Topic:"Climate Adaptation" in M13118

CLIMATE ADAPTATION PLAN Building Climate Resiliency, Revision 2

AI summary The document presents a Climate Adaptation Plan titled 'Building Climate Resiliency, Revision 2,' focusing on strategies to enhance resilience against climate change impacts.

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 landfall in the province,...

AI summary Hurricane Fiona, the most damaging storm in Nova Scotia Power Inc's history, caused widespread power outages and highlighted the need for climate adaptation. NS Power has developed a Climate Adaptation Plan, informed by a guide from Electricity Canada, to improve infrastructure resilience and ensure reliable energy delivery amid increasing climate risks.

The Need for Adaptation Planning " Climate change is upon us, and its impacts are getting more severe with each passing year ."[1](#page-5-1) Increases in the intensity, frequency, duration, and geographic reach of extreme weather and chan...

AI summary Climate change is intensifying, leading to more severe weather events and changing climatic conditions. Adaptation planning is essential for electric utilities to identify and mitigate physical climate risks that could impact their assets, operations, and service reliability. NS Power is focusing on these risks and their effects on its infrastructure and services.

About this Report Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) utilizes the Electricity Canada (EC, formerly the Canadian Electricity Association) Climate Change and Extreme Weather: A Guide to Adaptation Planning 1 Global Commission on Adaptation, "...

AI summary NS Power uses the EC Guide, 'Climate Change and Extreme Weather: A Guide to Adaptation Planning for Electricity Companies in Canada,' to develop its approach to climate adaptation planning. The guide outlines eight practical steps for managing climate-related risks.

Table 1 EC'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 R...

AI summary The document outlines an eight-step framework for developing an adaptation plan, starting with defining objectives and engaging leadership, followed by identifying critical assets and climate impacts, assessing risks, and developing a business case for adaptation measures.

1.1. Nova Scotia Power Inc. NS Power is a vertically-integrated electric utility involved in all aspects of the electricity supply chain – generation, transmission, and distribution – across Nova Scotia. NS Power is a fully owned subsidiar...

AI summary NS Power, a vertically-integrated electric utility in Nova Scotia, is implementing a climate adaptation planning process to manage risks from climate change and extreme weather events. The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), filed with the Nova Scotia Energy Board, outlines a risk-based approach to asset management and climate adaptation, ensuring the reliability and resilience of the electricity system.

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 The Climate Adaptation Plan aims to ensure NS Power can continue delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity while improving resilience to climate change risks. The plan focuses on identifying and prioritizing climate-related risks, enhancing decision-making with climate science, reducing vulnerabilities, promoting cross-sectoral collaboration, and leveraging innovation for 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 and associated with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in the pro...

AI summary The Climate Adaptation Plan applies to NS Power's physical assets related to electricity generation, transmission, and distribution in Nova Scotia. It does not cover partnerships or employee health and wellness impacts.

Limitations of Adaptation Planning Exercise NS Power acknowledges that climate change poses a broader set of risks beyond the physical impacts addressed in this Climate Adaptation Plan. These broader risks include transition risks[5](#page...

AI summary NS Power recognizes that climate change introduces transition risks beyond physical impacts, which are addressed in broader electricity system planning and regulatory processes, including studies by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NS IESO), such as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and the 10-Year System Outlook (10YSO).

1.3. Leadership Engagement NS Power's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and senior management recognize that climate change presents both current and emerging risks to the utility's operations, assets, and customers. This perspective aligns...

AI summary NS Power's leadership recognizes climate change as a significant risk to operations and customers. Climate adaptation planning is integrated into asset management, reliability planning, and capital planning to ensure system reliability and cost-effective electricity delivery.

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 document discusses the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, flooding, wildfires, and infrastructure damage, and references the World Economic Forum's report on climate-related risks being among the top global risks 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 between weather and climate, emphasizing the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the importance of climate adaptation. It highlights that adapting to climate change is essential and economically beneficial, citing high benefit-cost ratios for resilience investments. NS Power can benefit from climate risk-based planning through reduced losses and improved system efficiency.

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 Climate change poses significant risks to the electric utilities sector, particularly in Nova Scotia, where infrastructure was not designed with current climate projections in mind. Both acute and chronic climate impacts, such as extreme weather and temperature shifts, threaten the integrity of generation, transmission, and distribution assets. Adaptation planning is essential to mitigate these risks.

