate Adaptation Plan achieves its intended outcomes related to impro...
AI summary Senior Directors are tasked with leading climate adaptation planning, ensuring organizational resiliency, prioritizing climate-related risks, allocating resources for adaptation programs, and holding leaders accountable for implementation and performance outcomes.
Enterprise Asset Management (Managers) - Is directly accountable for performance against key metrics for climate impacts (see Section [8.2)](#page-76-0); - Allocates resources to enable implementation of Climate Adaptation Plan; - Particip...
AI summary Enterprise Asset Management (Managers) are responsible for accountability against climate impact metrics, resource allocation for the Climate Adaptation Plan, participation in climate risk assessments, and escalating climate-related concerns to senior leadership.
Climate Adaptation Risk Lead - Manages climate datasets; - Integrates knowledge of key climate impacts and climate datasets into asset reliability team risk assessments; - Reviews climate-related asset risk scores from asset reliability te...
AI summary The Climate Adaptation Risk Lead role involves managing climate datasets, integrating climate impact assessments into asset reliability risk evaluations, maintaining the Climate Adaptation Management System (CAMS), monitoring climate-related performance metrics, and updating the Climate Adaptation Plan document with periodic dataset revisions.
Asset Reliability Team Leads/Members - Become familiar with the key climate risks and associated impacts relevant to the particular asset class and, review available climate datasets relevant to those key climate risks and impacts; - Facto...
AI summary NS Power's Asset Reliability Team is tasked with integrating climate risk assessments into asset management, leveraging climate datasets, and advancing technological innovations for climate adaptation. The organization uses internal tracking systems to monitor asset strategies and improve climate resilience programs.
8. Step 8: Establish a Process to Review and Improve Plan Monitoring implementation and reviewing progress is an essential step to drive improvement. This section outlines metrics, reporting, review, and future steps to ensure NS Power has...
AI summary Step 8 of the CEA Guide emphasizes monitoring and reviewing NS Power's adaptation plan through metrics, reporting, and analysis. It outlines methods to assess plan effectiveness, track T&D and power generation asset performance, and ensure continual improvement via asset reliability reviews and event analysis.
8.1. Performance Metrics & Reporting System reliability and availability is currently monitored and reported on monthly basis by Enterprise Asset Management for both the T&D division as well as the Generation division. These reports summar...
AI summary NS Power monitors system reliability and availability monthly via Enterprise Asset Management, reporting on T&D and Generation divisions. Reports highlight reliability, risk conditions, and validate risk mitigation effectiveness. While not climate-specific, data can be analyzed through a climate adaptation lens. T&D uses the System Reliability Performance Update with metrics like SAIFI and SAIDI to identify problem feeders and prioritize climate adaptation measures.
Figure 8.2: Number of Storm Days by Year The following [Figure 8.3](#page-73-1) provides a summary of the CKAIFI[28](#page-73-2) frequency, which is the number of customer hours of interruption by the number of customers served by the feed...
AI summary Figure 8.2 and 8.3 analyze storm days and CKAIFI (Circuit Average Interruption Frequency Index) statistics, highlighting feeder reliability and climate-related risk mitigation needs. CKAIFI measures interruption frequency per customer, emphasizing performance gaps and the need for climate adaptation strategies.
Table 8.1: 2024 Unit Performance Summary Unit Op Hours (Aligne) Net Gen (MWh) Avg Net Load Calc (MW) Net CF Calc (%) Cold Starts Warm Starts Hot Starts DAFOR (%) Availability Factor (%) LIN-1 5,811 501,747 86 37% 9 8 5 5.2% 72.60% LIN-2 2,...
AI summary The table provides a summary of unit performance for 2024, including operational hours, net generation, availability factors, and outage statistics. The data is used to monitor generating unit reliability and is reviewed weekly through the Generation Equipment Reliability (GER) reporting process. The successful deployment of the Climate Adaptation Plan is expected to help manage risks that may cause outages or derates.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 52 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) circulating water system caused by an excessive growth of zebra mussels. Warmer water temperature and large storms, related to climate chan...
AI summary The text discusses climate change impacts on water systems via zebra mussel growth due to warmer temperatures and storms. It outlines asset management processes, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for outage events and risk scoring updates by asset reliability teams.
8.2. Asset Reliability Team Asset Performance Reviews The performance reports discussed above are reviewed annually by asset reliability teams to allow for changes in performance of the assets to be monitored. In addition, the asset reliab...
AI summary Asset reliability teams conduct annual reviews of asset performance, monitor climate impacts, and update risk mitigation plans. They use CAMS to track climate-related risks and document adaptation efforts, ensuring climate-specific risks are addressed separately.
8.3. Continuous Improvement NS Power's approach to climate adaptation utilizes existing programs and processes to ensure continuous improvement is achieved. The performance monitoring reports outlined above are one example of existing proc...
AI summary NS Power employs existing programs like performance monitoring reports, asset management mechanisms, and the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) program to drive continuous improvement in its Climate Adaptation Plan. These processes ensure ongoing evaluation, risk identification, and adaptation measures are integrated into asset management and climate strategies.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 53 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) participation in the GER reporting process for events that may require further analysis. In addition, investigations may be requested at an...
AI summary The text discusses NS Power's participation in GER reporting for climate-related events, the potential triggering of RCA for major outages, and the use of existing asset management activities to improve the Climate Adaptation Plan. Continuous improvement of the asset management system is highlighted through the NS Power SAMP, with performance and compliance reports supporting this effort.
8.4. Climate Data Chapter 1 of this plan detailed one of the goals of the Climate Adaptation Plan was to enhance NS Power's fundamental capacity to adapt to climate change by leveraging the best climate science and data available to inform...
AI summary NS Power aims to enhance its climate adaptation capacity by regularly validating and updating climate datasets with third-party experts. The plan acknowledges current climate models are limited by existing data and commits to improving provincial climate understanding through targeted actions.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3B Page 54 of 54 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) - Monitoring Plan : Creating a robust climate data and weather monitoring plan to continually collect observations of key climate variables...
AI summary NS Power outlines a climate monitoring plan to collect data on key climate variables, allocate resources for monitoring, collaborate with external organizations, enhance in-house data collection technologies, and benchmark empirical data against climate projections to inform climate change pathways.
WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN 2025 Update
AI summary The 2025 Update to the Wildfire Mitigation Plan outlines strategies for reducing wildfire risks through vegetation management, infrastructure hardening, and community engagement, aiming to enhance grid resilience and public safety in Nova Scotia.
Abstract This report summarizes a best practice review of wildfire mitigation practices already implemented by NSP, as well as those to be considered for future implementation. Enterprise Asset Management Asset Reliability & Risk Management
AI summary This report reviews Nova Scotia Power's (NSP) current wildfire mitigation practices and evaluates potential future measures. It focuses on Enterprise Asset Management and Asset Reliability & Risk Management strategies to enhance safety and infrastructure resilience.
Executive Summary The purpose of the NS Power's wildfire mitigation plan is to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by electrical infrastructure in Nova Scotia and to protect public safety. It aims to ensure the reliability of electricity s...
AI summary NS Power's wildfire mitigation plan aims to reduce wildfire risks from electrical infrastructure, protect public safety, and ensure reliable electricity service through vegetation management, equipment upgrades, and operational improvements. Key assets include transmission lines, distribution lines, and monitoring systems, with goals focused on risk reduction, safety, and grid resilience.
The main elements within NS Power's wildfire mitigation plan are summarized below, and are expanded upon in the following sections of the plan. Risk Assessment & Mapping Identify and prioritize high-risk areas for wildfires Situational Awa...
AI summary NS Power's wildfire mitigation plan includes risk assessment, situational awareness, inspection programs, vegetation management, operational adjustments, emergency response, and continuous improvement. Climate change is increasing wildfire severity, and examples like PG&E's bankruptcy highlight the importance of proactive measures to manage risks and liabilities.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 8 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Figure 1: Annual area burned in Canada by wildfires (Source: Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc. (CIFFC)) This document outlines th...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power (NS Power) outlines wildfire mitigation practices informed by subject matter experts (SMEs) across departments and industry best practices to enhance risk management. The report emphasizes continuous improvement through collaboration with SMEs in transmission, distribution, forestry, and substations.
Year # of Powerline Caused Fires Hectares Burned 2024 5 1.28 2023 21 Unknown 2022 7 3.75 2021 8 0.48 2020 15 Unknown 2019 8 0.88 2018 11 6.96 2017 11 1.8 2016 12 3.77 2015 7 47.06 2014 6 2.47 2013 4 2.35 2012 3 0.31 As previously noted, fi...
AI summary The table presents data on the number of powerline-caused fires and hectares burned in Nova Scotia from 2012 to 2024. It notes that fire season in Nova Scotia runs from March 15 to October 15, with May being the most active month. The document explains that the 'before green up' condition in spring increases wildfire risk due to low vegetation moisture content, but the wet climate generally limits fire spread.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 12 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) rainfall events. The net impact on wildfire risk from these factors is discussed in Section 2.2 Climate Modelling
AI summary The text references a discussion on the net impact of rainfall events on wildfire risk, with details provided in Section 2.2 Climate Modelling. Key factors influencing wildfire risk are analyzed through climate modelling frameworks.
2.2 Climate Modelling NS Power has completed Climate Modelling to understand how the inputs for wildfire risk will change into the future. This includes precipitation levels, temperature, and wind speeds. These climate risks are integrated...
AI summary NS Power has completed climate modelling to assess future wildfire risks, considering factors like precipitation, temperature, and wind speeds. The analysis, supported by data from Willis Tower Watson's Climate Hub, indicates minimal increases in wildfire risk days. GIS maps have been created to visualize these risks, with projections suggesting no significant changes in wildfire risk levels for Nova Scotia.
Please refer to section 4.1 for additional information on the FWI. Generally, Nova Scotia is a wet coastal environment that sees annual precipitation in the range of 1,315 mm per year. Climate projections show a slight increase in total an...
AI summary Nova Scotia experiences high annual precipitation, around 1,315 mm, with projections indicating a slight increase in future decades, as detailed in Table 3.
Table 3 : Nova Scotia future precipitation estimates[5](#page-91-1) Baseline (1981-2010) 2050s (2035-2065) 2080s (2065- 2095) Annual Precipitation 1315 mm 1401 mm (+ 6%) 1456 mm (+ 11%) Days with Rain 112 124 132 Days with Snow 39 25 17 Da...
AI summary Table 3 provides future precipitation estimates for Nova Scotia, showing increases in annual precipitation and days with rain, while days with snow decrease. The combination of FWI, precipitation, and SPI projections suggests no dramatic change in wildfire risk conditions in the future.
The SPI projections for NS indicate a trend towards moderately dry conditions, with values typically ranging from -0.99 to -1.12 through the 2050s. These SPI values suggest a persistent deficit in precipitation, which can exacerbate drough...
AI summary The SPI projections for Nova Scotia suggest a trend towards moderately dry conditions by the 2050s, with SPI values ranging from -0.99 to -1.12. This indicates a persistent precipitation deficit, which may worsen drought conditions and increase wildfire risks, though severe or extreme dryness is not expected.
3.2 Tracking and analysis of wildfires and near miss ignitions The purpose of this practice is to track ignitions and potential ignitions and perform root cause analysis to detect and understand patterns or correlations. The resulting data...
AI summary NS Power tracks wildfires and near-miss ignitions to identify patterns and improve fire prevention. Data from NS NRR is reviewed by the Vegetation Reliability Team, while outage events are categorized in the Outage Management System for root cause analysis.
4.1 Fire Weather Forecasts In terms of near real-time wildfire risk, Nova Scotia Power leverages available wildfire forecasts and risk maps provided by the provincial government [(Fire Weather Forecast Maps and Indices ](https://novascotia...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power utilizes fire weather forecasts and risk maps from the provincial government, specifically the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, which provides daily forecasts and Fire Weather Index (FWI) values from weather stations to assess wildfire risk.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 19 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) meteorological risks and assess when weather conditions may cause an impact on our infrastructure. This allows the company to mobilize appr...
AI summary NS Power employs tools like the Fire Weather Index (FWI), weather stations, and cameras to assess wildfire risks, adjust operations, and collaborate with stakeholders. Effective forecasting requires integrating data from multiple sources to manage meteorological risks.
