Topic/Matter Intersection

Topic:"Infrastructure Planning" in M12394

Matter: NSP Maritime Link Inc. -  2026 Assessment Application - NSPML
44 passages 11 documents

Infrastructure Planning across all matters →

N-1Application 3 passages
Preamble p. p. 10
10 Note 1: Converters and substation operations, marine surveillance, and service 11 agreements for asset maintenance programs have been aggregated to protect against 12 disclosure of commercially sensitive information. 13

AI summary The text notes that certain operations and agreements have been aggregated to protect commercially sensitive information, including converters and substation operations, marine surveillance, and service agreements for asset maintenance programs.

20 1. Business Risk p. pp. 86-87
r limitations. 57 Melbourne Asia Review, "Securing the backbone: Security Challenges to and Governance of Submarine Cables in the Indo-Pacific," June 3, 2024. 1 Burial methodology and protection systems will vary substantially based on 2 g...

AI summary The text discusses the challenges and risks associated with the burial and protection of interconnector cables, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and robust risk management strategies. It highlights factors such as seabed topography, marine traffic, and the need for specialized equipment and protocols.

- 2 be subject to NSEB regulatory oversight. p. p. 93
- 2 be subject to NSEB regulatory oversight. 1 4.0 FIVE YEAR OUTLOOK - PLANNED SUSTAINING CAPITAL PROJECTS (2026-2031) 2 3 There are two material sustaining capital initiatves under development in the near term; the 4 first is the Submarin...

AI summary The document outlines two major sustaining capital initiatives: the Submarine Cable Protection Project and the replacement of the Station Control Monitoring (SCM) system. Both projects are under development and require regulatory approval from the NSEB. The SCM system update is necessary due to obsolescence and difficulty in sourcing parts, with plans to submit a future capital application.

N-5NSPML (CA) RIR 1 to 5 - Redacted 3 passages
REDACTED p. p. 13
REDACTED 1 Request IR-04: 2 3 In Exhibit N-4, Matter No. M11791, RIR-4, NSPML discussed savings associated with the 4 changes in (i) vegetation management process, (ii) transmission inspection methods, and (iii) 5 HVDC Converter long-term...

AI summary The text outlines a request (IR-04) to NSPML for information regarding cost forecasts and changes in vegetation management, transmission inspection methods, and engineering services procurement. The request includes specific questions about cost data, changes in approach, and outcomes from these changes.

4 p. p. 13
4 2024 2025 2026 2027 Description • • • • Transmission Inspection Vegetation Management HVDC Station Costs I 5

AI summary The table outlines various costs related to transmission inspection, vegetation management, and HVDC station costs for the years 2024 to 2027. The data indicates that HVDC station costs are noted for 2024, while other categories remain unspecified.

Preamble p. p. 13
6 7 8 9 Note: For 2027 forecasting pmposes, NSPML has applied an escalation rate of 3% to the base 2026 Assessment cost, which does not have a material effect on the overall total for these specific categories. NSPML has not profiled or es...

AI summary NSPML has applied a 3% escalation rate to the base 2026 Assessment cost for 2027 forecasting purposes. Vegetation management and transmission inspection approaches are discussed in the context of Matter No. Ml 1791, with plans for helicopter inspections and drone-based structural inspections.

N-6NSPML (Dr. Cleary) RIR 1 to 13 - Redacted 2 passages
Section 201 p. p. 41
2 4 Source: S&P Capital IQ, principally YE 2024 data, and web search. - 6 Cross Sound Cable and Neptune collect revenue requirements under long-term contractual 7 agreements with Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and do not publish standa...

AI summary The text references Cross Sound Cable and Neptune, which operate under long-term agreements with LIPA and are part of the T&D System interconnection. It also mentions NSPML's responses to information requests from the Nova Scotia Energy Board.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL p. pp. 69-78
NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Response IR-12: 2 3 a) Over the long term, there is a range of capital futures that can be prepared to sustain the 4 Maritime Link for it's 50-year service life. Any assessment prepared today will differ from 5 future pr...