1.4. Understanding Climate Adaptation Versus Climate Mitigation Climate change adaptation refers to being prepared for actual and expected future impacts of climate change. [11](#page-11-3) It includes processes to identify and implement a...

AI summary This section distinguishes between climate adaptation and mitigation in the context of electricity systems. Climate adaptation involves preparing for future climate impacts, such as safeguarding electricity assets, while mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Both approaches are necessary for managing climate change impacts, with adaptation being crucial for addressing long-term risks to the electricity system.

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 The text emphasizes the importance of scenario analysis in helping electric utilities, such as NS Power, prepare for the impacts of climate change. It discusses the use of IPCC RCPs and IEA WEO scenarios to assess climate-related risks and highlights NS Power's current reliance on CMIP5 data, with no immediate plans to transition to CMIP6 or SSPs.

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 In 2019, NS Power initiated an adaptation planning process to better understand and manage climate-related risks and opportunities. In 2020, NS Power engaged Manifest Climate to provide training and conduct interviews with engineers and asset management leaders. Acclimatise was selected to provide climate data analytics and modelling services to support the assessment of physical climate risks to NS Power's infrastructure.

Chapter 2 Risk/Opportunity Assessment Building on the industry-wide climate knowledge in Chapter 1, this chapter focuses on NS Power's adaptation plan, compromising on three steps: Identify [Critical Assets and](#page-14-1) Operations (Ste...

AI summary Chapter 2 outlines NS Power's adaptation plan, focusing on identifying critical assets and operations, assessing potential climate impacts, and evaluating risks to these assets. The chapter emphasizes the role of scenario analysis and prioritization in integrating with existing risk management practices.

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 This section outlines NS Power's approach to identifying and prioritizing climate impacts on its critical assets and operations. It highlights the use of climate scenario data and prioritization methodologies to guide climate risk integration into asset management and planning processes.

Identification of Potential Climate Hazards Associated with Physical Climate Impacts - Identified and listed the relevant climate hazards[15](#page-16-1) that may cause a climate impact based on observed and local knowledge as well as clim...

AI summary The document identifies potential climate hazards that could impact infrastructure and service provision due to physical climate events. It outlines the compilation of climate data and the completion of site-specific studies to assess these risks.

3.1. Climate Change Trends in Nova Scotia Climate change is already affecting Nova Scotia and is expected to continue altering environmental conditions throughout this century. Recent years have demonstrated that many of the projected clim...

AI summary Climate change is already impacting Nova Scotia, with events like Hurricane Fiona and wildfires becoming more frequent. Projections indicate warmer, wetter conditions, more extreme heat, and increased flooding risks. These changes will affect infrastructure, energy systems, and water management.

Table 3.1: Climate Trends in Nova Scotia Climate Trend Operational Relevance to NS Power Higher temperatures Increased peak demand, transformer loading, conductor sag More intense rainfall Increased flooding risk at substations and generat...

AI summary The text outlines climate trends in Nova Scotia, including higher temperatures, more intense rainfall, sea-level rise, increased hurricane intensity, and higher wildfire risk, and their operational relevance to NS Power. It also mentions broader climate-related effects on ecosystems, water quality, invasive species, and public health.

3.2. Physical Climate Risk Analysis To support climate-informed decision making, NS Power maintains a suite of climate datasets and planning resources that are used to evaluate potential climate impacts on assets and operations. These reso...

AI summary NS Power utilizes a suite of climate datasets and planning resources to evaluate potential climate impacts on assets and operations, including climate projections, flood mapping, and wildfire risk assessments, to support engineering design and risk management activities.

EC 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 • Lan...

AI summary The document outlines various climate hazards and their associated climate variables, including temperature changes, precipitation patterns, runoff, and extreme weather events such as heat waves, ice storms, and sea level rise. These factors are relevant for assessing the impact of climate change 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 in consultation with NS Power and Manifest. These parameters are outlined in Table 3.3 and provide boundaries for the analysis. Further details on the methodology can be found in the referenced sections of the technical reports.

Analysis parameter Value Notes Baseline period 2000-2019 (present day) This timeframe is centered on the year 2010 and it excludes 2020 as there was no climate data available for the full year of 2020 at the time of analysis. Timeframe for...

