Topic:"Infrastructure Planning" in M12412

- 1 l. engage in activities related to settlements, payment under a contract entered into under 2 the authority of this Act and payments provided for under this Act, the Electricity Act or 3 the Public Utilities Act; - 4 m. conduct procure...

AI summary The NSIESO is mandated to perform functions including energy procurement, system planning, and transitioning responsibilities from NSPI, with a phased implementation starting in Q4 2025. Some statutory objectives remain pending, and the NSIESO will collect and publicize electricity demand and resource adequacy data.

17 Table 6: FTE Positions under the Administration Salaries and Wages Cost Category Positions Description Reliability & Procurement strategic planning, resource allocation, supply chain management, and risk mitigation. This role focuses on...

AI summary This section discusses the role of Reliability & Procurement, which involves strategic planning, resource allocation, supply chain management, and risk mitigation to ensure efficient operations aligned with statutory objectives.

9 Consulting Fees - 10 The forecast for this cost category includes consulting fees primarily related to Integrated Resource - 11 Planning, including to support pre-integrated resource plan studies, forecasting and modelling. - 12 The resp...

AI summary The forecast for consulting fees includes costs related to Integrated Resource Planning (IRP), transitioning responsibility to NSIESO by October 2025, and external consultants for studies like transmission and wind integration. The Act mandates NSIESO's first IRP exercise by October 24, 2025.

- 3 a. Technology Needs Assessment and Business Case: These costs are for internal asset and 4 systems inventory reviews to be conducted by an external consultant to assess systems 5 currently in-use by NSPI and a needs assessment for tech...

AI summary The text outlines various costs related to technology assessments, office leasing, cybersecurity, and control center planning for the NSIESO. These include assessments by external consultants, temporary office space in Halifax, cybersecurity monitoring services, and planning for control center locations, informed by a previous cybersecurity incident inquiry.

Date filed: October 7, 2025 NSIESO (CA) IR - 4 1 Request IR - 5 2 RE: Exhibit A-1, p. 6, stating that the NSIESO is mandated to "develop terms of reference for 3 and carry out an integrated resource planning exercise as required." 4 Furthe...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Action Plan and Roadmap Update, highlighting the need to update the resource plan to reflect the Reliability Tie schedule, evaluate Mersey's economic prudence, and advance studies such as the Effective Load Carrying Capacity and Dynamic Line Ratings Project. It also references the transition of system planning responsibilities to the NSIESO in Q4 2025.

Grouping: Employees & Recruitment (Administration) - "Salaries and W ESTIMATED 2025/2026 Complete and submit the interconnection request paperwork 15,000 15,000 Dispatch winner of RFP for PSCAD/PSSE Compile System Impact Study Milestone In...

AI summary The document outlines estimated costs for various administrative and environmental activities related to employee recruitment, salaries, and environmental assessments. It includes expenses for interconnection requests, system impact studies, wildlife surveys, and community engagement activities.

1 Request IR - 5 - 2 Reference: Exhibit A-1 (page 8 of 36, lines 14-16)… "In March 2025, the Province provided the - 3 NSIESO with a grant of $2.68M to fund the NSIESO to transition its functions from the NSPI - 4 before such time it has s...

AI summary The document requests a copy of the funding agreement between the NSIESO and the Province of Nova Scotia for a grant of $2.68M provided in March 2025 to support the NSIESO's transition from NSPI before securing necessary funding from rates.

STARTUP PHASE: The IESO is expected to immediately undertake key activities that support the establishment of the IESO organization and prepare for operational responsibilities. The startup phase will include: - securing service providers...

AI summary The IESO is entering the startup phase, which involves securing service providers, establishing governance, registering as a not-for-profit, recruiting leadership, and preparing for operational responsibilities, including working with NS Power and engaging stakeholders.

1 Request IR - 11 - 2 Reference: Exhibit B-2 (page 19 of 36, line 16, Table 7) & Exhibit B-2 (page 21 of 36, lines 10- - 3 16)..."cost forecast also assumes that external consultants may occasionally be required to - 4 perform transmission...

AI summary The text references Exhibit B-2 and asks how the estimated $0.50 million in Integrated Resource Planning consulting fees were calculated and requests scopes of work or contracts for these services.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 25 2 Reference: Exhibit B-2 (page 25 of 36, line 11, Table 12) 3 a) Please provide the supporting calculations showing how the 300MW RFP expense of 4 $0.36 million was forecasted, including support for any a...