AI summary The response to IR-12 outlines long-term capital investment plans for the Maritime Link, noting that while overland transmission investments will be low, the submarine HVDC cable system will require maintenance, and the HVDC converter and related station assets will be the main focus of future investment. The response emphasizes the uncertainty in long-term cost projections due to evolving technologies like the voltage source converter (VSC).

N-7NSPML (IG) RIR 1 to 22 - Redacted 1 passage
CONFIDENTIAL (ATTACHMENTS ONLY)
CONFIDENTIAL (ATTACHMENTS ONLY) 1 Request IR-01: 2 3 Reference: Section 2.1 Asset Management Cost Uncertainties (p.7). 4 (a) For each of the identified uncertainties, please discuss when the 5 uncertainty is anticipated to resolve, and wha...

AI summary The document contains a series of information requests related to asset management cost uncertainties, marine surveys, converter station agreements, and transmission line maintenance costs. It also asks for an assessment of the costs associated with these activities and the reasons for any delays in completing the assessment.

N-8NSPML (NSEB) RIR 1 to 44 - Redacted 17 passages
REDACTED p. p. 1
REDACTED 1 2 3 4 The history of cable inspection surveys for Maritime Link has been provided in the Application, 5 indicating that the last submarine cable and protection inspection survey over the full length of the 6 cables was performed...

AI summary The document discusses NSPML's plan for cable inspection surveys for Maritime Link, highlighting the last full survey in 2024 and the intent to perform partial surveys in 2025 and 2026. A full survey is planned for 2027 to monitor risks and assess the performance of recently placed cable protection, aligning with CIGRE TB825 guidance.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL p. pp. 1-47
NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-05: 2 3 IR-2 to IR-31 Reference Exhibit N-1 Pages 4 -29 4 5 Page 8 6 NSPML states: "NSPML has not completed its assessment for planned transmission line and 7 related inspection and maintenance work into 2027...

AI summary NSPML has not completed assessments for planned transmission line and related inspection and maintenance work into 2027 and beyond, stating that estimating costs beyond 2026 is premature and subject to high uncertainty. The Nova Scotia Energy Board is requesting clarification on the infrastructure involved, the nature of the uncertainties, and the alignment of this work with NSPML's Long-Term Asset Management Plan.

Elements Status of program p. p. 1
Elements Status of program 2027 2028 Aerial Inspection Program is in place – has been used for a number of years. Uses a contractor for helicopter operation and NSPML personnel for inspections. Planned for 2 campaigns per year, with option...

AI summary The document outlines the status of various inspection and management programs, including aerial, drone, and LiDAR surveys, as well as vegetation management planning. It highlights uncertainties around costs, supplier availability, and the need for new contracts starting in 2026. The programs are managed by NSPML and involve external contractors.

Preamble p. pp. 1-181
4 5 a) For clarity, the "commercial exercise" referenced in the Application refers to the 6 calculation and payment of an adjustment amount under Section 5.5(b) of the Joint 7 Operations Agreement (JOA), which is referred to as the "LTAMP...

AI summary The text discusses the 'commercial exercise' related to the calculation and payment of an adjustment amount under the Joint Operations Agreement (JOA), referred to as the 'LTAMP true-up'. It also outlines coordination between parties through the Joint Operations Committee and other informal mechanisms, and highlights NSPML's obligation to maintain the Maritime Link in the 'Required Condition'.

16 p. p. 1
16 Description 2022 2023 2024 2025 (per Assessment) Legal 0.6 0.5 0.6 0.8 Regulatory 0.6 0.4 0.8 0.8 Consulting 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 Total 1.3 1.0 1.7 1.7 NSPML Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board Information Requests 1 e) NSPML has recently...

AI summary The document outlines NSPML's shift to drone inspections and changes in vegetation management, contributing to cost uncertainty. NSPML is in the assessment stage for future planning, while NS Power has mature operations with established maintenance programs.