4.2 Wildfire Tracking There are several publicly available maps to allow for daily tracking of active wildfires across Canada. Ongoing fire activities such as local fire bans, advisories and active wildfires, and provide additional near-re...
AI summary NS Power utilizes publicly available wildfire tracking maps, integrated into internal GIS systems, to monitor active wildfires and assess risks. Key maps include those from the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, and Natural Resources Canada.
4.3 Personnel Monitoring NS Power's field resources working across NS Power are subject to the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) Policy, where fleet vehicle locations are monitored. During an emergency event such as a wildfire, NS Power has...
AI summary NS Power uses the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) Policy to monitor fleet vehicle locations, enabling rapid response during emergencies like wildfires by identifying field resources near fire risks and facilitating communication with personnel.
5.2 Helicopter Inspections Helicopter inspections allow for an aerial perspective of overhead structures, conductor spans, and right-of-way encroachments. These inspections are designed to identify obvious structural or vegetation problems...
AI summary Helicopter inspections provide an aerial view of overhead structures, conductor spans, and right-of-way encroachments to identify structural, vegetation, and hazard risks. Conducted in fall, they help mitigate wildfire risks by detecting ignition sources before wildfire season.
5.3 LiDAR Surveys Accurate surveys of rights-of-way are critical for effective and appropriate line management. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data provides a detailed source of structure, conductor, and vegetation data for power line...
AI summary LiDAR surveys provide critical data for managing power line right-of-ways, enabling accurate vegetation management and wildfire mitigation. The data helps identify clearance issues and informs infrastructure projects to prevent vegetation-related outages. A regular LiDAR inspection program exists for high-voltage lines and is under evaluation for expansion.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 22 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) NS Power completed two pilots of satellite imagery to assess distribution vegetation condition over the past three years. The findings of t...
AI summary NS Power conducted two satellite imagery pilots over three years to assess distribution vegetation conditions, concluding the technology provides sufficient detail for strategic/tactical vegetation management and wildfire mitigation. A province-wide program was implemented in 2025.
5.5 Substation Inspections Substation inspections are conducted primarily to identify and address reliability and environmental concerns but incidentally provides additional wildfire mitigation benefits. Specifically, the inspection progra...
AI summary Substation inspections focus on reliability and environmental safety, incidentally aiding wildfire mitigation by preventing equipment failures that could cause fires. Substation design (steel, gravel, concrete) and vegetation management limit fire spread, while transformers are engineered to avoid explosions. Uncontrolled fires, though rare, pose potential ignition risks.
6.0 Wildfire Risk Reduction Components in poor condition are at higher risk of unplanned failure and should be prioritized for replacement or upgrade. Investment in maintaining or upgrading overhead lines will reduce the potential for tran...
AI summary NS Power prioritizes infrastructure upgrades and vegetation management to reduce wildfire risks. Measures include overhead line hardening, right-of-way widening, animal guards, drone inspections, and satellite monitoring. These efforts aim to enhance grid resilience against climate change impacts and prevent ignition sources.
Pole hardening and replacement program based on pole loading assessment program Actions are taken to remediate, adjust, or install replacement poles that the utility has identified as failing to meet modern safety factor requirements in ac...
AI summary The document outlines NS Power's pole hardening and replacement program, driven by updated safety standards for transmission and distribution poles. Enhanced design criteria for 69 kV transmission poles and coastal locations are implemented to address severe loading and storm resilience, ensuring compliance with modern safety requirements.
Circuit Breaker replacement Replacing aging substation infrastructure such as obsolete 138kV and 69kV substation circuit breakers, electro-mechanical relays, and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) ensures your protection and control equipment is...
AI summary Replacing aging 138kV and 69kV substation circuit breakers, electro-mechanical relays, and RTUs ensures effective protection and control, reduces wildfire risks, and inspections are conducted as required.
Lightning arrestor removal and replacement Lightning arrestors are a piece of electrical equipment designed to mitigate the impact of transient overvoltage on the electric system. Overvoltage can cause damage to more expensive equipment, t...
AI summary Lightning arrestors protect electrical equipment from transient overvoltage but risk thermal overload and ignition under extreme conditions. Climate projections indicate increased lightning activity in Nova Scotia, necessitating evaluation of new arrestor designs to reduce ignition risks. Current standards use grounding wires for transmission and higher-class arrestors in substations, while distribution equipment relies on standard arrestors.
Crossarm replacement Installations of new equipment to replace existing crossarms, defined as horizontal support attached to poles or structures generally at right angles to the conductor supported. NS Power deploys an inspection program f...
AI summary NS Power conducts inspections of transmission and distribution equipment, including crossarms, and replaces wooden crossarms with steel versions under a new standard to mitigate wildfire risks. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure safety by reducing the likelihood of steel arms contributing to wildfire initiation.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 29 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) In addition to equipping crews with the necessary tools, NS Power emphasizes the importance of training and awareness. Personnel receive re...
AI summary NS Power, the Department of Natural Resources & Renewables, and the Emergency Management Office (EMO) collaborate on wildfire mitigation through training, emergency preparedness, and community resilience initiatives. NS Power focuses on personnel training, while the Department integrates wildfire response into forest health planning, and EMO coordinates emergency efforts.
1. Assess Daily Fire Weather Index (FWI) from NS NRR: - FWI in Extreme Rating: Proceed to next step. - FWI below Extreme Rating: No shutoff required.
AI summary The document outlines a procedure for assessing the Daily Fire Weather Index (FWI) from the NS NRR. If the FWI reaches an Extreme Rating, the process proceeds to the next step; if below Extreme, no shutoff is required. This appears to be a regulatory guideline for fire weather management.
3. Compare Wildfire Risk Mapping: - Area Flagged for Higher Risk: Proceed to next step. - Area Not Flagged for Higher Risk: No shutoff required.
AI summary The document outlines a wildfire risk mapping process, indicating that areas flagged for higher risk proceed to the next step, while areas not flagged require no shutoff. This suggests a risk-based decision-making framework for wildfire management.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 31 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) The Vegetation Management Program is designed to proactively reduce tree contacts with power lines, which can be an initiating cause for wi...
