Topic:"Cost Recovery" in M12786

Rate Application (GRA) Decision, the Nova Scotia Energy Board 4 (NSEB, Board) directed Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power, the Company) to report annually on 5 its actual storm restoration costs: 6 [T]he Board directs NS Power to submit annu...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) directed Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) to annually report actual storm restoration costs, including cost overruns or underruns, for Levels 1 through 4 storms from 2024 to 2026. NS Power's storm classification is outlined, with specific customer impact thresholds and restoration timeframes.

ed within 72 24 hours. 25 • Level 4 – Corporate Service Restoration Response: more than 50,000 customers 26 affected, and restoration expected to require more than 72 hours. 27 28 For clarification, the levels set out in NS Power’s Emergen...

AI summary NS Power references the Nova Scotia Energy Board's GRA Decision, arguing that storm restoration costs should include both capital and operating expenses. The text outlines NS Power's emergency response levels based on customer impact and restoration time, citing a specific regulatory decision.

December 5, 2025 $118,089 $954,217 $1,072,306 December 19 - 20, 2025 $353,880 $4,855,468 $5,209,348 Total $471,969 $5,809,685 $6,281,654 21 DATE FILED: April 1, 2026 Page 9 of 15 NS Power 2025 Storm Restoration Costs Non-Confidential 1 5.0...

AI summary NS Power compares 2025 actual storm restoration OM&G costs to base rates proposed in the 2022 GRA. Figure 8 shows historical base rate allowances for storm costs (Level 1-4), while Figure 9 contrasts 2025 actual costs against these rates. The methodology incorporates 5-year historical storm data (excluding Post-tropical Storm Dorian), inflation adjustments, and AMI savings forecasts.

deployment for storm response and are refused, at no cost to NS Power, 21 if requirements are not met. 22 • The Standardized storm contracts also outline storm reimbursement guidelines. The 23 reimbursement guideline ensures consistent and...

AI summary NS Power outlines standardized storm contracts with reimbursement guidelines ($70/day per person aligned with CRA standards) and enhanced Storm Tracker tool for contractor resource management during outages. The tool improves tracking of contractor activities across the province.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Consumer Advocate Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-1: 2 3 Reference: Figure 9 – Comparison of 2025 Actual Operating Storm Costs to Base Rates by 4 Level 5...

AI summary NSPI confirms $7.2M underspending on Level 3/4 storm costs in 2025 and provides a table showing actual costs, base rates, and variances for 2023-2025. The response includes a symmetrical Storm Cost Recovery Rider schedule for 2023-2027, detailing customer account balances and charges/credits based on actual spending versus rate forecasts.

CONFIDENTIAL Symmetrical Storm Rider (does not include interest) 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2023 Level 3 & 4 Actual and Base Rates Variance 21.9 Collection of 2023 Storm Rider -21.9 2024 Level 3 & 4 Actual and Base Rates Variance -6.7 Refund...

AI summary The document details Storm Rider balances from 2023 to 2027, showing adjustments and refunds related to Level 3 & 4 rate variances. It also includes NSPI's response to a consumer advocate request about mid-storm contractor reporting and its use in future operational standards, referencing NSEB matter M12786.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to IG Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-1: 2 3 Reference: p.3, lines 6-10, quoting the GRA decision: 4 5 The Board directs NS Power to submit annual reports s...

AI summary NSPI explains that Level 1 & 2 storm costs are tracked in PowerPlan using cost center 117 and excluded from the storm rider. Level 3/4 events are unique projects. The response addresses tracking methods but does not fully answer variances or the Figure 3 row explanation.

all Storm costs within individual projects in PowerPlan. All operating storm projects use 31 cost center 117. Once a Level 3 or 4 storm event has been declared a unique operating Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-1 Page 1 of 2 2025 Sto...

AI summary The document is a 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report by NSPI, detailing storm costs in PowerPlan using cost center 117 for Level 3/4 events. It's part of regulatory proceedings under matter NSEB M12786.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to IG Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 project number with applicable account combinations for Level 3 and 4 storm events is 2 created and communicated to all key stake...

AI summary NSPI outlines its approach to storm restoration cost accounting, distinguishing between Level 1-2 and Level 3-4 events. Costs for Level 3-4 events are tracked separately, while Level 1-2 costs are excluded from the storm rider. Forecasting uses historical data and inflation adjustments, with internal crews prioritized for Level 1 events to control costs. Accrual adjustments are made based on finalized invoices.

elated to adjustments for accrual 20 estimates and not related to any new invoices or charges. The accrued amounts were 21 adjusted once actual invoices were finalized and received. Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-1 Page 2 of 2 2025...