AI summary The document outlines the baseline period, future scenarios, spatial and temporal resolutions, and key climate hazards considered in NS Power's climate data analysis. It also discusses the selection of RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios and references Table 3.3 for data sourcing hierarchy.

- Tier 1: Canadian publicly available, nationally recognized, peer-reviewed climate data sources; e.g., Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis, Canadian Wildland Fire Information System. - Tier 2: Internationally recognized, pu...

AI summary The document outlines the use of climate data sources in physical climate risk analysis, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 datasets. It describes reanalysis, statistically downscaled climate projections, and dynamically downscaled climate projections as the primary dataset types used for present-day and future climate conditions up to 2050.

source and type of dataset for future projections. The output from the physical climate risk analysis exercise was a substantial amount of climate data for each of the 100 critical assets including: - Monthly output data for each of the th...

AI summary The document outlines the output of a physical climate risk analysis exercise, providing climate data for 100 critical assets across three timeframes (2010, 2030, 2050) under two warming scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5), including various statistical metrics.

All of the climate data was provided to NS Power in GIS format so it could be input into its existing GIS framework and used for risk assessment by asset strategy committees. Table 3.4: Summary of Present-Day and Future Projection Climate...

AI summary The document discusses the provision of climate data in GIS format to NS Power for use in risk assessment by asset strategy committees. It includes a detailed table outlining various climate variables, their data sources, and resolution details for both present-day and future projections.

3.3. 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 This section discusses NS Power's process for identifying critical assets and operations vulnerable to climate-related risks, using climate datasets and a criticality assessment. The evaluation criteria include adaptation degree, operational and capital expenditure levels, and adaptation timing, informed by on-the-ground experiences and past incidents.

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 the Adaptation Degree and Expenditure Level variables used by NS Power to assess climate impacts on its assets. It describes three classifications of adaptation, timing of impacts, and key operational areas evaluated. A prioritization tool, the ELAD Matrix, is developed to help integrate climate risks into asset management strategies.

3.4. 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 climate impact assessment for assets and operations. Identified climate hazards include acute events like hurricanes and chronic changes like rising temperatures and sea level rise, which are summarized in Table 3.5.

Table 3.6: Relevant Climate Hazards and Associated Climate Impacts for NS Power Climate Hazard Expected Risk Level Primarily Affected Business Units Example Impacts Extreme Weather Events (Hurricanes, High Winds, Ice Storms) High Transmiss...

AI summary The text discusses climate hazards and their impacts on NS Power's operations, including extreme weather events, flooding, sea level rise, and ecosystem changes. It highlights risks to infrastructure, operations, and environmental management, and notes combined impacts such as ice and wind events affecting assets.

3.5. Sample Climate Impact Assessment for Two Assets Critical to NS Power's Mission Tufts Cove – Example of Key Climate Impacts of critical generation and substation asset identified in Step 2 Tufts Cove is a large, dual fuel generating st...

AI summary This section provides a sample climate impact assessment for two critical assets to NS Power's mission: the Tufts Cove generating station and the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick Transmission Corridor. It highlights climate risks such as sea level rise, storm surge, and temperature changes, and their projected impacts on these assets.

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 tra...

AI summary NS Power integrates climate-related risks into its existing asset management processes rather than using a separate climate-specific risk assessment. This approach ensures that climate impacts are considered alongside other enterprise risks such as safety, reliability, and affordability in the evaluation of generation, transmission, and distribution assets.

4.1. Asset Strategy Committees Climate risks are primarily evaluated through NS Power's Asset Strategy Committees (formerly known as Asset Reliability Teams). Asset Strategy Committees are multidisciplinary groups of engineers, scientists,...

AI summary NS Power evaluates climate risks through its Asset Strategy Committees, which develop asset management plans and integrate climate adaptation strategies into ongoing activities. These committees include engineers, scientists, and other experts who assess asset conditions and recommend mitigation strategies.

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 a two-step process for NS Power to use its asset risk assessment approach to record and monitor climate data, enabling the identification, ranking, and prioritization of adaptation measures with an enterprise-wide perspective.