AI summary The document outlines a regulatory proceeding involving Nova Scotia Power (NSP) and the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO). It requests detailed calculations for expenses related to a 300MW RFP, procurement management, and capacity contracts. Responses reference Exhibit B-2, citing the firm's experience in budgeting and highlighting deliverables like long-term power purchase agreements and replicable RFP processes for NSIESO.

Response IR - 26 a) The $0.50 million estimate for the Technology Needs Assessment and Business Case reflects anticipated external consulting services to support the NSIESO in establishing its technology environment through one or more sco...

AI summary The NSIESO estimates a $0.50 million cost for a Technology Needs Assessment and Business Case, involving external consulting services to support its technology environment. The scope includes inventorying Nova Scotia Power's systems, identifying technology needs, and developing a business case with cost and risk considerations. This is a planning estimate, and formal quotes will be sought before proceeding.

- Planning: These costs are for consulting services to assess control center location options and - requirements, in preparation for the NSIESO to carry out its system operations functions". - a) Are the Control Center Planning expenses in...

AI summary The document discusses planning costs related to consulting services for assessing control center location options and requirements for the NSIESO. It also asks whether these expenses are included in the Other Facilities and Technology forecast and requests a breakdown of what is included in that forecast.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 1 2 Reference: N-01, Notice of Application, page 1, lines 15-18. 3 The NSIESO is in the process of scaling as an organization, including building out its executive 4 and various business units, and coordinat...

AI summary The NSIESO is scaling its operations and transitioning certain business units from Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) in a phased approach. The request seeks clarification on the specific business units being transferred, coordination with NSPI, and cost recovery mechanisms. The response outlines some of the units being transferred but notes that cost estimates are still under evaluation.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 1 2 Reference: Exhibit N-1(i), p. 1 of 36 3 The NSIESO outlines the transition of system planning, transmission interconnection, energy 4 and capacity procurement functions and real time dispatch operations...

AI summary The NSIESO outlines a two-phase transition of functions from NS Power, with Phase 1 planned for December 1, 2025, but dependencies and risks may affect the timeline. Preparations include hiring, organizational setup, and facility readiness.

Response IR - 5 - a) This is a difficult question to answer, given the current state of active planning and - executing by the NSIESO of the Phase 1 transition, as many of the broad objectives laid - out in section 9 of the More Access to...

AI summary The NSIESO (NSEB) acknowledges challenges in addressing a question due to ongoing planning for Phase 1 and Phase 2 transitions under the More Access to Energy Act . Key functions being transferred include System Planning and Energy and Resource Procurement, with focus on Phase 1 activities for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 20 c. Generation Interconnection; 21 which generally advance the objects set out s. 9 (a), (h), (i), (j), (m), (n), (o), (q), (r), (s) 22 and (t). 23 b) To clarify the pre-filed evidence, a separate workplan was not create...

AI summary The document discusses NSIESO's (NSEB) clarification on pre-filed evidence, stating no separate workplan was needed as the organizational workplan includes forecast assumptions. It also outlines early-stage planning for Phase 1 and 2 transitions, with anticipated Business Plans for revenue requirement approvals. References to legal sections (s. 9) and a filed response (IR-5) are noted.

2. Purpose The purpose of this ToR is to define the scope, guiding principles, responsibilities, and governance structure of the JTC. The JTC acknowledges that the transition is to occur in two distinct phases - Phase I: Transfer of respon...

AI summary The purpose of this ToR is to define the scope, guiding principles, responsibilities, and governance structure of the JTC. The transition is divided into two phases: Phase I involves transferring responsibilities related to system planning, procurement, and generation interconnection procedures by December 1, 2025, and Phase II involves transferring responsibilities related to real-time system operations by Q2 2027.

Response IR – 13 a) The CEO started on August 18th , 2025. The planning for Phase 1 and Phase 2 continues to evolve as do the transition plans in order to maintain flexibility. The roles expected to be filled are subject to change as the N...

AI summary The CEO's start date is August 18, 2025, with ongoing planning for Phase 1 and 2, and evolving transition plans. NSIESO's organizational structure and roles remain flexible, with nine new positions to be filled between November 3 and December 1, 2025, contingent on candidate availability. Financial impacts of delayed hiring will be addressed through Net OM&A and Variance Deferral Accounts.

Response IR – 16 - a) The full scope of roles and responsibilities to be transferred to the NSIESO as part of Phase 2 has yet to be determined. Through the detailed planning it will be confirmed which roles are transferring and if there ar...