NSPML Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board Information Requests p. p. 1
NSPML Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board Information Requests 1 Request IR-15: 2 3 IR-2 to IR-31 Reference Exhibit N-1 Pages 4 -29 4 5 Page 12 6 NSPML states: "As also noted in the 2025 Assessment, NSPML has adopted a condition 7 based...

AI summary NSPML has conducted a LiDAR survey in 2024 for vegetation management on transmission lines and is analyzing the results to determine near-term vegetation management needs. The survey cost in 2024 is disclosed, with a budget for 2025 analysis and planned future surveys in 2026 and 2028.

1 Table 1 p. p. 1
1 Table 1 Title Proposed FTEs in 2026 Position Description Administrative Assistant 1.00 Provide administrative support to ENL team members. CONA Student (one at each site) 0.66 Assist in operations planning to support maintenance of Marit...

AI summary The document outlines proposed full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and their descriptions for the Maritime Link assets, including roles in administration, contracting, procurement, engineering, and regulatory affairs. These positions are part of the planning and maintenance efforts for the Maritime Link project.

Table 2 – Budgeted positions for 2025 and Actual for 2024 p. p. 1
Table 2 – Budgeted positions for 2025 and Actual for 2024 Title Proposed FTEs in 2025; Actual in 2024 Position Description Administrative Assistant 1.00 Provide administrative support to ENL team members. CONA Student (1 at each site for 6...

AI summary The document outlines budgeted positions for 2025 and actual figures for 2024, including roles such as Administrative Assistant, Contracts Supervisor, and Director of Regulatory Affairs & Governance. These positions support operations, procurement, finance, and regulatory processes related to the Maritime Link transmission project and ENLH.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL p. p. 47
NON-CONFIDENTIAL • Each HVDC is designed uniquely to integrate seamlessly (and provide grid solutions) for the grids being interconnected. Each piece of equipment is specifically designed for the facility and in fact equipment ratings diff...

AI summary The document discusses the unique design and operational challenges of HVDC systems, particularly the Maritime Link project. It highlights the limited number of HVDC OEMs, proprietary technology, and the scarcity of spare parts, which increase operational and obsolescence risks. These factors necessitate higher capital costs for spares and specialized expertise.

provided that: p. p. 69
1](#page-101-2) ; " Initial LTAMP Cost Estimate " means the estimated cost by year of the O&M Activities contemplated by the Initial LTAMP of each Defined Asset; " Initial Service Life " means: - (a) in respect of the Maritime Link, the Se...

AI summary The text defines key terms related to the Long-Term Asset Management Plan (LTAMP), including Initial LTAMP Cost Estimate, Initial Service Life, In-Service Date, In-Service LTAMP, and Insolvency Event, providing context on asset management and operational definitions within regulatory frameworks.

" Intellectual Property Rights " means: p. p. 69
ters that such executive officers could reasonably be expected to discover or otherwise become aware of in the course of performing their ordinary responsibilities as executive officers of such Party; " Labrador-Island Link " or " LIL " me...

AI summary The text defines key terms related to legal and operational aspects of energy infrastructure, including the Labrador-Island Link, Labrador Transmission Assets, and the Long Term Asset Management Plan, which outlines maintenance activities and costs for energy assets.

4.1 Construction of Muskrat Falls Plant and Labrador-Island Link p. p. 68
designed, engineered, constructed and sufficiently completed and commissioned using Good Utility Practice and in compliance with Applicable Law so as to be capable of delivering the Nova Scotia Block.

AI summary The text discusses the design, engineering, construction, and commissioning of the Muskrat Falls Plant and Labrador-Island Link, emphasizing compliance with Good Utility Practice and Applicable Law to ensure the Nova Scotia Block is delivered.

4. Coordination of Scheduled Maintenance and Provision of Information p. p. 119
4. Coordination of Scheduled Maintenance and Provision of Information The Parties will: - (a) coordinate Planned Maintenance Periods and, to the extent known, repairs required by reason of Safety Events, by sharing the following maintenanc...