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 This section outlines how NS Power integrates climate adaptation into its existing asset management system and capital planning processes. It identifies potential adaptation measures such as operational changes, enhanced monitoring, and infrastructure hardening, emphasizing a risk-based decision-making framework for managing climate-related risks.

Thermal Generating Stations Thermal assets experience increasing exposure to several climate hazards, particularly extreme precipitation and overland flooding, coastal flooding and storm surge, seasonal cooling-water temperature increases...

AI summary Thermal generating stations are increasingly exposed to climate risks such as flooding and rising water temperatures. NS Power is implementing measures like flood risk studies, system upgrades, and operational adjustments to mitigate these impacts. Hurricane Fiona highlighted the real-world implications of these risks.

Hydroelectric Generating Stations Hydro facilities are highly sensitive to changing precipitation patterns, flood intensity, spring melt timing, drought, and wildfire exposure in watershed areas. These climate shifts affect dam safety, spi...

AI summary Hydroelectric generating stations are vulnerable to climate-related changes such as altered precipitation, flooding, and wildfire risks. NS Power is implementing measures like updated flood studies, climate-adjusted evaluations, and integration of climate data into dam safety reviews to adapt to these challenges.

Wind Assets (Nuttby, Digby) Wind facilities are exposed to hurricanes, extreme wind gusts, icing, precipitation-driven erosion, and wildfire risk. These hazards can affect turbine availability, energy yield, access roads, padmount transfor...

AI summary Wind facilities in Nuttby and Digby face risks from hurricanes, extreme wind gusts, icing, erosion, and wildfires. NS Power is implementing adaptation measures such as upgrading turbine cooling systems, improving drainage, and integrating wildfire mapping into operations planning to mitigate these risks.

Transmission System The transmission network faces growing risks from high-wind events, icing and freezing rain, heat-related loading constraints, and erosion or flooding at water crossings. Climate projections highlight increasing hours o...

AI summary The transmission network is at risk from climate-related events such as high winds, icing, freezing rain, heat, and flooding. NS Power is addressing these risks through design upgrades, monitoring, and infrastructure improvements as detailed in Appendix A.

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 in December 2024, includes a $1.3 billion investment to enhance grid resilience and reliability. The plan links reliability improvements with climate adaptation strategies, focusing on storm hardening, equipment upgrades, and grid modernization to reduce outages and meet service restoration standards.

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 threa...

AI summary NS Power's Wildfire Mitigation Plan is a key component of its climate adaptation strategy, aimed at strengthening the resilience of its electrical infrastructure against wildfires. Activities include vegetation management, satellite assessments, and collaboration with wildfire management agencies.

6 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 sce...

AI summary Chapter 4 outlines two steps for forward-looking implementation, emphasizing the need for NS Power to integrate climate data and long-term scenario learnings into its existing asset risk management system, despite its current robustness.

6.3.1 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 Adap...

AI summary The governance of the Climate Adaptation Plan is managed through an existing organizational structure, requiring cross-departmental employee responsibility for implementation. Key roles and responsibilities are outlined in a figure and listed in the text.

6.3.1.1 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...

AI summary The NS Power Executive Leadership Team is responsible for ensuring the Climate Adaptation Plan aligns with organizational strategy, providing leadership in climate adaptation, reviewing programs for effectiveness, and holding senior leaders accountable for implementation and risk management.

6.3.1.2 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 relate...

AI summary Senior directors are expected to lead and strategically direct climate adaptation planning and programs, ensure the Climate Adaptation Plan's outcomes, allocate sufficient resources, and hold leaders accountable for its implementation.

6.3.1.3 Enterprise Asset Management (Managers) - Is directly accountable for performance against key metrics for climate impacts (see Section 8.2); - Allocates resources to enable implementation of Climate Adaptation Plan; - Participates a...

AI summary The Enterprise Asset Management (Managers) section outlines responsibilities related to climate impacts, including accountability for performance metrics, resource allocation for climate adaptation, participation in risk assessment, and raising climate change concerns to senior leaders.

6.3.1.4 Climate Adaptation Risk Lead - Manages climate datasets; - Integrates knowledge of key climate impacts and climate datasets into asset strategy committee risk assessments; - Reviews climate-related asset risk scores from asset stra...