AI summary NSPI adjusted accrued amounts related to storm restoration costs once actual invoices were finalized, as outlined in the 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786). The adjustments were not tied to new invoices or charges but reflected finalized financial data.

cross-referenced with storm-specific crew tracking documentation. Any invoiced 24 costs that are found to be in error are denied and resolved with the contractor. 25 Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-4 Page 2 of 3 2025 Storm Restoratio...

AI summary NSPI's 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report responds to NSEB's information request (IR-4), detailing error resolution for invoiced costs related to storm-specific crew tracking. Erroneous costs are denied and addressed with contractors.

ion timeframe. 21 22 (ii) Based on the forecast, 108 external PLT and PLT Apprentice contractors from 23 Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were mobilized prior to the event. Date Filed: May 21, 2026 NSPI (IG) IR-5 Page 2 of 4 2025 Storm Restor...

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) details NSPI's mobilization of 108 external PLT and PLT Apprentice contractors from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick prior to a storm event, as part of cost recovery efforts for infrastructure restoration.

1 Request IR-7: 2 3 (a) NSPI has stated that a storm level, once declared, cannot be downgraded during the 4 course of an event. Given this position, please confirm whether NSPI agrees that a 5 conservative estimate of restoration time wil...

AI summary NSPI asserts that storm-level designations are based on predicted customer impacts and that restoration duration is a factor in determining response levels. It cites Hurricane Fiona as an example where a Level 4 designation remained unchanged despite reduced outages, emphasizing consistent response planning. The NSEB questions whether conservative restoration time estimates could lock in higher costs and if those costs would be recoverable via the storm rider.

vel 4 event did not become a 25 Level 2 event. That said, as the restoration progresses, contractors are released as soon 26 as there is no productive work remaining to assign to them. 27 28 (b) While professional judgement is used in the...

AI summary NSPI explains its use of analytical tools to determine ESRP Levels for storm events and outlines the process for seeking NSEB approval for Storm Cost Recovery Rider applications when operating costs exceed Level 3/4 storm budgets. The response emphasizes professional judgment and scenario planning to mitigate budget overruns.

contract/permanent increase. • Storm damage summary. Post event audit on DA data if we continue to use it for planning and allocating costs. Items mistagged etc. which affected the model. o Actions/Feedback/Considerations: ▪ How do we dete...

AI summary The document discusses post-event audit of DA data for cost allocation, determining capital vs. operating expenses using a new DA model, and the importance of accuracy in DCC button clicks with ADMS as the source of truth. It emphasizes tracking expenditure splitting and improving data accuracy.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) outlines NSPI's responses to NSEB information requests regarding storm restoration costs. The document is marked as non-confidential and pertains to cost recovery and information disclosure processes.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) outlines NSPI's responses to NSEB information requests regarding storm restoration costs. The document is marked as non-confidential and pertains to cost recovery and information disclosure processes.

NSPI (NSEB) IR-3 Page 1 of 1 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-4: 2 3 On pdf pg. 9 of the report, NSP states: 4 5 “Storm restoration costs for the two...

AI summary NSPI responds to NSEB's request for a breakdown of 'Storm Response' costs for two December 2025 storm events, referencing a table that separates costs into storm readying (mobilization, accommodations) and storm response (other restoration costs). The response clarifies that internal resources and certain contractors are excluded from the readying category.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) outlines NSPI's responses to NSEB information requests regarding storm restoration costs. The document is marked as non-confidential and pertains to cost recovery and information disclosure processes.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Small Business Advocate Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) details NSPI's responses to information requests from the Small Business Advocate regarding storm-related restoration costs. The report is marked non-confidential.

2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) NSPI Responses to Industrial Group Information Requests NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (NSEB M12786) details NSPI's responses to information requests from an industrial group regarding storm-related restoration costs. The document is marked as non-confidential and pertains to regulatory proceedings involving cost recovery and transparency in utility operations.

n, the storm rider was amended to provide customers with a refund of underspent amounts from 2026 onwards. This provision does not, therefore, apply to the 2025 level 3 and 4 storm OM&G underspending. In its decision about an authorization...

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report discusses NS Power's implementation of cost control measures, including the creation of a Contractor Oversight position and the use of per diems to reduce expenses. The Board had previously ordered NS Power to implement such measures and report on their effectiveness, which NS Power has now addressed in its 2025 report.

April 2, 2026 Muhammad Syfuddin Tamim [email protected] Manager, Regulatory Affairs Nova Scotia Power Inc. PO Box 910 Halifax, NS B3J 3S8 Dear Mr. Syfuddin Tamim: M12786 – Nova Scotia Power Incorporated – 2025 Storm Restora...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. submitted a 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report, which the Board acknowledges. The report relates to a Storm Cost Recovery Rider approved for a three-year trial starting in 2023, with a symmetrical extension for 2026–2027. No 2025 rider application is required due to existing rate coverage. A timetable for stakeholder comments and responses is outlined.

