N-52024-2025 Bates White FAM Audit Report - Redacted
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General Service sales are forecast using a combination of historical information and customer surveys to determine electricity requirements over the next three years. In the absence of information on individual customer load changes via su...
AI summary General Service electricity sales are forecast using historical data and customer surveys, with load levels assumed flat before DSM impacts. In 2025, 14 of 19 Large General Service customers reported no decrease, with nine indicating an increase. NSPI forecasts a 12 GWh decrease by 2035 due to DSM outweighing growth. SAE models are well-suited for forecasting residential and commercial loads, considering energy-efficient technologies and end-use intensity trends.
100 Q4 2024 FAM Report, 2(3); Q4 2025 FAM Report, 2(3). event that was the subject of an NSPI report to the Board.101 The peak load that day—2,455 MW—was the highest load ever experienced on the NSPI system, exceeding the prior record by 2...
AI summary The text references peak load data from NSPI reports to the Board, noting that the peak load on December 26, 2024, reached 2,455 MW, the highest ever recorded on the NSPI system, exceeding the previous record by 217 MW (9.7 percent). The data is visualized in Figure III-2.
nager of Fuels Planning and Performance (Finance) is responsible for producing the forecasts, which are reviewed with the ERM and Portfolio Optimization management and the FST, as per the Fuel Manual. As stated above, the PLEXOS forecast o...
AI summary NSPI's Fuels Planning and Performance Manager produces fuel forecasts using the PLEXOS model, which considers technical and economic factors, fuel prices, and transmission system capacity. An improvement during the Audit Period was the implementation of a dynamic operating reserve margin based on wind and load forecast uncertainty. NSPI also uses PLEXOS for long-term utilization forecasts of its thermal generating fleet.
III.B.2.a. Inputs and Assumptions used with PLEXOS in Fuel and Purchased Power Forecasting To accurately simulate the operation of the NSPI system, including accurate modelling of the transmission security constraints limiting the economic...
AI summary The document details the inputs and assumptions required for PLEXOS modeling in fuel and purchased power forecasting for NSPI. It includes load forecasts, transmission characteristics, fuel prices, generating unit data, operating costs, and emission assumptions.
Figure III-6: PLEXOS Assumptions - Q4 2025 Fuel and Purchased Power Forecast Group PLEXOS Assumptions Update Required Notes Update Received Date Lood Base Load forecast - Monthly demand and energy Yes Load unchanged from previous in 2026 a...
AI summary The document outlines assumptions and updates for the PLEXOS model related to load forecasting, hydro generation, tidal storage, and unit performance parameters for Q4 2025. Some updates are required, particularly for load forecasts and maintenance schedules, while others are based on historical data or unchanged from previous models.
Figure IV-4: NSPI's Solid Fuel Consumption vs. Forecast (2024, 2025)133 2024 2025 Solid Fuel Type Consumption (MT) Forecast (MT) Comparison Consumption (MT) Forecast (MT) Comparison Solid Fuel There were a few key factors driving solid fue...
AI summary The figure compares NSPI's solid fuel consumption with forecasts for 2024 and 2025. Key factors include discrepancies in energy imports and increased coal-fired generation to compensate for lower-than-forecasted Surplus Energy imports.
he Mine ceased operations during the prior period and no new coal was purchased by NSPI in this Audit Period. Only remaining inventories were burned (and fully consumed) by the end of the Audit Perod. - Petcoke (import)144—Petroleum coke,...
AI summary The document discusses the use of solid fuel sources, including petcoke and various types of coal, by Nova Scotia Power Inc. during the audit period. Petcoke was primarily burned at Point Aconi, while other thermal plants used it to enhance fuel performance. The document also describes the characteristics of different coal types in terms of Btu content, sulphur, and mercury levels.
VI.A. Background In this chapter, we review and assess NSPI's procurement and supply management of biomass fuel. We begin by explaining NSPI's biomass fuel-fired generator, the Port Hawkesbury Biomass Unit ("PHB"). Next, we look at NSPI's...
AI summary This section provides an overview of NSPI's biomass fuel procurement and supply management during the Audit Period. It covers topics such as the PHB generator, fuel consumption, supply contracts, procurement process, and inventory adjustments, as well as actions taken in response to prior audit recommendations.