AI summary The Climate Adaptation Risk Lead is responsible for managing climate datasets, integrating climate impact knowledge into risk assessments, maintaining the Climate Adaptation Management System (CAMS), and updating the Climate Adaptation Plan document.

6.3.1.5 Asset Strategy Committee 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 impact...

AI summary The Asset Strategy Committee is responsible for integrating climate risk assessments into asset management plans and ensuring climate adaptation strategies are considered in decision-making. NS Power's Asset Management System includes reporting mechanisms that track the effectiveness of these strategies and support continuous improvement.

6.4 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 ha...

AI summary Step 8 of the EC Guide focuses on establishing a process to monitor and improve NS Power's climate adaptation plan. This involves using performance metrics, reviewing asset strategy committees, and analyzing events to ensure the plan's effectiveness and continuous improvement.

6.4.1 Performance Metrics & Reporting System reliability and availability are monitored and reported on a regular basis through existing Enterprise Asset Management, Transmission & Distribution, and Generation performance reporting process...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's performance metrics and reporting processes related to system reliability, asset performance, and climate adaptation. It highlights the use of existing reporting systems to monitor reliability, identify climate-related risks, and support adaptation investments.

6.4.2 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 pro...

AI summary NS Power's climate adaptation strategy relies on continuous improvement through existing programs like performance monitoring, asset management mechanisms, and the RCA program. These tools help identify areas for improvement, trigger adaptation measures, and ensure the Climate Adaptation Plan remains effective.

6.4.3 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 infor...

AI summary NS Power aims to enhance its climate adaptation capacity by regularly updating climate datasets with expert validation and improving its understanding of provincial climate through monitoring plans, resource allocation, external collaborations, in-house monitoring, and benchmarking empirical data against projected climate trends.

Asset Overview NS Power's thermal generating fleet provides dispatchable generation capacity, system reliability, and operational flexibility as the grid continues to transition toward lower-carbon energy sources. These stations support pe...

AI summary NS Power's thermal generating fleet provides dispatchable generation capacity, system reliability, and operational flexibility as the grid transitions toward lower-carbon energy sources. Climate adaptation efforts are focused on maintaining safe and reliable service operations as thermal assets approach retirement.

Adaptation in Practice Example / Initiative Why It Matters Hurricane Fiona Flood Response at Trenton Trenton Unit 6 was proactively removed from service ahead of projected storm surge flooding. Critical equipment was de energized and tempo...

AI summary The document highlights various adaptation initiatives by Nova Scotia Power, including flood response measures, coastal flood modeling, stormwater improvements, cooling water monitoring, and biofouling management programs, all aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change impacts.

Priority Status Implement recommendations from site drainage and stormwater studies, including culvert upgrades, improved runoff diversion, and/or pumping system enhancements In Progress Evaluate and deploy long-term biofouling mitigation...

AI summary The document outlines several ongoing and planned initiatives related to climate resilience and infrastructure improvements, including drainage and stormwater management, biofouling mitigation, coastal flood protection, wastewater systems, and cooling water temperature monitoring. These efforts aim to address challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.

Asset Overview NS Power owns and operates 32 hydroelectric generating stations across 16 river systems throughout Nova Scotia, with approximately 400 MW of installed generating capacity. These facilities provide renewable electricity gener...

AI summary NS Power operates 32 hydroelectric stations in Nova Scotia, providing renewable energy and grid reliability. Climate hazards like storm surge, sea level rise, extreme weather, drought, and wildfires are affecting the performance and safety of these facilities due to changing watershed conditions.

Climate Risk and Impact Hydroelectric assets are particularly sensitive to changes in watershed hydrology. Climate change may alter precipitation patterns, flood frequencies, runoff timing, reservoir inflows, and wildfire risk, affecting b...

AI summary Climate change impacts hydroelectric assets by altering precipitation, flood frequency, runoff timing, and wildfire risk, which affect operations and long-term asset management. Climate adaptation is being integrated into planning, operations, and dam safety programs.

Future Adaptation Priorities Over the next planning cycle, adaptation efforts will continue to focus on improving transmission system resilience through enhanced climate-informed planning and operational decisionmaking. Key priorities incl...

AI summary Future adaptation priorities emphasize improving transmission system resilience through climate-informed planning and operational decisionmaking over the next planning cycle.