AI summary The Vegetation Management Program aims to reduce wildfire risks by widening power line corridors, improving access for maintenance, and enhancing inspection capabilities. Strategies include corridor widening, rights-of-way establishment, and tree trimming to prevent electrical faults and improve system reliability.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 32 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Hazard trees pose a risk to powerlines from branch contact, partial tree, or whole tree failure. The resulting risks include electrical out...
AI summary Hazard trees pose risks to powerlines, leading to outages, wildfires, and injuries. NS Power manages these risks through proactive inspection programs and promotes the 'Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place' initiative to reduce conflicts between trees and powerlines.
7.2 Stakeholder Engagement for Vegetation NS Power engages with both the Nova Scotia FireSmart and Prevention Committee and the Halifax Wildfire Advisory Committee. These collaborations aim to enhance wildfire risk reduction strategies and...
AI summary NS Power collaborates with the Nova Scotia FireSmart and Prevention Committee and the Halifax Wildfire Advisory Committee to enhance wildfire risk reduction strategies, improve communication, and coordinate response efforts. These partnerships involve sharing best practices, joint training, and implementing wildfire prevention plans to protect infrastructure and communities.
8.0 General Operational Practices At NS Power, our wildfire mitigation plans include operational practices that enhance fault detection and system protection. By deploying advanced technologies such as distribution automation systems, curr...
AI summary NS Power outlines wildfire mitigation strategies involving advanced technologies like distribution automation systems, current limiting protectors, and improved reclosers/sensors to enhance fault detection, system protection, and grid resilience. These measures aim to quickly isolate faults, reduce ignition risks, and improve response times during wildfires, ensuring community safety and grid reliability.
Fault Indicators Fault indicators are used to detect faults on electric lines and equipment. They may be utilized when automatic reclosing is disabled or if alternative protection settings are applied during times of wildfire risk. Disabli...
AI summary Fault indicators are used by NS Power to detect faults on electric lines, especially during wildfire risk periods when automatic reclosing is disabled. They help narrow down failure locations, enabling faster response, fault correction, and improved customer restoration. NS Power does not regularly disable automatic reclosing.
8.2 Smart Meters NS Power has installed smart meters for the majority of its customers, allowing events and alarms to be automatically sent to the control center. This technology enhances visibility and response at the individual customer...
AI summary NS Power has deployed smart meters to enhance grid visibility, improve outage response, and mitigate wildfire risks by detecting line disturbances and downed power lines. The technology provides real-time load and voltage data, supporting faster restoration and situational awareness. Existing AMI integrations enable wildfire risk reduction through meter pinging to validate power status.
Precautions for Removing CCA-Treated Pole Butts from Wildfire Areas: - 1. Expect re-ignition when the pole butt is exposed to oxygen. Have fire extinguishers or a water hose/supply ready. - 2. Always wear leather gloves free from oil or ot...
AI summary The text outlines four safety precautions for removing CCA-treated pole butts from wildfire areas, emphasizing fire risks, protective gear, body contact avoidance, and proper disposal in metal containers.
2026-2027 GRA Direct Evidence Appendix 3C Page 38 of 38 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Innovation (CEATI), such as the Asset Management in Generation (AMIG), Overhead Transmission Equipment (OTE) group and the Vegetation Manag...
AI summary NS Power collaborates with CEATI and other organizations on climate adaptation, including wildfire mitigation. It contributes to CSA standards and follows CEA guidelines for wildfire prevention. References include CEA, BPA, and SDG&E mitigation plans.
Fuel Adjustment Mechanism Plan of Administration in Effect for 2026-2027 May 28, 2025
AI summary This document outlines the Fuel Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) plan effective for 2026-2027, part of a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding. It details the administration of fuel cost adjustments, aligning with climate goals and energy regulations.
N-62Hydro Quebec Climate Plan
70 passages
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
AI summary The document is titled 'Climate Change Adaptation Plan' and appears to be the beginning of a regulatory proceeding related to climate change adaptation in Nova Scotia. It includes an image reference but no detailed content yet.
Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer There is no longer any doubt about the reality of climate change. The consensus among the scientific community, including the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is that...
AI summary Hydro-Québec emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change, highlighting its commitment to decarbonization and carbon neutrality by 2030. The company has developed a Climate Change Adaptation Plan to guide its response to climate impacts and ensure the resilience of its operations. This plan is part of a long-term strategy that includes collaboration through the Ouranos consortium.
The following definitions were taken or adapted from those in the IPCC glossary. Climate change adaptation: A process by which a community seeks to protect itself against the effects of anthropogenic climate change and to respond positivel...
AI summary The text defines key terms related to climate change and adaptation, including climate change, decarbonization, greenhouse gases, climate models, and resilience. These definitions are adapted from the IPCC glossary and provide a foundation for understanding climate change and its impacts.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions scenario: A plausible representation of the future development of emissions of potentially radiatively active substances (e.g., greenhouse gases, aerosols), based on a coherent and internally consistent set o...
AI summary The text defines key terms related to climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions scenarios, climate simulations, energy transition, and vulnerability. These definitions provide a foundation for understanding climate change impacts and mitigation strategies.
Preface Despite international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, climate change has already started and is set to escalate over the coming decades. As humanity must learn to live with this new reality, climate action takes p...
AI summary The preface discusses Hydro-Québec's dual approach to climate action, emphasizing both mitigation and adaptation. It outlines the company's commitment to reducing GHG emissions and improving energy efficiency while addressing the risks posed by increasing extreme weather events. Hydro-Québec has developed a Climate Change Adaptation Plan to ensure resilience and flexibility in responding to future climate challenges.
PART 1 Entitled Approach , the first part of the plan describes the process Hydro-Québec embarked upon to adapt to climate change. It is divided into four sections: - 1 The background section presents an overview of Hydro-Québec, climate c...
AI summary Part 1 of the plan, titled 'Approach,' outlines Hydro-Québec's process for adapting to climate change. It includes background, methodology, spheres of action, and next steps for updating and improving the plan.
PART 2 The second part, entitled Strategies , explains Hydro-Québec's 26 action areas for adapting to climate change. It also presents the actions Hydro-Québec has already taken in this regard. This part will be updated regularly to monito...