AI summary The NSIESO and NS Power are collaborating to determine the scope of roles and responsibilities for Phase 2, with existing processes to be transferred where possible. The full scope remains undetermined, requiring further planning to identify gaps.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 1 2 Reference: Application Exhibit B-2, page 20, "This first phase of work has roles related to 3 System Planning". 4 a) Explain the tasks included in the forecast for the first phase of work (October 2025 t...

AI summary The NSIESO is preparing for its first Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) exercise, set to begin in October 2025. The NSIESO has not yet completed detailed planning for the IRP and plans to post an RFP to acquire consulting services to support the process.

- and the Net Zero Atlantic Hybrid Peak Study. - a) In early August, Net Zero Atlantic released a report entitled "Mitigating the Impact of Building Electrification on Peak Demand in Atlantic Canada".1 Provide NSIESO's initial understandin...

AI summary The document requests NSIESO's understanding of how a report on building electrification's impact on peak demand may influence IRP modeling and seeks updates on the ELCC study's status and management responsibility.

2 2.1 Good Utility Practice overview - 3 Good Utility Practice ("GUP") serves as a foundational framework, including commonly accepted techniques, - 4 processes, and standards used across the utility industry to ensure effective, safe, and...

AI summary Good Utility Practice (GUP) is a foundational framework ensuring safe, reliable utility operations across electricity, water, and natural gas sectors. It guides decision-making, system planning, asset management, and emergency response, emphasizing adherence to regulations and operational excellence to minimize risks and maintain public trust.

4.3.2.4 NSPI employee transfers (including IRP consulting costs) - Per the Application, the NSIESO is forecasting $1,610,000 in expenses as part of the transitioned operations cost - category. These expenses are the portion of NSPI operati...

AI summary The NSIESO forecasts $1.61 million in transitioned operational costs from NSPI, which are already approved by the Utility and Review Board and recovered in NSPI rates. These costs are not incremental to customers. NSPI plans to apply for recovery/refund of differences post-transition, with phased responsibility transfers by 2026 and 2027. Matter M12451 is referenced.

18 Overview 14 25 19 Per the Application, this cost category covers expenses required by the Act for a group of non-unionized technical 20 employees transitioning from NSPI to NSIESO. The forecast assumes 23 employees will begin on October...

AI summary The application seeks to cover costs for 23 non-unionized technical employees transitioning from NSPI to NSIESO between October 2025 and March 2026, focusing on system planning. These roles differ from non-technical administration positions. The forecast outlines full-time equivalents (FTEs) transferred from NSPI.

Overview - 3 Per the Application, forecasted consulting fees include consulting fees primarily related to Integrated Resource - 4 Planning, to support pre-integrated resource plan studies, forecasting, and modelling. The responsibility for...

AI summary The Application outlines forecasted consulting fees for Integrated Resource Planning (IRP), transitioning IRP responsibilities to the NSIESO by October 2025 as mandated by the Act. External consultants may be required for transmission, wind integration, and storage studies, reflecting the need for specialized expertise in these areas. The transition aligns with regulatory requirements to ensure comprehensive planning and system reliability.

Current status of IRP - 9 Per the NSIESO's response to NSEB-IR-17, they have yet to complete high-level and detailed planning of activities to - complete its first IRP. A typical long-term planning process takes about a year to complete. H...

AI summary The NSIESO has not yet completed planning for its first IRP due to the transition from NSPI, with expected system planning results by July 2026 and IRP completion by end of 2026. They plan to start the IRP exercise in October 2025, including stakeholder engagement and resource assessments.

4.3.2.8 Procurement - Per the Application, the NSIESO is forecasting $0.99 million in ongoing expenses as part of the procurement cost category. This cost category primarily consists of costs incurred to fulfill its statutory object of car...

AI summary The NSIESO is forecasting ongoing procurement expenses of $0.99 million, primarily for competitive energy and capacity procurements. These costs are linked to the 2030 Clean Power Plan and NSPI's 2023 Evergreen IRP, which both require 300MW of fast-acting generation by 2027 and 2030, respectively.

- Technology needs assessment and business case Per the Application, these costs are for internal asset and systems inventory reviews to be conducted by an external consultant to assess systems currently in-use by NSPI as well as a needs a...

AI summary The document outlines various costs associated with the NSIESO's operations, including technology needs assessment, office leasing, cybersecurity, and other facilities and technology. The NSIESO is in the planning phase and expects to obtain formal quotes before finalizing these costs. The estimated costs are based on preliminary information and planning assumptions.

