Topic:"Cybersecurity" in M12149

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-3: 9 (a) NS Power has been aware of the delays and inconsistencies associated with the previous 10 process over the past year. These challenges have come to light due to population growth 11 in Nova Scotia and...

AI summary NS Power acknowledges delays and inconsistencies in the previous process, exacerbated by population growth and increased customer power requests in 2024. NS Power collaborated with Bell to implement changes on March 3, 2025, to address these issues. Prior to a cyber incident, NS Power tracked installation durations, but the incident has hindered access to this data.

December 8, 2025 VIA EMAIL Ms. Crystal Henwood Clerk of the Board Nova Scotia Energy Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Henwood: Re: M12149 Nova Scotia Power Inc. - Investigation arising from a Joint Use A...

AI summary The document discusses a regulatory proceeding (M12149) involving Nova Scotia Power Inc. and Bell Aliant regarding a Joint Use Agreement from 1993. It references a Letter of Intent submitted by NS Power in May 2025 and mentions the Small Business Advocate's review of related submissions and updates on a cybersecurity incident inquiry (M12273).

Impact of Cybersecurity Incident The SBA submits that, as a starting point for testing the proposed JUA process, the parties must confirm that they will maintain the current ownership ratio with NS Power owning 60% of the mainline joint us...

AI summary The SBA highlights delays in the JUA process due to a cybersecurity incident, which has disrupted Pole Reconciliation and Point of Construction Settlement processes. NS Power is unable to access critical IT systems and GIS data, delaying agreement finalization until 2026 and raising concerns about customer service impacts.

SBA Concerns The SBA has reviewed NS Power's filing in both this matter M12149 and the monthly updates submitted in M12273 and remains concerned that very little progress has been made especially as the end of the year approaches. While th...

AI summary The SBA is concerned about the lack of progress in NS Power's filings in matters M12149 and M12273, particularly as the year ends. The SBA requests NS Power to provide updates on pole ownership, installation rates, and the timeline for resolving the backlog of pole installation requests. A cybersecurity incident in M12273 has hindered progress.

Timeliness and Formalization of the Final Agreement The CA notes that the LOI may address issues related to rebate policies and delays under the JUA; however, uncertainty remains regarding whether the process outlined in the LOI will fully...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate (CA) notes that the Letter of Intent (LOI) may address rebate policies and delays under the Joint Use Agreement (JUA), but uncertainty remains about whether it will resolve concerns about service delivery timeliness. NS Power's ability to track performance and execute a final agreement has been affected by a recent cyber attack, and a final agreement may not be formalized until 2026.

NS Power Response As of March 2025, NS Power owned 373,976 joint-use poles (approximately 70.92 percent), and Bell-owned 153,335 joint-use poles (approximately 29.08 percent). These figures represent the most recent accurate ownership brea...

AI summary NS Power reports joint-use pole ownership with Bell as of March 2025, but cannot provide 2025 installation numbers due to a cyber attack. They confirm no backlog in pole installation requests under the new process implemented via LOI in March 2025.

ple, if properly implemented, the new process under the Joint Use Agreement should be useful in eliminating some of the coordination and communication issues that existed under the former arrangement. [22] The Board, however, is mindful th...

AI summary The document discusses the implementation of a new process under a Joint Use Agreement, which aims to improve coordination and communication. However, the Board notes that there are still information gaps, including the lack of a formal agreement as of December 2025. NS Power attributes delays to a cybersecurity incident that affected GIS systems and claims that operational changes have resolved the original issues.

22, 2025 filing, the cyberincident impacted the Company's GIS system, which is critical to pole ownership reconciliation and settlement, and consequently delayed finalization of the formal agreement. NS Power confirms that a finalized JUA...

AI summary A cyberincident disrupted NS Power's GIS system, delaying the finalization of a JUA with Bell. NS Power confirms the LOI remains in effect, and the parties continue to operate under its terms. GIS data is expected to be current by Q3 2026, with the first Point of Construction settlement anticipated in Q4 2026. A finalized JUA is unlikely before Q1/Q2 2027. NS Power will comply with the Board's Decision and Order in M12149.