Key Climate Hazards Warmer temperatures, heat waves Extreme Weather Events Increasing Risk of Wildfire Storm Surge and Sea Level Rise

AI summary The document outlines key climate hazards, including warmer temperatures, heat waves, extreme weather events, increased risk of wildfires, storm surge, and sea level rise.

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. Revision no. Effective Date Changes 0 January 5, 2022 1 August 8, 2024...

AI summary This report outlines a best practice review of wildfire mitigation practices implemented by NSP, including revisions to the mitigation plan over time, with the most recent update in September 2026 incorporating findings from an AiDash gap assessment and benchmarking data between Nova Scotia and Alberta.

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 Awar...

AI summary NS Power's wildfire mitigation plan includes risk assessment, situational awareness, inspection programs, infrastructure strengthening, 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 wildfire prevention and mitigation for utilities.

5 4 [Nova Scotia Wildfire Statistics novascotia.ca](https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/stats.asp) projections indicate that overall annual precipitation in NS is expected to increase slightly over the coming decades, future years...

AI summary The text discusses Nova Scotia's projected climate changes, noting slight increases in annual precipitation but longer drought periods. It compares Nova Scotia's utility-related wildfire ignitions (13.2 per year) with Alberta's (96.4 per year), attributing the difference to the size of each region's transmission and distribution networks.

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, including precipitation, temperature, and wind speed changes. The analysis shows current wildfire risk is low, with minimal increases in high Fire Weather Index (FWI) days predicted. GIS maps have been created to visualize wildfire risk across Nova Scotia based on climate scenarios.

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 annual precipitation for Nova Scotia in future decades, as shown in T...

AI summary Nova Scotia experiences significant annual precipitation, with projections indicating a slight increase in total annual precipitation in future decades, as detailed in Table 3.

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 SPI projections for Nova Scotia indicate moderately dry conditions through the 2050s, suggesting a persistent precipitation deficit that may increase drought and wildfire risks. However, NS Power is not expected to face severely dry or extremely dry conditions.

2.0+ extremely wet 1.5 to 1.99 very wet 1.0 to 1.49 moderately wet 99 to .99 near normal -1.0 to -1.49 moderately dry -1.5 to -1.99 severely dry -2 and less extremely dry 5 Reference: Data presented to Climate Adaptation Leadership Program...

AI summary The document presents a classification scale for soil moisture levels, ranging from extremely wet to extremely dry, and references data provided to the Climate Adaptation Leadership Program by NSECC in 2022. It also introduces a section on risk mapping.

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](https://novascotia.ca/natr/forestprotection/w...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power uses fire weather forecasts and the Fire Weather Index (FWI) to manage wildfire risks during vegetation management operations. The FWI is calculated using data from 31 weather stations and informs operational decisions, including shutdowns and modified hours during high hazard levels.

on and isolation technologies (e.g., Fault Location, Isolation, Service Restoration, FLISR), further support rapid response, system protection, and wildfire risk reduction during high-risk conditions. Protective devicessuch as automatic re...

AI summary Operational changes due to situational awareness involve the use of technologies like FLISR and protective devices such as automatic reclosers and circuit breakers to enhance system reliability and reduce wildfire ignition risks during high-risk conditions. Operational decisions are documented and reviewed for continuous improvement.

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 The text discusses measures taken by NS Power to reduce wildfire risk, including upgrading infrastructure, vegetation management, and using technology for monitoring and inspection. These efforts aim to make the power system more resilient to climate change and prevent equipment failure that could cause wildfires.

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 are critical for protecting electrical equipment from overvoltage, but they can fail under extreme conditions, posing an ignition risk. Climate projections suggest increased lightning activity in Nova Scotia, which may raise failure rates. New arrestor designs are being evaluated to reduce ignition risks and improve safety.

October 8, 2026 [email protected] Jennifer Ross Director, Regulatory Nova Scotia Power Incorporated PO Box 910 1223 Lower Water Street Halifax, NS B3J 3S8 Dear Ms. Ross: M13118 – Nova Scotia Power Incorporated – Climate Adaptation P...

AI summary The document outlines a regulatory proceeding (M13118) concerning Nova Scotia Power Incorporated's Climate Adaptation Plan and Wildfire Mitigation Plan. The Board has established a timetable for the submission of information requests, responses, and comments from interested parties.