AI summary Part 2 of the document outlines Hydro-Québec's 26 action areas for adapting to climate change, including actions already taken. The section will be updated regularly to monitor progress and adjust strategies based on evolving scientific understanding and organizational needs.
Objectives This initial plan reflects Hydro-Québec's commitment to adapt to climate change and focuses on the following four objectives: - 1 Demonstrate Hydro-Québec's firm commitment to addressing climate risks while taking opportunities...
AI summary Hydro-Québec's initial plan outlines four objectives focused on adapting to climate change, enhancing infrastructure resilience, educating the public and employees, and collaborating with stakeholders to address adaptation challenges and promote replicable solutions.
Climate change adaptation governance Hydro-Québec's interest in climate change adaptation is nothing new. It was sparked by a series of extreme weather events that shocked the province, namely the 1996 Saguenay flood and the 1998 ice storm...
AI summary Hydro-Québec's interest in climate change adaptation was triggered by extreme weather events like the 1996 Saguenay flood and the 1998 ice storm. It co-founded Ouranos in 2001 and established a governance structure in 2019 to address climate risks across its operations and ensure effective decision-making.
Impacts of climate change on Hydro-Québec The climate has been significantly changing throughout Québec for some time, with temperatures rising between 1°C and 3°C during the period from 1950 to 2011 (Ouranos, 2015). Changes in weather con...
AI summary Climate change has significantly impacted Québec, with rising temperatures and changing weather conditions observed since 1950. Future climate changes will vary by region, with northern Québec experiencing the most significant effects. Hydro-Québec must consider these regional differences in its adaptation planning due to its widespread operations across the province.
CLIMATE MODELING Hydro-Québec's adaptation plan includes climate projection maps along with a brief explanation of how they were developed and how to interpret them. For more detailed information, please consult these documents: A Guideboo...
AI summary Hydro-Québec's climate adaptation plan uses climate projection maps and scenarios from the IPCC, including RCP 8.5 and RCP 4.5. The plan highlights the importance of using multiple models and scenarios to account for natural variability and long-term trends. It emphasizes that current climate impacts are due to past emissions and that adaptation is necessary even with future emission reductions.
Graph 1: Annual average temperature in Québec from 1950 to 2100 based on a set of global climate models\ Source: Ouranos (2021a). \ The bands represent values between the 10th and 90th percentiles of simulations used for past (1951–2005) a...
AI summary Graph 1 illustrates the projected annual average temperature in Québec from 1950 to 2100 using global climate models. The data is sourced from Ouranos (2021a), with the bands showing the range between the 10th and 90th percentiles of simulations, and the curves representing the median values.
CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE AND PRECIPITATION IN QUÉBEC Québec's climate is characterized by significant north-south variation in terms of annual average temperature. In other words, the weather is much warmer in the south than in the north. Th...
AI summary Québec's climate is expected to experience significant temperature and precipitation changes by the end of the century, with greater warming in the north and increased precipitation province-wide. These changes will impact communities and infrastructure, particularly in regions like Baie James and Hydro-Québec facilities.
EXAMPLES OF IMPACTS BY REGION As shown in Figure 4, the climate change impacts likely to affect Hydro-Québec will vary from region to region, even for the same type of asset. For example, an electrical pole could be affected by permafrost...
AI summary The text discusses how climate change impacts Hydro-Québec's assets differently across regions, such as permafrost degradation in arctic areas, forest fires in central Québec, and erosion in coastal regions.
URBAN AND RURAL QUÉBEC Rising temperatures and extreme precipitation - Heat stroke among workers - Increase in floods - Increased summertime energy demand
AI summary The text discusses the impacts of rising temperatures and extreme precipitation in urban and rural Quebec, including increased heat stroke among workers, more frequent floods, and higher summertime energy demand.
ARCTIC QUÉBEC Rising temperatures and permafrost degradation - Damage to roads and infrastructure - Northward migration of the treeline - Impact on off-grid systems (e.g., subsidence caused by thawing permafrost could force the shutdown of...
AI summary Rising temperatures in Arctic Quebec are causing permafrost degradation, leading to damage to roads and infrastructure, northward migration of the treeline, and impacts on off-grid systems, such as subsidence forcing the shutdown of a thermal power plant.
COASTAL QUÉBEC Increase in storms, storm surges and erosion - Highly vulnerable infrastructure (roads, power lines, buildings) - Change in wind power potential due to change in average prevailing wind direction
AI summary The document highlights the increasing vulnerability of coastal Quebec infrastructure, such as roads, power lines, and buildings, to storms, storm surges, and erosion. It also notes a shift in wind power potential due to changes in the average prevailing wind direction.
A two-phase approach To be able to take action at the right time and in the right place, Hydro-Québec initiated a major analysis to identify the main physical risks it faces in relation to climate change. Hydro-Québec used an analytical me...
AI summary Hydro-Québec conducted a two-phase analysis to identify climate change risks and develop adaptation measures. The first phase involved compiling a list of risks, while the second phase focused on identifying action areas and mitigation strategies, following international standards and guidelines.
SELECTING ASSETS AND ACTIVITIES Assets and activities were selected for vulnerability assessment based on exposure to climate hazards. In a series of workshops with specialists from each Hydro-Québec area of expertise, more than 700 at-ris...
AI summary Assets and activities were selected for vulnerability assessment based on exposure to climate hazards. Over 700 at-risk elements were identified through workshops with Hydro-Québec specialists and grouped based on similar design or potential impact from climate change.
ASSESSING THE VULNERABILITY OF ASSETS AND ACTIVITIES The level of vulnerability of the assets and activities was then determined by specialists. This exercise made it possible to ensure a common understanding of the method and provide inst...
AI summary A climate change vulnerability assessment was conducted to evaluate the impact on assets and activities. The assessment used three criteria: physical condition, functionality, and resource constraints. Specialists assigned vulnerability ratings from low to very high for approximately 700 at-risk elements.
SELECTING PRIORITY CLIMATE HAZARDS Based on weather events that have impacted Hydro-Québec assets and operations in the past, several climate parameters and various intensity thresholds were selected. In some cases, a combination of two or...
