Topic:"Distribution Planning" in M13008

for revision to the DAS Tariff or any other RtR-related market elements, revisions will be proposed for the Board's approval. Issues identified by the Parties to date, for review post-2028, include: - The effect of distribution-connected g...

AI summary The document outlines issues for post-2028 review related to the DAS Tariff and RtR market elements, including distribution-connected generation's impact on system losses, alignment of generation with load, and the role of IESO Nova Scotia. It also notes no changes to the annual cost base for EBS Tariff top-up and spill amounts, as this remains under review per the Board's direction in M12551.

Crystal Henwood Clerk of the Board Nova Scotia Energy Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Henwood , Power Advisory LLC (Power Advisory) was pleased to have been selected to provide support to Nova Scotia P...

AI summary Power Advisory LLC provided consulting services to Nova Scotia Power Inc. and Renewall Energy Inc. for Matter 12339, which involves amending or creating tariffs to enable distribution-connected generation and net billing for the Renewable to Retail market. Power Advisory supported the development and stakeholder engagement process for updated tariff documents.

2. Potential Distribution Tariff charges for distribution -connected generation and/or surplus net billing - o There remains uncertainty regarding the potential incremental system costs resulting from permitting RTR supply to include distr...

AI summary The document discusses uncertainty around potential incremental system costs from allowing RTR supply to include distribution-connected generation and surplus net billing. It suggests developing scenarios to clarify how related charges would apply and to which parties. A jurisdictional scan by Power Advisory is referenced.

Ontario: Distribution Network Charges - On the whole, Ontario has no broad policy on distribution network charges for supply injected into the distribution grid - o At present two Ontario distributors (of approximately 50) have specific ra...

AI summary Ontario lacks a broad policy on distribution network charges for supply injected into the grid. Only two distributors have specific rate classes for distributed generation, and a uniform monthly charge of $5.00 applies to small customers with renewable energy facilities under the microFIT program. The Ontario Energy Board recently recommended measures to improve consistency in distribution rates for DERs, which the government is still considering.

REI Proposal and Plan - Original RtR application in 2016, Matter M06214, was premised on the possibility of both transmission and distribution connected generators for a licenced retail suppliers. - Distribution-connected generation and ne...

AI summary REI plans to enter the RtR market in December 2026, aligning distributed generation with local load, and anticipates minimal surplus from BTM customers. The company will contract with distribution-connected generators after confirming tariffs and will use the DGIP process to assess distribution capacity.

Issues List (1 of 2) At a high level, issues that remain under discussion include: - Whether a comprehensive approach is required or a simplified approach to the amendments is feasible; - Potential incremental costs, or charges, arising fr...

AI summary The document outlines key issues under discussion, including the feasibility of a comprehensive or simplified approach to amendments, potential incremental costs from distribution system use, recovery of charges, application of losses in distribution zones, settlement approaches for distributed energy aggregation, system refinements for tracking import/export transactions, and whether distribution-connected generation should offset firm load obligations.

DISTRIBUTION-CONNECTED AGGREGATION SERVICE The Distribution-connected Aggregation Service (DAS) is provided by NS Power to Licenced Retail Suppliers (LRS) to facilitate the purchase by the LRS of LRS Customer Distribution-connected Generat...

AI summary The Distribution-connected Aggregation Service (DAS) is provided by NS Power to Licensed Retail Suppliers (LRS) to facilitate the purchase of surplus distribution-connected generation from LRS customers. The service supports the transport of electricity across the NS Power grid and enables the identification and accumulation of hourly surplus generation for use in various tariffs.

APPLICABILITY - (1) An LRS taking service under this Energy Balancing Service Tariff shall also take service under the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT), the Standby Service Tariff, and the Renewable to Retail Market Transition Tariff...

AI summary This section outlines the applicability of the Energy Balancing Service Tariff, detailing requirements for LRS service, the inclusion of other tariffs, the determination of top-up and spill quantities, compliance with regulations, spill capacity approval, and the role of distribution-connected generation aggregation.