1 2026 M12786 2 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 3 IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act, RSNS 1989, c. 380, as amended 4 IN THE MATTER OF: NOVA SCOTIA POWER INCORPORATED 2025 Storm 5 Restoration Cost Report 6 7 INFORMATION REQUESTS To: Nova...

AI summary The Industrial Group requests Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NSPI) to explain how it accurately tracks and excludes Level 1 and 2 storm restoration costs from non-storm operations and rider recovery, referencing the 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report.

ocated to Level 1 20 & 2 storms are accurately captured, not comingled with non-storm OM&G 21 activity; and appropriately excluded from potential rider recovery. 4128-5113-8152 -2- 1 (b) Given that Level 1 & 2 costs exceeded base rate allo...

AI summary The Board requests NSPI to explain how it monitored $2.3M in excess Level 1/2 storm costs in 2025, clarify the 'Level 3 Storms – prior period' row's capital charge and operating expenditure discrepancy, and define 'storm readying' and 'storm response' categories as directed in M12188.

(b) Please confirm that where fewer than 50,000 customers are forecasted to 24 be affected, the sole differentiating factor is the expected time to restore? 25 (c) Please provide the criteria that NSPI applies to establish the expected tim...

AI summary The text raises questions about NSPI's storm-level designation policies, specifically whether conservative restoration time estimates lock in higher storm levels and associated costs, and whether those costs are recoverable via the storm rider. It also references a Board Decision (M12188) and a 2025 wind storm report's lessons learned.

Date Filed: April 30, 2026 CA (NSPI) Page 1 of 3 1 Request IR-1: 2 3 Reference: Figure 9 – Comparison of 2025 Actual Operating Storm Costs to Base Rates by Level 4 5 Question: 6 7 a) Please confirm the 2025 underspending on level 3 and lev...

AI summary The document contains three regulatory information requests (IR-1, IR-2, IR-3) related to storm cost recovery, contractor performance management, and discrepancies in customer impact predictions. NSP is asked to clarify underspending on storm costs, provide mid-storm reporting examples, and explain forecast inaccuracies for a Level 3 event.

here is a concern, as has been experienced in the past, of expected storms being smaller than anticipated. In those cases, the approach taken by NSPI could have a significant impact on customer costs. With respect to the use of AI-driven p...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) raises concerns about the potential impact of AI-driven prediction models on customer costs, particularly in cases where storm predictions are inaccurate. The SBA recommends that NS Power disclose the use and performance of these models in future Storm Cost reports and clarify how their costs are accounted for in rates or within the storm cost recovery rider.

Delivered by E-mail Crystal Henwood Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Energy Board 3rd Floor, 1601 Lower Water Street PO Box 1692, Unit "M" Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Henwood: Re: M12786 – NSPI – 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Rep...

AI summary The Industrial Group comments on NSPI's 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report, noting total storm costs of $16.4 million, with a $4.9M favourable variance against base rates. Level 3 & 4 costs were below the base rate allowance, so no Storm Rider Application will be filed.

han 50,000 customers affected, and restoration expected to require more than 72 hours.[1](#page-0-0) 1 NS Power 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report (M12786), p. 3 The total combined costs for all Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 storms in 2025 were $16...

AI summary NS Power's 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report details $16.4M in combined storm costs, with $12.8M in operating costs. NS Power recovered $10.4M from ratepayers for Level 3 and 4 storm costs, but only spent $3.2M, leading to an overpayment of $7.2M. The report also includes breakdowns of storm readying and response costs, as well as NS Power's control and performance management measures.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 by the December 5 and December 19 - 20, 2025 events, forecast variance can occur in both 15 both were materially below Level 3 thresholds, why the forecast was not unduly conservative; and 16 (d) the incremental costs at...

AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) proposes that the Board should disallow costs from elevated storm level designations if they do not meet certain standards. NS Power disagrees, arguing that storm level designations are operational and not tied to cost recovery eligibility. The discussion centers on the appropriateness of using storm level designations to determine cost recovery.

n, the storm rider was amended to provide customers with a refund of underspent amounts from 2026 onwards. This provision does not, therefore, apply to the 2025 level 3 and 4 storm OM&G underspending. In its decision about an authorization...

AI summary The 2025 Storm Restoration Cost Report discusses NS Power's implementation of cost control measures for external contractors following a Board directive. NS Power created a dedicated contractor oversight position and introduced per diems to reduce expenses. A software platform is planned for 2026 to enhance cost monitoring.