4 Figure 27 – Phase 1 transition timeline and status Phase 1 transition task Current status Estimated completion date People and roles Hiring CEO Complete N/A Designing initial organizational structure Complete N/A Procurement and selectio...

AI summary The document outlines the current status and estimated completion dates for various tasks in Phase 1 of the transition process, including hiring, organizational structure design, procurement, recruitment, and facility readiness. Some tasks are in progress, while others are not yet started.

14 Phase 2 5 - 15 Per the response to NSEB-IR-1, Phase 2 (real time dispatch operations) is notionally planned to take place in Q2 of - 16 2027. As Phase 2 involves the real-time operations of the bulk electricity system it brings addition...

AI summary Phase 2 (real-time dispatch operations) is planned for Q2 2027, with NSIESO aiming to complete preparatory work by June 2026. The phase requires additional planning due to complexity, contingent on the More Access to Energy Act being proclaimed. Key activities include refining scope, identifying technology requirements, and developing a transition plan.

22 Information relied upon - 23 Per the NSIESO's response to CA-IR-1, NSPI has provided the following initial transition information for Phase 1 and 24 Phase 2 positions (from 2024 planning estimates): - 25 average salaries, incentive rang...

AI summary NSPI provided transition information for Phase 1 and 2 positions, including salary data, benefits, role profiles, and fringe load factors. The text also requests actual employee data for confirmed transitioning roles, such as salaries, incentives, age, and pension participation.

7.3.1.2.1 Purpose and functionality

AI summary The section '7.3.1.2.1 Purpose and functionality' outlines the objectives and operational roles of entities involved in Nova Scotia's energy regulation. Key stakeholders include the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) and Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO), with references to broader energy infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

Appendix C – Documents referenced Number corresponding to footnote Document 1 New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board – Electricity - Acts and Regulations - https://nbeub.ca/electricity home. Accessed October 8, 2025. 2 Independent Electr...

AI summary Appendix C lists documents referenced in the proceeding, including regulatory acts, annual reports from electricity system operators, and other relevant resources. These documents are cited with specific page numbers and access dates, providing context for the proceeding.

nt. I am a mechanical engineer by - training, with a BS degree from Clarkson University (then Clarkson College) and an - MA in Energy and Environmental Studies from Boston University. I have worked in or adjacent to the electricity industr...

AI summary The individual holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MA in Energy and Environmental Studies, with over 35 years of experience in the electricity industry, focusing on integrated resource planning (IRP) and regulatory matters. They have consulted for Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) and Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) on issues like energy efficiency, interconnections policy, and the Maritime Link application. Currently at Synapse, they review IRPs and use PLEXOS software for modeling.

9 Matter 12412? 10 A Our purpose as Board Counsel Consultants is to ensure that technical aspects of 11 NSIESO's initial IRP are prepared in accordance with its obligations under the Nova Scotia More Access to Energy Act , including, for e...

AI summary Board Counsel Consultants emphasize the need for NSIESO to align its initial Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with the Nova Scotia More Access to Energy Act, including evaluating diverse energy resources. References include Synapse Energy Economics' 2014 energy efficiency comments and NSP's 2023 Evergreen IRP. A 2025 comment on Matter 12247 is also cited.

use of the output-based pricing system are dynamically linked in the capacity expansion optimization modeling to ensure the model captures these effects when deciding among fossil (e.g., CTs) and non- fossil (e.g., battery storage, demand-...

AI summary The text discusses the technical considerations and expertise of NSIESO in conducting an integrated resource plan (IRP) study, noting that while NSIESO has sufficient support from internal and external resources, there is uncertainty about the team's experience with Nova Scotia-specific resource planning. NSIESO has budgeted funds for consulting fees but has not yet selected a consultant.

SUMMARY Mechanical engineer and energy economics analyst with over 30 years of experience in the energy industry. Activities focused primarily on electric power industry issues, especially resource planning, renewable and battery storage r...

AI summary A mechanical engineer and energy economics analyst with over 30 years of experience in the electric power industry, specializing in resource planning, renewable and battery storage integration, economic analysis of power plants, transmission, wholesale markets, and demand-side alternatives. Expertise spans technical and economic dimensions of power systems in the US and Canada, including integrated resource planning, renewable integration, transmission pricing, RTO/ISO structures, and regulatory policies.

transmission, generation, and demand-side management. Provide expert witness testimony on various wholesale and retail electricity industry issues. Specific project experience includes the following: - Analysis of Oregon natural gas issues...