AI summary The text discusses the selection of priority climate hazards based on past weather events impacting Hydro-Québec. Climate parameters and intensity thresholds were evaluated, with some hazards analyzed in combination. Table 1 provides an overview of selected hazards, their trends in Québec, and potential impacts on Hydro-Québec.
Table 1: Overview of climate hazards most likely to affect Hydro-Québec Climate hazards Trends in Québec Examples of impacts on Hydro-Québec Extreme heat (heat waves) Extreme heat episodes tend to increase in frequency, duration and intens...
AI summary This table outlines climate hazards affecting Hydro-Québec, including extreme heat, extreme cold, and freeze-thaw cycles. It discusses trends in these hazards and their potential impacts on worker health, infrastructure, and transmission line capacity.
Hydro-Québec used all available information to predict how the climate hazards identified are likely to play out. Where possible, the hazards were assessed based on data from climate simulations available on [ClimateData.ca](http://Climate...
AI summary Hydro-Québec assessed climate hazards using data from ClimateData.ca and qualitative expert judgment. Probability scores were assigned to hazards based on climate zones, time horizons, and GHG scenarios. For extremely rare events, such as a 10,000-year flood, vulnerability assessments were used due to the inadequacy of available probability scores.
Table 2: Climate hazard likelihood scale based on probability of occurrence Score Description Probability Return period Qualitative Very rare P ≤ 1% < 1/100 years 1 Rare 1% < P ≤ 2% 1/100 years – 1/50 years 2 Somewhat possible 2% < P ≤ 4%...
AI summary The text presents a climate hazard likelihood scale based on the probability of occurrence and return period, providing a qualitative and quantitative framework for assessing the likelihood of climate-related events impacting assets.
CLIMATE ZONES Hydro-Québec's assets and activities cover a vast area and will be exposed differently to climate hazards depending on their geographic location. For example, the level of risk associated with increased heat waves may be high...
AI summary Hydro-Québec's assets face varying climate risks based on geographic location, with southern areas experiencing higher heat wave risks. The territory was divided into five climatic zones to balance detail and clarity, with finer-scale data used for implementing adaptation measures.
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION SCENARIOS Two GHG emission scenarios were used: one moderate (RCP 4.5) and one high (RCP 8.5) (see Climate modeling, p. 20).
AI summary The document references two GHG emission scenarios: a moderate RCP 4.5 and a high RCP 8.5, which are used in climate modeling as discussed on page 20.
Step 3: Evaluate the risks A typical risk evaluation considers the results of the vulnerability assessment (Step 1) and the probability of occurrence of each climate hazard (Step 2). The risk level can be determined by combining these two...
AI summary This section outlines the process of evaluating risks by combining the results of a vulnerability assessment with the probability of climate hazards. This method allows for assessing how risk levels evolve over time, identifying the most critical risks for Hydro-Québec.
Step 4: Establish action areas Based on the detailed risk assessment conducted in the previous step and their expert judgment, those involved in the process established 26 action areas for Hydro-Québec (see Table 3), evaluating the severit...
AI summary The document outlines 26 action areas for Hydro-Québec, categorized into design, operations, and power outages, based on risk assessments and expert judgment. These action areas address climate-related impacts on public health, service continuity, the environment, and finances, with examples like the heat island effect requiring adaptation measures.
Having identified its 26 action areas, Hydro-Québec is now ready to implement changes. Part 2, Strategies , describes the initial actions that will be implemented, which will be updated and enhanced on a regular basis. Over the coming year...
AI summary Hydro-Québec has identified 26 action areas and is preparing to implement changes. Part 2 outlines strategies, including stakeholder education, research programs, and formalizing long-term climate commitments in policies and guidelines.
Implementing actions related to the 26 action areas For each action area, the various groups at Hydro-Québec identified actions aimed at mitigating the associated risks. It is important to note that the specialists were already aware of th...
AI summary Hydro-Québec has identified actions to mitigate climate change risks across 26 action areas, with a Climate Change Adaptation Plan coordinating committee overseeing implementation. Progress indicators and targets have been established to monitor and assess the effectiveness of these actions.
Educating, training and collaborating with stakeholders It is essential that all personnel share a common understanding of climate change issues. The first awareness and training activities took place in 2020: - 1 Awareness capsule for all...
AI summary Hydro-Québec has implemented training programs for personnel to increase awareness of climate change and its impacts. Future efforts will focus on building internal expertise and using the Climate Atlas. Stakeholder engagement is a key part of the adaptation plan.
Implementing a research and expertise development program For over two decades, Hydro-Québec's research center (CRHQ) has been working to expand its climate science expertise and apply it to a range of projects. Some of these projects have...
AI summary Hydro-Québec's research center has been developing climate science expertise over two decades, collaborating with Ouranos and others to apply climate projections in real-world contexts. Projects include hydrological change studies, flood calculations, asset valuation, and wind power assessments. Climate projections are now central to Hydro-Québec's operations, requiring internal scientific expertise for adaptation and risk assessment.
EXAMPLE OF ADAPTATION: TRANSMISSION LINES Heat causes power lines to expand and sag. Safety standards dictate the minimum distance that must be maintained between power lines and the ground. There are three main sources of heat that cause...
AI summary This section discusses how rising temperatures due to climate change affect power line expansion and sagging, leading Hydro-Québec to adapt its transmission line design practices. The focus is on increasing thermal ranges and modifying infrastructure to meet long-term needs while considering future operating conditions.
Next Steps Many people worked together to craft this initial climate change adaptation plan. In it, Hydro-Québec is proud to present a summary of its approach, its initial intentions and how it will take action effectively. The plan is des...
AI summary Hydro-Québec outlines next steps for its climate change adaptation plan, including expanding risk analysis, updating climate data, integrating new activities, aligning with other initiatives, and incorporating climate risk costs. The plan will be monitored using indicators and accountability mechanisms, with a commitment to adapt despite uncertainties in climate change intensity.
Description Explanation of the impacts of climate hazards on Hydro-Québec's activities and assets and their consequences.
AI summary The text explains how climate hazards affect Hydro-Québec's operations and assets, detailing the potential consequences of these impacts on its activities.
Actions - The actions listed in this table demonstrate Hydro-Québec's intent to address climate change in more concrete terms. Numerous actions have already been undertaken since many of the impacts of climate change were known at the star...