3. SCOPE OF THE DISTRIBUTION TARIFF The Distribution Tariff is applicable to all RtR Customers connected to the Distribution System. This Distribution Tariff is not applicable to RtR Customers directly connected to the Transmission System...

AI summary The Distribution Tariff applies to all RtR Customers connected to the Distribution System, excluding those directly connected to the Transmission System, which must arrange access through the LRS under the OATT. The tariff outlines terms and conditions for Distribution System Access and retail services.

7. NS POWER RESPONSIBILITIES NS Power shall be responsible for: - (a) provision of Distribution System Access; - (b) processing RtR Customer Transaction Request Applications that are received from an LRS on behalf of the RtR Customer; - (c...

AI summary NS Power is responsible for providing distribution system access, processing customer transaction requests from LRS on behalf of RtR customers, providing billing data, and acting as a point of contact for distribution access service. NS Power is not responsible for supplying electricity or monitoring contracts between LRS and RtR customers.

8. RTR CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES The RtR Customer shall be responsible for: - (a) payment of all fees and charges arising in connection with the Distribution Tariff; - (b) compliance with the terms and conditions of the Distribution Tariff...

AI summary The RTR Customer is responsible for paying fees under the Distribution Tariff, complying with its terms, obtaining renewable low-impact electricity from an LRS, and managing contractual arrangements with the LRS.

9. INTERRUPTION OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ACCESS Notwithstanding any term of this Distribution Tariff, NS Power shall have the right to suspend or interrupt, in whole or in part, the provision of Distribution System Access for the purpose of...

AI summary NS Power has the right to suspend or interrupt distribution system access for safety, repairs, or improvements, provided that such actions are of minimum necessary duration and do not exempt RtR Customers from paying charges during the interruption.

11.3 Real Power Losses Distribution System Real Power Losses associated with Distribution System Access are incorporated in the Distribution Tariff rates applicable to each RtR Customer's rate class. The RtR Customer is responsible for the...

AI summary The document explains that real power losses in the distribution system are included in the distribution tariff rates for each RtR customer's rate class, and the RtR customer is responsible for these costs.

APPLICABILITY This schedule provides charges for Distribution System Access applicable to distribution-connected 1 Renewable to Retail (RtR) Customers receiving supply of renewable low-impact electricity from a Licenced Retail Supplier as...

AI summary This schedule outlines charges for Distribution System Access applicable to Renewable to Retail (RtR) Customers in Nova Scotia, who receive supply of renewable low-impact electricity from a Licenced Retail Supplier as defined under the Electricity Act .

10.0 NS POWER RESPONSIBILITIES - 10.1 NS Power shall be responsible for: - (a) the processing all RtR Customer Transaction Request Applications submitted by an LRS in accordance with Section [11.0;](#page-119-0) - (b) provision of the serv...

AI summary NS Power is responsible for processing customer transaction requests, providing various services under different tariffs, maintaining customer information, and acting as a point of contact for RtR Customers. These responsibilities include metering, load settlement, invoicing, and distribution system access.

15.3 Settlement Methodology for Determining the Aggregated Charges - 15.3.1 To determine the charges described in Section 15.2, NS Power shall determine the aggregate load for each hour in the Billing Period for the total of all RtR Custom...

AI summary This section outlines the methodology for determining aggregated charges by calculating the total load and generation profiles for each hour in the Billing Period for LRS customers and generation. Interval meter readings are used to aggregate these profiles for settlement calculations.

7. NS POWER RESPONSIBILITIES NS Power shall be responsible for: - (a) provision of Distribution System Access; - (b) processing RtR Customer Transaction Request Applications that are received from an LRS on behalf of the RtR Customer; - (c...

AI summary NS Power is responsible for providing distribution system access, processing customer transaction requests from Licensed Retail Suppliers (LRS), providing billing data for distribution charges, and acting as a point of contact for Retail to Retail (RtR) customers. It is not responsible for electricity supply, contract enforcement, or liability related to LRS failures.

8. RTR CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES The RtR Customer shall be responsible for: - (a) payment of all fees and charges arising in connection with the Distribution Tariff; - (b) compliance with the terms and conditions of the Distribution Tariff...

