Topic:"Cost Considerations" in M12507

CI Number: C0043010 Date: October 6, 2025 Expenditure Profile Type of Filing Year Budget Amount Project Estimate Capital Project Authorization Unforeseen and Unbudgeted (U&U) Planned & Advanced (P&A) 2022 525,751 62,468 Subsequent Approval...

AI summary The document presents an expenditure profile for Nova Scotia Power Incorporated, detailing budget amounts, project estimates, and authorizations for various years. It includes a variance between the approved amount and the current submission, with Dave Pickles, Chief Operating Officer, signing on behalf of Nova Scotia Power.

Why do this project this way? Pole retreatment is a proven and accepted cost effective approach to extend the life of transmission poles. The average cost of a transmission pole installation is $4,500 and a retreatment costs approximately...

AI summary Pole retreatment is a cost-effective method to extend the life of transmission poles, reducing long-term costs. The average cost per year of service decreases from $129 to $90 with retreatment, deferring pole replacement by 20 years.

Reason for Variance This project was underspent by $508,983 as compared to the approved budget in the 2022 ACE Plan of $1,300,037, resulting in a total spend of $791,054. The primary reason for the decrease was a reduction in scope, as few...

AI summary The project was underspent by $508,983 due to a reduction in scope, as fewer wood poles required retreatment than originally anticipated. NS Power acknowledges the delay in the FIN application and plans to improve timely submissions and reporting.

Please refer to the variance sheet for more details. C0043010 - 2022/2023 Wood Pole Retreatment Program Account Approved Current Submission Variance Reason for Variance Regular Labour 48,505 27,036 (21,469) Regular labour decreased due to...

AI summary The variance sheet details a reduction in costs for the 2022/2023 Wood Pole Retreatment Program, with decreased labour, travel, and administrative overheads due to a smaller project scope and reduced workload.

Request IR-3: The Variance sheet on page 3 of 3 in the application showed an increase of over 1.5 times in travel expense despite the reduction of almost half of the regular labour cost and the reduction of scope in general. Please explain...

AI summary The response to Request IR-3 explains that travel expenses increased due to additional site visits required for transmission lines with extreme terrain and vegetation, despite reductions in regular labour costs and scope. These site visits were necessary to determine alternate access routes and vegetation clearance requirements.

ogram is ongoing and anticipated to be completed in October 2026. The Board accepts that this project was reasonable and justified. The Board approves the final cost of $791,054 for this work order. NS Power's Capital Expenditure Justifica...

AI summary The Board approved the final cost of a project at $791,054 but criticized NS Power for submitting the application three years after the project was in service, nearly a year after completion. The Board emphasized the need for timely submission and proper justification for delays.

Request IR-3: - The Variance sheet on page 3 of 3 in the application showed an increase of over 1.5 times in - travel expense despite the reduction of almost half of the regular labour cost and the reduction of - scope in general. Please e...

AI summary The document raises a concern about a significant increase in travel expenses, over 1.5 times, despite reductions in regular labour costs and a reduced scope of work. The request seeks an explanation for this variance.

NS Power's contractor performed a test to assess the poles' condition and administered retreatment when necessary. Since the testing is done at the time of retreatment, the full scope of poles requiring treatment was not known in advance....

AI summary NS Power's project to retreat poles was delayed due to remote locations, adverse terrain, and a cyber incident. The project was completed a year late, and the final cost of $791,054 was approved by the Board. The project reduced the number of poles retreated and lowered the average cost per pole.