AI summary Hydro-Québec aims to address climate change impacts on its power systems by implementing measures to enhance reliability and reduce outage risks. Actions include setting up line patrols, promoting redundancy, and adding protective devices on transmission lines. Climate projections are being considered in system design, though challenges such as increased workload and high costs are anticipated.
Limit the impact of extreme weather events on the reliability of the overhead system (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Experiment with burying certain sections of the distribution system using a new approa...
AI summary The document outlines various actions to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on the overhead system, including pilot projects, research collaborations, and emergency response plan revisions. These initiatives aim to improve grid reliability and service quality through innovative approaches and climate change adaptation.
Climate hazards Pictograms representing climate hazards associated with the action area. Climate change is altering the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme weather events. The magnitude of these changes varies depending on the reg...
AI summary The text discusses how climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events, with variations based on region, time horizon, and greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
Challenges to overcome Constraints and barriers to implementing adaptation measures.
AI summary The text discusses constraints and barriers to implementing adaptation measures, highlighting the challenges faced in overcoming them.
DESCRIPTION Many of the current design criteria for Hydro-Québec infrastructure are based on historical climate data. For example, the National Building Code of Canada 2015—the version in effect when the plan was drafted—does not take clim...
AI summary The current design criteria for Hydro-Québec infrastructure rely on historical climate data, such as the National Building Code of Canada 2015, which does not account for climate change. This lack of adaptation could lead to infrastructure failure or improper sizing.
FURTHER INFORMATION - Currently, power lines are designed based on an ambient temperature of 30°C. - In Montréal, from 1981 to 2010, the temperature exceeded 30°C an average of 10 days per year. Under a high greenhouse gas emission scenari...
AI summary Power lines are currently designed for an ambient temperature of 30°C. Historical data from Montréal shows that temperatures exceeded 30°C about 10 days per year between 1981 and 2010. Under a high GHG emission scenario, this could increase to 40 days per year by 2041–2070. Existing infrastructure is designed to handle extreme weather with a significant safety margin.
POTENTIAL ADAPTATION MEASURES - Adapt calculation methods by using climate projections. - Rely more on climate projections rather than historical data for design purposes. - Build a database using both historical data and data from climate...
AI summary The text outlines potential adaptation measures, including using climate projections for design purposes, building a database with historical and climate scenario data, developing analytical tools, and encouraging consultant expertise in climate change.
CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME - Incorporating climate change into design criteria adds an element of uncertainty, which complicates decision-making. Updating tools adapted to climate change, including a database, requires significant human and fi...
AI summary Incorporating climate change into design criteria introduces uncertainty and increases project costs. Updating tools and conducting research to model climate hazards require significant resources and time.
Climate hazards Streamflow and flooding Extreme precipitation Extreme heat Extreme cold Freeze-thaw cycles Freezing rain
AI summary The document text highlights various climate hazards, including streamflow and flooding, extreme precipitation, extreme heat, extreme cold, freeze-thaw cycles, and freezing rain. It includes several images, though the content of the images is not described in the text.
1. Adjust design standards and activities ( cont'd ) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Initiate migration from a deterministic hydrological model to a stochastic hydrological model, to obtain a range of probable va...
AI summary The text outlines actions to adjust design standards and activities in response to climate change, including migrating to stochastic hydrological models, establishing a reference framework for hydroclimatic criteria, and collaborating on research projects to assess climate change impacts on infrastructure. These actions aim to improve planning and maintenance in light of extreme weather events.
DESCRIPTION Control and discharge structures help ensure the safe operation of hydroelectric facilities. Climate change will affect river flow rates, which may make the operation of control and discharge structures more difficult. Conseque...
AI summary Control and discharge structures are vital for the safe operation of hydroelectric facilities. Climate change is expected to alter river flow rates, potentially complicating the operation of these structures and leading to additional operating constraints and emergency work for Hydro-Québec.
POTENTIAL ADAPTATION MEASURES - Create guidelines to include climate change in the design criteria. - Improve knowledge of extreme precipitation events in the context of climate change.
AI summary The document outlines potential adaptation measures, including the creation of guidelines to incorporate climate change into design criteria and improving understanding of extreme precipitation events in the context of climate change.
CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME - Engineers must establish clear guidelines to ensure that climate change is appropriately incorporated into infrastructure design. - Adaptation measures requiring the retrofitting of existing structures represent si...
AI summary The text highlights the challenges of incorporating climate change into infrastructure design and the significant costs associated with retrofitting existing structures to adapt to climate change.
2. Maintain appropriate discharge capacity (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Conduct climate change resilience assessments of targeted facilities (generally during refurbishment work) In progress Indicator...
AI summary The document outlines actions to maintain appropriate discharge capacity in light of climate change, including resilience assessments, standardizing climate projections, and establishing hydroclimatic criteria. Research collaborations with academic institutions are also highlighted to examine the impact of climate change on infrastructure.
3. Increase the resilience of control structures (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Conduct climate change resilience assessments of targeted facilities (generally during refurbishment work) In progress Ind...
AI summary The document outlines actions to increase the resilience of control structures through climate change resilience assessments, standardizing hydrological and climate projections, and establishing hydroclimatic criteria for facilities. These efforts are part of broader infrastructure planning and climate adaptation initiatives.
4. Increase the resilience of retaining structures (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Conduct climate change resilience assessments of targeted facilities (generally during refurbishment work) In progress I...
AI summary The text outlines actions to increase the resilience of retaining structures through climate change assessments, standardizing climate data use, and establishing hydroclimatic criteria. It also mentions a research project with Université du Québec à Montréal and Ouranos on climate change impacts on infrastructure.
5. Plan the maintenance and replacement of wooden poles to optimize their useful service life in light of extreme weather conditions ( cont'd ) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected In collaboration with Université du...
AI summary The text outlines actions to maintain and replace wooden poles in light of extreme weather conditions. It includes collaborative research projects, the installation of composite poles, feasibility studies for burying overhead lines, and research on alternatives to harmful wood preservatives.
9. Collaborate with external telecommunications partners to increase the resilience of shared services and infrastructure (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Develop an action plan to support bidders' engage...