AI summary The Parties agree to coordinate planned maintenance periods and share maintenance plans and schedules, including annual preliminary and outage plans, and provide updated 10-year maintenance outage plans for the MFP. They also agree not to share non-publicly available information with Marketing Personnel.

REDACTED p. pp. 177-181
REDACTED 1 2 Response IR-28: 3 4 a) Please refer to NSEB IR-025. 5 6 In addition to its AC yards, HVDC converter stations, 190 kms of HVDC overhead 7 transmission, 160 kms of HVAC transmission, grounding lines and grounding sites, 8 Mariti...

AI summary The response outlines the infrastructure of the Maritime Link project, including HVDC and HVAC transmission lines, transition stations, and submarine cables. It acknowledges that while mitigations and operational practices reduce risks, they do not eliminate the possibility of significant external events, emphasizing the importance of inspections.

REDACTED p. p. 177
REDACTED 1 conditions which in turn help assess risk and determine if remediation activities are 2 required, but inspections by themselves do not contribute directly to mitigate risk. 3 4 These inspections require a great deal of planning,...

AI summary The text discusses the challenges and complexities associated with conducting inspections and repairs for HVDC submarine cables, particularly in the Cabot Strait. It highlights the specialized equipment, planning, and expertise required for these operations, as well as the potential difficulties in repairing MI cables due to the growing use of XLPE technology.

REDACTED p. p. 181
REDACTED 1 In referencing LTAMP in its prior assessment applications, NSPML was primarily 2 referencing its own long term asset management plans and not the commercial exercise 3 that involves, among other things, NLH's asset management pl...

AI summary NSPML clarifies that the 'Asset Management Outlook' is not the same as the In-Service LTAMP required under the JOA, and explains the confusion caused by using similar terminology. It also mentions legal and consulting costs related to the LTAMP commercial matter with NLH, included in the 2026 assessment.

Section 1551 p. p. 181
22 particular, submarine cables are subject to a range of physical security risks due to their 23 underwater placement and extensive geographical coverage. These risks include accidental 24 damage from ship anchors or fishing activity, int...

AI summary The text highlights the physical security risks faced by submarine cables, including accidental damage from ship anchors and fishing, intentional sabotage, natural disasters like earthquakes and undersea landslides, and supply chain constraints.

N-21UARB APPROVAL SHEET Replace L6513/Upgrade Line Terminals 8 passages
Why do this project this way? p. p. 1
Why do this project this way? L6513 which is located between the 1N-Onlsow and 74N-Springhill substations was originally built in 1965 utilizing a wood pole H-frame/ timber cross arm design and was approaching 50 years of service. The line...

AI summary The L6513 power line, originally built in 1965, was replaced due to aging infrastructure and technical infeasibility of repairs. To minimize service disruptions, a new line was constructed alongside the existing one, allowing continued service during the upgrade. The new line meets modern standards and resolved long-standing operational issues.

Parent CI Number : - p. p. 1
Parent CI Number : - Asset Location : 1455 - 1455 Transmission Plant General Budget Version UARB Submissions and contractor management. Additional costs are primarily due to providing engineering 530050 Regular Labour 95,163 307,687 212,52...

AI summary The document outlines budget versions and UARB submissions for a transmission plant project, highlighting changes in labor costs, material expenses, and design optimizations aimed at reducing the quantity of transmission wood pole structures and associated framing to accommodate a heavier conductor.

UARB APPROVAL SHEET p. pp. 8-21
UARB APPROVAL SHEET Project Title: Separate L8004/L7005 on Canso Crossing Double Circuit Tower (DCT)

AI summary The document outlines a project titled 'Separate L8004/L7005 on Canso Crossing Double Circuit Tower (DCT)' for approval by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

DESCRIPTION: p. p. 8
DESCRIPTION: This project consisted of building a second transmission line tower crossing over the Strait of Canso to physically separate two existing transmission lines that shared common towers. As a result of the increased capacity and...