AI summary The RtR Customer is responsible for paying fees related to the Distribution Tariff, complying with its terms and conditions, obtaining renewable low-impact electricity from an LRS, and managing contractual arrangements with the LRS.

10.1 Provision and Ownership NS Power will provide, install and seal all revenue class meters as necessary for application of this Distribution Tariff. The meters will be used for determining charges for Distribution System Access under th...

AI summary NS Power is responsible for providing, installing, and sealing revenue class meters for RtR Customers under the Distribution Tariff. The meters must meet regulatory requirements and remain NS Power's property. Interval meters with remote polling are required for all RtR Customers.

this matter, those existing market tariffs, terms and conditions, and related market elements remain in effect. This proceeding relates to tariff provisions associated with enabling distribution-connected generation and net billing within...

AI summary This proceeding concerns the implementation of distribution-connected generation and net billing within the RtR market, as directed by the Board in M12339. The existing RtR framework remains in effect, and proposed amendments are not intended as a pilot. A review of the DAS Tariff is planned for 2028 to assess its operation and implications.

7 Distribution-Connected Generator Size Technical Assessment Requirement Less than 27 kW Plans review by NS Power Electrical Inspection 27 kW to less than 100 kW Class 1 Interconnection Requirements2 100 kW to 1,000 kW (limited to 1,000 kW...

AI summary The text outlines technical assessment requirements for distribution-connected generators based on their size, including different review processes and interconnection requirements for various power ranges.

Request IR-6: - Attachment 3, pdf page 60, identifies system changes to perform separate tracking of import and - export transactions. Please explain how and why tracking customers' imports and exports from - net metering customers will be...

AI summary The document requests an explanation of how and why tracking import and export transactions for net metering customers will differ from the current process used by NS Power.

Request IR-7: - Attachment 3, pdf page 68, refers to losses associated with distribution-connected generation. - What is the value of losses associated with NS Power's net metering customers? - a) Why would the RtR distribution-connected g...

AI summary The document raises questions about the value of losses associated with NS Power's net metering customers and whether these losses are significant enough to warrant compensation or adjustment, particularly in relation to distribution-connected generation.

Request IR-8: - Attachment 4, pdf page 72, Distribution-Connected Aggregation Service Tariff, the Administration - Charge estimates the monthly charge using the forecast number of LRS' subscribed as part of - the denominator.

AI summary The text references Attachment 4, page 72 of the Distribution-Connected Aggregation Service Tariff, which discusses the Administration Charge and its estimation based on the forecast number of LRS' subscribed as part of the denominator.

Request IR-9: - Attachment 4, pdf page 72, Distribution-Connected Aggregation Service Tariff, Special - Conditions, with reference to special condition 2, please provide a copy of the written operating - agreement that the LRS' customers a...

AI summary Request IR-9 seeks information regarding the written operating agreement for the Distribution-Connected Aggregation Service Tariff, specifically focusing on conditions that differ from the agreement between NS Power and its net metering customers.

1 Request IR-1: 2 Reference: Attachment 4. Distribution-Connected Aggregation Service Tariff. Beginning PDF 3 page 71 of 190 of the application. 4 5 NSP's proposed tariff states "Under the DAS, the LRS will aggregate its customers' surplus...

AI summary The document outlines three regulatory requests related to tariff proposals by Nova Scotia Power (NSP). It asks for an illustrative billing cycle example under the Distribution-Connected Aggregation Service Tariff, clarification on engineering and contractual requirements for the Standby Service Tariff, and an explanation of potential incremental system costs from distribution-connected generation and surplus net metering.

- Refer to M13008, Exhibit N-1, NS Power Application for Renewall Energy Requested Updates to - Renewable to Retail Market Elements, dated July 31, 2026, pages 1-5 (the "Application"); - Attachments 1 through 12 that comprise the "RtR Mark...