AI summary The text outlines actions related to climate change adaptation in supplier appraisal and exploring Hydro-Québec's 5G network potential. It also mentions increasing the resilience of external penstocks and surge tanks.
10. Increase the resilience of external penstocks and surge tanks (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Conduct climate change resilience assessments of targeted facilities (generally during refurbishment work...
AI summary The text discusses the ongoing implementation of climate change resilience assessments for targeted facilities, particularly during refurbishment work, with progress indicated by the number of facilities assessed. The action is part of a broader effort to increase the resilience of external penstocks and surge tanks.
DESCRIPTION Precipitation is projected to increase across Québec. Although it will generally be in the form of rain, there will be greater snow buildup in northern regions. This precipitation is likely to affect the structural integrity of...
AI summary Increased precipitation in Québec is expected to lead to more frequent snowfall in northern areas, impacting roof structural integrity and increasing snow removal needs across various surfaces.
11. Adapt snow removal procedures and roof design practices to heavy snow accumulation ( cont'd ) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Optimize snow removal frequency Since winter 2019 — None Commission an engineering...
AI summary The document outlines actions to adapt snow removal procedures and roof design practices to heavy snow accumulation caused by climate change. These include optimizing snow removal frequency, assessing roof load-bearing capacity, developing specific snow removal plans, and adopting an adaptive approach to snow removal planning.
14. Plan regular activities in light of increased pressure on human resources due to climate change ( cont'd ) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected In collaboration with Université du Québec à Montréal and Ouranos, la...
AI summary The document outlines actions to be taken in response to increased pressure on human resources due to climate change, including research projects on climate impacts, outsourcing during extreme weather, and educating managers on weather monitoring. These actions aim to ensure operational continuity and employee safety.
FURTHER INFORMATION - Increases in the intensity and frequency of precipitation during summer and fall necessitate a change in work sequences. - Work methods are not adapted to greater variability in the winter climate.
AI summary The document highlights the need to adapt work sequences and methods due to increased precipitation intensity and frequency in summer and fall, as well as greater variability in the winter climate.
15. Adapt construction practices to the new climate situation (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Recalibrate hydrological forecasting models to take climate projections into account 2022 Indicator: Number o...
AI summary The document outlines actions to adapt construction practices to climate change, including recalibrating hydrological forecasting models and adding measuring stations to the power system for safe monitoring. It also discusses improving facility access during extreme weather events.
- The longevity of transmission lines (towers, accessories and conductors) means that they are more likely to be affected by climate change during their useful life. Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Propose optimi...
AI summary The document discusses the impact of climate change on the longevity of transmission lines and the need to develop optimization strategies and measurement tools to address these challenges. It highlights the importance of adapting infrastructure to climate change over the useful life of transmission assets.
18. Limit the impact of extreme weather events on the reliability of the overhead system (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Experiment with burying certain sections of the distribution system using a new ap...
AI summary The document outlines actions to reduce the impact of extreme weather on the reliability of the overhead distribution system. These include burying sections of the distribution system, outsourcing tasks during extreme weather, researching climate change impacts, improving service quality, assessing battery energy storage, revising emergency response plans, and continuing research on icephobic coatings.
POTENTIAL ADAPTATION MEASURES - Institute flood prevention measures such as building protective structures, naturalizing shorelines, practising beach nourishment, relocating generating stations to higher ground, adding valves and drains, l...
AI summary The text outlines potential adaptation measures to address climate change impacts, including flood prevention, emergency plan adjustments, infrastructure upgrades, and building design modifications to withstand extreme weather and thawing permafrost.
20. Prevent flooding upstream and downstream of generating stations (cont'd) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Conduct climate change resilience assessments of targeted facilities (generally during refurbishment wo...
AI summary The document discusses actions to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure, including conducting climate change resilience assessments and standardizing the use of hydrological and climate projections. These efforts aim to prevent flooding upstream and downstream of generating stations and improve the resilience of critical buildings.
CHALLENGES TO OVERCOME - Engineers must establish clear guidelines to ensure that climate change is incorporated into infrastructure design. - · Carrying out additional inspections of such a large number of buildings, including various rel...
AI summary The text highlights challenges related to incorporating climate change into infrastructure design and the extensive workload required for inspecting a large number of buildings and associated infrastructure.
Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Conduct climate change resilience assessments of targeted facilities (generally during refurbishment work) In progress Indicator: Number of facilities assessed for resilience 2, 3,...
AI summary The document outlines actions related to climate change resilience assessments and the standardization of hydrological and climate projections. It also mentions protecting assets and activities in areas exposed to forest fire risk.
22. Protect the safety of assets and activities in areas exposed to forest fire risk ( cont'd ) Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Continue mapping forest fire probabilities due to climate change in the Baie-James r...
AI summary The document outlines actions to protect assets and activities in forest fire-prone areas, including mapping forest fire probabilities in the Baie-James region and strengthening prevention efforts through adaptation solutions and renewing the SOPFEU agreement.
DESCRIPTION Heat waves can affect personnel working outdoors, but also those who work inside buildings without air-conditioning or in certain generating stations where the temperature inside can be higher than it is outside. Employees requ...
AI summary Heat waves can impact both outdoor and indoor workers, especially those in environments without air-conditioning or in generating stations. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of heat waves, raising the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, exhaustion, and kidney dysfunction.
Climate hazard
AI summary The text begins with a heading 'Climate hazard' followed by an image reference, indicating the start of a section discussing climate-related risks or impacts.
- Significant effort may be required to ensure compliance with measures recommending postponing work by personnel, including managers. Action Implementation Progress Other action areas affected Encourage first-level managers to refer to th...
AI summary The text highlights the need for significant effort to ensure compliance with measures that recommend postponing work during severe weather conditions. It outlines actions being taken, such as encouraging managers to use seasonal indicators and providing corporate guidelines to limit exposure to severe weather.
[www.hydroquebec.com](http://www.hydroquebec.com) ISBN PDF: 978-2-550-93169-0 Hydro-Québec would like to thank everyone who contributed to the drafting of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan . Original text written in French. Ce document es...
AI summary Hydro-Québec has published a Climate Change Adaptation Plan, originally written in French, and acknowledges the contributions of those who helped draft it. The document is available in both English and French.