AI summary This project involved constructing a new transmission line crossing over the Strait of Canso to separate two existing lines sharing common towers. The new line was built approximately 45 meters south of the existing structures and is now being submitted for approval as part of the Company's General Rate Application. The project was referenced in previous ACE Plans and is now complete with final costs.

Why do this Project? p. p. 8
Why do this Project? L8004 is a 345kV line between 101S-Woodbine and 79N-Hopewell. L7005 is a 230kV line between 3C-Port Hastings and 67N-Onslow. The Transmission Service Request and associated System Impact Study (Report TSR400-SIS2-R1 pr...

AI summary The document outlines the need for the Maritime Link Project, explaining that the existing transmission lines across the Strait of Canso were reconfigured to eliminate a single contingency risk associated with a common tower failure. This reconfiguration involved separating the 345kV and 230kV lines that previously shared a double circuit tower at the Auld's Cove crossing location.

Why do this Project Now? p. p. 8
Why do this Project Now? The System Impact Study Report TSR400-SIS2-R1 prepared by the Nova Scotia Power System Operator dated 2013- 03 identified six actual, or potential, system upgrades required to prevent NS Power transmission related...

AI summary The System Impact Study Report from 2013 identified system upgrades needed to prevent thermal overloads and voltage collapses. One of these upgrades was part of the Maritime Link Project, which was scheduled to be in-service by Q3 2017. The project aimed to meet design and material timelines while minimizing environmental impacts.

Asset Location : - Budget Version UARB Submissions 1455 1455 Transmission Plant General p. p. 8
Asset Location : - Budget Version UARB Submissions 1455 1455 Transmission Plant General Capital Item Accounts Exp. Type Utility Account Forecast Amount Additions 0200 - TP - Land Rights 672,151 Additions 0300 - TP - Bldg.,Struct.Grnd. 24,5...

AI summary This document outlines the budget submissions related to Transmission Plant General under the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB). It includes detailed capital item accounts with forecast amounts for additions and retirements, as well as cost estimates for various labor and material expenses associated with infrastructure projects.

Why do this project? p. p. 21
Why do this project? As a result of the additional generation associated with the Maritime Link Project, a system impact study noted the potential for system voltage collapse based on the current configuration of the 67N-Onslow Substation...

AI summary The Maritime Link Project necessitated a system impact study due to potential voltage collapse risks at the 67N-Onslow Substation. To mitigate this, the configuration of the substation was modified by swapping nodes and adding a new circuit breaker.

N-22Decision Ontario Energy Board EB-2024-0063 1 passage
Findings p. pp. 99-102
ucture Investment Report, the OEB emphasized that the conventional mechanisms for cost recovery should be the OEB's core approach, but also described two alternative mechanisms that could be proposed: - Accelerated cost recovery mechanisms...

AI summary The OEB emphasizes conventional cost recovery mechanisms but acknowledges alternative methods like accelerated recovery and incentive-based approaches for specific cases. These alternatives may be suitable for Indigenous business ventures in the transmission sector. The OEB does not plan to initiate a new generic proceeding for financing matters related to First Nations.

101936Board Decision 3 passages
4.0 LONG-TERM ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN (LTAMP) p. pp. 8-9
4.0 LONG-TERM ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN (LTAMP) [23] The background of the LTAMP was discussed in the NSUARB's 2025 Cost

AI summary The document introduces the Long-Term Asset Management Plan (LTAMP) and references the NSUARB's 2025 Cost report as background. It sets the stage for discussions on asset management strategies.

Assessment decision: p. p. 9
but interrelated, commercial negotiation process as described in the response to NSEB IR-06(a) - a process that will be brought in full before the Nova Scotia Energy Board for review upon completion. In referencing LTAMP in its prior asses...

AI summary NSPML explains that its use of LTAMP in prior applications referred to its own long-term asset management plans, not the commercial negotiation process with Nalcor. It also notes that it titled the document 'Outlook' to differentiate it from other plans and that it based the 10-year view on NS Power's filings.