AI summary The text references a regulatory proceeding involving NS Power and Renewall Energy, addressing questions about tariff updates, spill energy handling, and the DGIP process. It seeks clarification on whether NS Power anticipates Renewall Energy serving transmission-connected customers, how existing tariffs accommodate such scenarios, and whether spill energy management processes are approved and may delay operations.

Request IR-6: Refer to Attachment 4, p. 1, which states, "The LRS' Customers and generators will make all necessary arrangements to ensure that their generation and load do not unduly deteriorate the integrity of the power supply system, e...

AI summary Request IR-6 seeks clarification on the requirements for Load-Serving Retailers (LRS) and their customers regarding power supply integrity, including definitions of key terms, dispute resolution processes, and cost recovery mechanisms related to distributed generation. The request also inquires about interconnection processes and how they interact with system integrity requirements.

Request IR-13: Refer to Attachment 6, Section 11.3 and Attachment 8, Section 15.4.1.The Distribution Tariff states that Real Power Losses are incorporated into Distribution Tariff rates and that the RtR Customer is responsible for such los...

AI summary The document requests confirmation on whether symmetric loss adjustments are applied to distribution-connected generation exports and the potential impact of any asymmetry on system costs. It references the Distribution Tariff and LRS Terms and Conditions related to real power losses and load adjustments.

Request IR-14: Refer to Attachment 7, pp. 2-5. - A. Please describe how the Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) methodology will be applied in practice to small (1-5 MW), potentially non-dispatchable, distribution- connected renewabl...

AI summary Request IR-14 seeks clarification on the application of the Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC) methodology for small renewable resources, the calculation of Monthly Standby Contract Demand (MSCD), and the rationale behind the failure-to-deliver remedy in Special Condition (6). The request includes specific questions about granularity, challenge mechanisms, and numerical examples.

Incremental costs and cost causation Intervenors asked whether distribution-connected generation and surplus net billing in the RtR market could give rise to incremental distribution-system costs, including system-upgrade costs and changes...

AI summary Intervenors questioned whether distribution-connected generation and surplus net billing in the RtR market could lead to incremental distribution costs and who would bear them. NSPI stated that the RtR market is based on cost neutrality, with any incremental costs borne by RtR participants, not bundled service customers. REI supported NSPI's proposal to develop a DAS Administration Charge through the 2027 AAR process.

sumption by the retail customer and distribution-connected generation exported to the NS Power system for sale in the RtR market.["](#page-1-0)2 According to NS Power, other notable revisions include: - Additions to the SS Tariff to recogn...

AI summary NS Power is proposing revisions to the SS Tariff and introducing a new DAS Tariff to align with commercial commitments and definitions from related tariffs. Other RtR Market elements remain unchanged, and a review of the DAS Tariff and RtR construct is planned for 2028.

Submissions In consultation with the CA's consultant, Andrew McLaren of InterGroup Consultants Ltd., the CA wishes to provide brief comments on the following issues: - 1. Distribution Tariff charges for distribution-connected generation -...

AI summary The CA, in consultation with Andrew McLaren of InterGroup Consultants Ltd., provides brief comments on three issues: Distribution Tariff charges for distribution-connected generation, Standby Service Tariff and Capacity Contribution Factor, and DAS Administration Charge.

1. Distribution Tariff Charges - Distribution-connected Generation As noted in the Application materials, the Distribution Tariff and the associated Distribution Tariff Rates "relate to the provision of Distribution System Access to RtR Cu...

AI summary The document discusses the Distribution Tariff and its relation to distribution-connected generation, highlighting concerns about potential incremental system costs. NS Power has committed to a review of the tariff and the broader RtR construct after 2028, but without a firm timeline. The CA recommends completing the review by December 31, 2029, and includes specific areas for assessment.

Consumer Advocate The CA's submissions address: (i) potential incremental costs and future distribution tariff charges associated with distribution-connected generation subject to review; - (ii) the absence of fully developed engineering s...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate raises concerns regarding the review of distribution-connected generation, the need for engineering specifications under the Standby Service Tariff, and the lack of costing information for the DAS Administration Charge. NS Power agrees to conduct a review by 2029 but notes the lack of operational experience to determine the impact of these factors.