Topic:"Emergency Response" in M13118

Adaptation in Practice Example / Initiative Why It Matters Dam Safety Reviews and Climate Informed Flood Studies Dam Safety Reviews and Flood Studies are completed on a recurring basis across the hydro fleet. These studies evaluate dam per...

AI summary The document outlines several adaptation initiatives undertaken by NS Power to enhance infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the face of climate change. These include dam safety reviews, emergency preparedness exercises, flood inundation mapping, dam risk profiling, and hydrologic monitoring.

Current climate adaptation activities for hydro assets include: - Dam Safety Reviews and Climate-Informed Flood Studies - Annual Emergency Preparedness Exercises - Dam Risk Profiling and Capital Prioritization - Continuous Monitoring and O...

AI summary Current climate adaptation activities for hydro assets include Dam Safety Reviews, Climate-Informed Flood Studies, Annual Emergency Preparedness Exercises, Dam Risk Profiling, Continuous Monitoring, Operational Surveillance, and a Risk-Based Dam Refurbishment Program.

Priority Status Refine reservoir forecasting and water management tools to improve In short-term, seasonal, and long-term water management decision making under changing hydrologic conditions Progress Update flood studies using climate-adj...

AI summary The document outlines initiatives to refine water management tools, update flood studies with climate-adjusted hydrology, and enhance emergency preparedness for climate-related risks. It also includes plans for wildfire risk mapping and improving remote monitoring capabilities at hydro facilities.

The main objectives within the Wildfire Mitigation Plan for NS Power are summarized below. Risk Assessment & Mapping Identify and prioritize high-risk areas for wildfires Situational Awareness Maintain real-time awareness of conditions tha...

AI summary The Wildfire Mitigation Plan for NS Power outlines objectives such as risk assessment, situational awareness, infrastructure inspection, vegetation management, and emergency response to mitigate wildfire risks and ensure safety and service reliability.

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.

Table 3: Number of Days Above an FWI of 10 During Wildfire Season Month Present Day 2030s 2050s March 0.18 0.15 0.20 April 1.32 1.76 1.82 May 4.16 4.30 4.30 June 7.37 7.52 7.52 July 9.71 9.89 9.99 Month Present Day 2030s 2050s August 9.16...

AI summary Table 3 presents the number of days above an FWI of 10 during wildfire season for different months under present day, 2030s, and 2050s scenarios. The data shows an increase in the number of days above the FWI threshold in some months, particularly in April and August, while other months show minimal changes.

3.1 Enhanced Risk Profiling A summarized risk map that shows the overall ignition probability and estimated wildfire consequence along the electric lines and equipment NS Power maintains detailed risk profilesfor itstransmission lines and...

AI summary NS Power is enhancing its risk profiling by integrating wildfire-related data with existing infrastructure risk assessments. A provincewide wildfire risk assessment project, initiated in 2025-2026, aims to evaluate wildfire hazards and their impact on electrical infrastructure. The final results are expected in 2026 and will be used to improve risk management and mitigation strategies.

Table 5: Nova Scotia Fire Weather Index (FWI) Classification Risk Classification FWI Range in NS FWI Ranges from Natural Resources Canada Low 0-3.9 0-5 Moderate 4-9.9 5-10 High 10-16.9 10-20 Very High 17-22.9 20-30 Extreme ≥23 >30 NS Power...

AI summary Table 5 presents the Nova Scotia Fire Weather Index (FWI) classification, categorizing fire weather risk levels based on FWI ranges. NS Power uses the FWI forecast and actuals provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources to monitor wildfire risk in its service area.

4.4 Operational Changes due to Situational Awareness NS Power has incorporated situational awareness into operational decision making to manage wildfire risk, particularly during periods of elevated environmental and system risk. Situation...

AI summary NS Power has integrated situational awareness into operational decision-making to manage wildfire risk. This includes monitoring environmental conditions, using operational technologies, and implementing graduated controls to reduce ignition likelihood and protect employees, the public, and system reliability.

Substation Building Standards Roofing materials are a major determinant of whether a wildfire will ignite a nearby structure. To protect NS Power's building assets, the targeted roof classification is "A", "B" or "C" where Fire Rating Clas...

AI summary NS Power is implementing fire safety measures for substation buildings, including using fire-rated roofing materials and fire suppression systems. Current standards recommend asphalt shingles for new construction, while retrofits use compressed inert gas systems like Inergen to prevent fires.

Crew‐accompanying ignition prevention and suppression resources and services NS Power's internal and contractor crews carry appropriate fire suppression equipment in case ofsmall fires breaking out. If a largerfire resultsfrom utility-rela...

AI summary NS Power ensures its crews and contractors are equipped with fire suppression tools and trained in fire prevention and response. Coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office enhances wildfire mitigation and response through training and awareness programs.

its broader wildfire mitigation strategy, recognizing Nova Scotia's operating environment, wildfire risk profile, electrical system characteristics, and potential impacts on customers and communities. Should PSPS be considered in the futur...

AI summary The document discusses the consideration of Proactive De-energization (Public Safety Power Shutoff) as part of Nova Scotia's wildfire mitigation strategy. It highlights the need for a comprehensive decision framework that evaluates multiple risk factors, including wildfire risk forecasts, infrastructure-specific risks, and community impacts, rather than relying on a single indicator like the Fire Weather Index.

9.0 Emergency Response The purpose of an emergency response program is to coordinate safe and effective emergency preparedness. The response should extend to safely and efficiently prepare for, respond to, and recover from all threats and...

AI summary The emergency response program aims to coordinate safe and effective emergency preparedness, ensuring readiness to respond to and recover from various threats and hazards, including wildfires.

9.1 Emergency Services Restoration Plan NS Power has an Emergency Services Restoration Plan (ESRP) that is deployed to co-ordinate restoration response for events that are expected to result in customer outages of longer than 36 hours or 5...

AI summary NS Power has an Emergency Services Restoration Plan (ESRP) to coordinate restoration efforts during prolonged outages or emergencies, including wildfires. The plan is reviewed annually and updated based on storm experiences and drills, with approval from the NSEB. It emphasizes resource allocation, communication with emergency agencies, and safety protocols.

9.2 Cooperation with Suppression Agencies Coordination with federal, provincial, and local fire authorities to support the planning and operations of firefighting in real-time, including information-sharing, dispatch of resources, and dedi...

AI summary NS Power collaborates with suppression agencies during wildfires by coordinating with emergency response organizations, sharing information, and managing transmission impacts. They communicate with customers and stakeholders to ensure public safety and situational awareness. Practices are reviewed and updated following major events.

Wildfire Detection and Situational Awareness Early wildfire detection remains one of the most effective methods of reducing wildfire consequences and improving suppression response. Nova Scotia currently maintains several wildfire detectio...

AI summary Nova Scotia currently uses multiple wildfire detection methods, including public reporting, aerial patrols, and monitoring systems. Emerging technologies like camera networks and AI-assisted detection could enhance situational awareness but may also produce false positives. NS Power advocates for collaboration with agencies and stakeholders to evaluate and integrate new technologies with existing systems.