4.1 Findings p. p. 12
specifically direct single year assessments. The completion of the LTAMP is important to the Board's oversight role and the certainty needed to proceed with multi-year assessments. [2024 NSUARB 199] - [29] Despite the NSUARB's direction fo...

AI summary The NSUARB directed NSPML to file its LTAMP by June 30, 2025, but it instead filed a 10-year Asset Management Outlook. NSPML claims there are two meanings of LTAMP: one as a confidential commercial process under the Joint Operating Agreement with NLH, and another as a regulatory filing required by the NSUARB.

99008NSEB (NSPML) IR 1 to 44 3 passages
Request IR-1:
Request IR-1: - In the Spring of 2025, NS Power suffered a cybersecurity incident. - a) Did this incident impact NSPML's operations, assets or information technology? - b) Are any proposed O&M costs for 2026 related to or affected by this...

AI summary The document outlines several requests for information regarding NSPML's operations, including the impact of a 2025 cybersecurity incident, the necessity of a marine survey following a cable protection project, risk mitigation strategies for vessel market changes, and the definition and implications of a 'material' contract related to a renewed LTSA with Hitachi.

Request IR-5:
Request IR-5: - Page 8 - NSPML states: "NSPML has not completed its assessment for planned transmission line and - related inspection and maintenance work into 2027 and beyond following recent years' activities. - This work will be complet...

AI summary NSPML has not completed its assessment for planned transmission line and related inspection and maintenance work into 2027 and beyond. The assessment is expected to be completed by 2026, but estimating costs beyond 2026 is premature and uncertain. Questions are raised about the uncertainty, the LTAMP, and the assessment process.

Request IR-6:
Request IR-6: - Pages 8-9 - NSPML states: "In addition to the items listed above, with Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro still in - early stages of normal operations after commissioning of the Labrador Island Link ("LIL") in April - of 2023 an...

AI summary NSPML is working with NLH to align operating practices and maintenance for the Lower Churchill Project, including the Muskrat Falls Hydro Facilities and Labrador Island Link. The request asks for details on how these practices impact NSPML's costs, O&M consistency with utility standards, and involvement of NS Power and the NS Power System Operator.

99012IG (NSPML) IR 1 to 22 2 passages
1
1 (e) Regarding the transmission line and related inspection and maintenance 2 work, please outline the steps to complete the "assessment" in order to 3 estimate the cost this work. 4 (f) If it is "premature and subject to high uncertainty...

AI summary The document contains a series of requests for information related to transmission line inspection and maintenance costs, the impact of testing and alignment on future assessments, material contracts affected by uncertain tariffs, and the pros and cons of single-year versus multi-year assessments. Specific requests include quantifying uncertainty risks and providing detailed O&M cost breakdowns.

11 Request IR-5:
11 Request IR-5: - 12 Reference: Transmission Line Inspections, page 12. - 13 Please provide both qualitative and quantitative specifics as to how "the drone program provided - 14 operational efficiency, improved inspection quality and red...

AI summary Request IR-5 asks for qualitative and quantitative specifics on how the drone program improved operational efficiency, inspection quality, and reduced physical safety exposure during transmission line inspections.

101936Board Decision 1 passage
Assessment decision: p. p. 9
but interrelated, commercial negotiation process as described in the response to NSEB IR-06(a) - a process that will be brought in full before the Nova Scotia Energy Board for review upon completion. In referencing LTAMP in its prior asses...

AI summary NSPML clarifies that its 'Outlook' document differs from its LTAMP and was prepared to support the Board's determination while avoiding harm to ongoing commercial negotiations with Nalcor. It also acknowledges confusion in using similar technology terms and references NS Power's long-term planning documents.

Disclaimer: These summaries were generated by AI from the filings they describe. We take care to make them accurate, but errors are possible - and they aren't advice. Only the filings themselves are the record: if you're relying on something here, confirm it against the source documents or the Nova Scotia Energy Board's own record. Full disclaimer →