Figure VI-6: NSPI Solid Fuel Suppliers During Audit Period265 Supplier Product Sawmill bark/biomass roundwood/fuel log chips/chips and grindings Sawmill bark/chips Fuel log chips/forest fuel chips/bark Sawmill bark/chips Sawmill bark 264 &...
AI summary Figure VI-6 lists the solid fuel suppliers for NSPI during the audit period, including various types of wood products such as sawmill bark, chips, and fuel logs. These suppliers are part of the fuels contracts and biomass-related activities.
VI.B.11. Quantity and Quality Control of Solid Fuel NSPI receives all biomass deliveries to the Port Hawkesbury plant by truck. Trucks are weighed as they enter the plant (with a full cargo) and as they exit (empty), with the delta being r...
AI summary NSPI manages biomass deliveries at the Port Hawkesbury plant, using truck weigh-ins and LIMS for data tracking. PHP conducts quality control testing on biomass, including moisture content and fuel type, in compliance with ASTM standards.
in line with targeted moisture content. NSPI does not have the contractual ability to pursue damages, but does retain the right to reduce, reject, or suspend shipments that do not meet specifications. Conclusion VI-20: In the aftermath of...
AI summary NSPI did not conduct biomass inventory adjustments during a cyber event due to lack of access to Aligne Fuels. Once access was restored, NSPI applied a Q4 2025 inventory adjustment, which was pending agreement with PHP. NSPI has adequately addressed prior audit recommendations related to biomass fuel.
hat may evolve. Bates White offers its perspective on this position noting that the uncertain role of the new NS IESO in procuring gas for any new, gas-fired generation makes NSPI's role less certain. Bates White does not agree with ERM's...
AI summary Bates White disagrees with ERM's position on NSPI's management of natural gas procurement, emphasizing that natural gas is procured dynamically and requires continuous adjustments. Selling unneeded gas or releasing FT capacity is a standard practice, not speculative, and asset managers can manage FT contracts effectively.
VII.C. Conclusions Conclusion VII-1: NSPI does not appear to have completed the analyses made in Recommendation VII-1 from the previous FAM audit, which recommended that "[t]his quantification should include a quantification of risk mitiga...
AI summary The conclusions highlight that NSPI did not complete risk mitigation analyses as recommended, excluded such analyses in evaluating FT contracts, and appropriately managed some FT contracts and tariff negotiations. NSPI also expects reduced reliance on natural gas due to environmental changes and has an evolving philosophy on long-term FT contracts.
VII.D. Recommendations Recommendation VII-1: NSPI should conduct the analysis described in Recommendation VII-1, that was accepted by NSPI, from the 2022 – 2023 FAM Audit. 331 Bates White's February 21, 2025, Rebuttal Evidence, page 9 line...
AI summary The recommendations outline actions for NSPI, including re-analyzing Freepoint FT capacity offers, formalizing ERM positions on FT capacity, and clarifying risk allocation related to over-paying for unneeded FT capacity and mitigation strategies.
Figure VIII-3: NSPI's Natural Gas Purchases, 2024-2025 (MMBtus)335 Counterparty Purchases (MMBtus) Change Percent of Portfolio 2024 2025 2024 to 2025 % Change 2024 2025 As shown in the above table, the major suppliers in 2024 were , who to...
AI summary The document presents a table detailing NSPI's natural gas purchases from 2024 to 2025, including major suppliers, changes in supply, and the impact of a prior agreement that introduced Empress as a new supplier. It also outlines term gas transactions, their approval process, and the quantity of gas purchased under these agreements.
Figure VIII-7: Comparison of Prices Paid to Emera and All Suppliers Average High Price Paid to All Suppliers Average Price Paid to Emera Difference Late-Day Trades at Baileyville Next Day Trades at Baileyville Intra-Day Trades at Baileyvil...
AI summary The audit period of 2020-2021 examined transactions at Tufts Cove where Emera Energy was the sole counterparty, and these transactions aligned with NSPI purchasing natural gas at market prices. No such transactions occurred during the 2022-2023 audit period.
2/15/2024 11/19/2025 11/20/2025 12/20/2025 12/23/2025 1/29/2024 3/14/2024 3/21/2024 3/25/2024 5/19/2024 5/24/2024 5/26/2024 6/30/2024 7/19/2024 7/24/2024 7/25/2024 8/15/2024 8/27/2024 9/11/2024 9/14/2024 12/9/2024 1/17/2025 1/30/2025 2/19/...
AI summary The text presents a table listing dates and associated values for 'Late Day Trades delivered to Baileyville,' including a daily maximum value of $1.90 and a difference of $0.05 on 11/20/2025. The data appears to be related to energy trading activities involving Emera Energy L.P.
ntil June 2026. (2025 FAM Annual Report, tab A-10(9).) We round this value up to a potentially conservative value of 300 GWh/year. 479 Q4 2024 FAM Report, tab 1(3). 480 Q4 2025 FAM Report, tab 1(3). We understand that capital projects at t...
AI summary The text discusses the performance of NSPI's hydro projects, including Tusket Falls and Gaspereau, during the Audit Period. NSPI claims that delays in dam refurbishment did not impact generation as the hydroelectric generators remained operational. Performance data shows mixed results, with some projects underperforming relative to forecasts and fleet averages.
Figure XII-4: Output, Cost of COMSOLAR Resources (by project) 606 Cost (2024) Cost (2025) Plymouth Community Plymouth Community 0.02 Hospice Halifax Hospice Halifax 0.01 Glooscap Energy Glooscap Landing 0.02 Glooscap Energy Glooscap Energy...
AI summary Figure XII-4 presents the output and cost of COMSOLAR resources by project, listing various locations, capacities, and associated costs for the years 2024 and 2025. The table includes details on different entities and their respective solar energy projects.
re caused by testing and commissioning activities on the Labrador Island Link.655 The Acceleration Agreement further stated that the first contract year of the EAA would begin on September 1, 2022.656 In the 2020-2021 audit period, portion...
AI summary The text discusses the background of transactions over the Maritime Link, including the Acceleration Agreement and its impact on the NS Block and Surplus Energy. It references audit reports and the Board's review of cost recovery applications and the prudence of the Acceleration Agreement.
XII.B.1.e. Final Audit Period Data for Imported Power 704 2025 Maritime Link Benefits Reports (Q1-Q4). 705 EAA, section 4.1 (a). Looking deeper at the data, the flows on the LIL were less than the hourly output of Muskrat Falls in about %...
AI summary The audit period data for imported power from Muskrat Falls shows that flows on the Labrador-Island Link (LIL) were less than the hourly output of Muskrat Falls in most hours. NSPI argues that the LIL's capacity limitation has not hindered energy imports, though increased capacity may help during peak demand. High power testing was completed in March 2026, and the LIL is expected to be upgraded to a higher rating soon.
XII.B.2. Power Exports NSPI's energy marketers also export power on a short-term basis—i.e., day-ahead or real-time. In general, these export opportunities fall into two categories, but both categories are based on economics. One set of tr...
AI summary NSPI's energy marketers export power on a short-term basis when prices elsewhere are higher or during periods of high wind output. Exports during the Audit Period were minimal, totaling 4.5 GWh, or 0.02% of total system requirements, with limited revenue and gains.
ing in the 54,833 MWh of undelivered Supplemental Block energy as of the beginning of the Audit Period, NSPI enjoyed a surplus of 6,797 MWh of Supplemental Block energy at the end of the Audit Period. Conclusion XII-14: NSPI and NLH agreed...
AI summary NSPI and NLH disagree on the classification of 61.2 GWh of undelivered Base Block energy from August-December 2021. NSPI claims it should be Block B energy, requiring NLH to provide compensation energy, while NLH argues it should be Block A, fulfilling its obligations under the ECA. The parties are at an impasse and must proceed through mediation, arbitration, or litigation.
Figure XIII-5: Annual Forecast Volumes of all Maritime Link Energy (2024-2028), by Audit Period Forecast (GWh) Year Q1 2024 Q2 2024 Q3 2024 Q3 2024 (Interim) Q4 2024 Q1 2025 Q1 2025 (Interim) Q2 2025 Q3 2025 Q4 2025 2024 - - - - 2025 2026...
AI summary The figure shows a modest decline in Maritime Link energy forecasts during the Audit Period, with specific examples highlighting the reduction in expected imports from Newfoundland in 2026 and 2027. NSPI's forecasts are referenced, showing changes in expectations over time.