AI summary The expert provides testimony on electricity industry issues, with experience analyzing integrated resource planning, renewable energy integration, demand-side management, and resource adequacy across regions like Oregon, Newfoundland, New England, California, Puerto Rico, and Nova Scotia. Projects include assessing gas utility planning, electrification impacts, and transmission planning for PJM and MISO.

REPORTS AND PAPERS Shenstone-Harris, S., C. Mattioda, A. Fuzaylov, W. Dejeanlouis, B. Fagan. 2025. Drivers of PJM's Capacity Market Price Surge and its Impacts on Electricity Consumers in the District of Columbia. Synapse Energy Economics...

AI summary The document lists multiple energy economics reports by Synapse Energy Economics, focusing on utility reviews, resource planning, and grid operations. Key topics include PJM capacity market impacts, Nova Scotia Power interconnection processes, renewable energy targets, and ERCOT grid reliability. Reports are commissioned by regulatory bodies and organizations across multiple jurisdictions.

smission Tariff with US Federal Energy Commission Standards. Prepared for Counsel to the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission. October 10, 2017. Jointly authored with Max Chang and Spencer Fields. Michigan Public Service Commission (Ca...

AI summary The document outlines multiple testimonies in energy regulatory proceedings across jurisdictions, including analyses of resource adequacy, coal plant retirements, economic evaluations of infrastructure projects, and critiques of market proposals. Key entities involved include regulatory commissions, environmental groups, and utility companies, with dates ranging from 2016 to 2017.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Synapse Energy Economics Inc. , Cambridge, MA. Senior Associate, April 2023 – Present; Associate, June 2021 – April 2023; Research Associate, August 2019 – June 2021. - x Conducts research and provides consulting on...

AI summary The text outlines professional experience in energy economics and engineering, including roles at Synapse Energy Economics Inc., Tufts Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Integral Group. Key activities involve energy efficiency analysis, capacity expansion modeling, data visualization, and development of tools like the Building Decarbonization Calculator. Work includes utility planning, solar integration, and sustainable building design.

PUBLICATIONS Biewald, B., D. Glick, S. Kwok, K. Takahashi, J. Carvallo, L. Schwartz. 2024. Best Practices in Integrated Resource Planning: A guide for planners developing the electricity resource mix of the future. Synapse Energy Economics...

AI summary A list of publications related to energy planning, policy analysis, and decarbonization strategies. Works focus on integrated resource planning, offshore wind benefits, building decarbonization, energy storage, and regulatory frameworks, authored by Synapse Energy Economics and affiliated organizations for various environmental and public interest groups.

TESTIMONY State Corporation Commission of Virginia (Case No. PUR-2022-00001): Direct Testimony of Shelley Kwok regarding Appalachian Power Company's petition for approval of an environmental rate adjustment clause for capital investments a...

AI summary Shelley Kwok, testifying for the Sierra Club, opposes Appalachian Power Company's request for an environmental rate adjustment clause to fund compliance with federal Effluent Limitation Guidelines, arguing it avoids necessary retirement of the Amos and Mountaineer coal plants. Testimony was submitted to the State Corporation Commission of Virginia in Case No. PUR-2022-00001 on July 29, 2022.

ly used among comparable organizations, but noted the following: Ultimately, the choice in accounting framework is the decision of management in consultation with their selected auditors. 6 IESO Nova Scotia will take into consderation DGT'...

AI summary DGT discusses accounting framework choices as management decisions, while IESO Nova Scotia considers jurisdictional precedents. SEE's evidence addresses six topics in IESO's IRP exercise, including supply-side costs, regional coordination, and demand response. IESO will consider SEE's recommendations and technical expertise comments.

to occur in Q2 2027. Its forecast annual expenditure and revenue requirement is anticipated to increase over the first three fiscal years to reflect the increased scope of functions it will undertake. - [10] IESO Nova Scotia applied to the...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia has applied for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for its initial test year, including OM&A expenses and the establishment of a Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account. It must conduct its first integrated resource planning exercise by October 24, 2025, as required by the More Access to Energy Act.

3.5 Integrated Resource Planning Process [54] Section 11(1) of the More Access to Energy Act required the IESO to start its first integrated resource planning process within one year after the proclamation of that section on October 24, 20...

AI summary Section 11 of the More Access to Energy Act mandates IESO Nova Scotia's integrated resource planning (IRP) process, requiring evaluation of energy resources and filing results with the Board. IESO initiated its first IRP in October 2025 but provided limited details on activities, focusing instead on staffing costs, including roles like Vice President of Operations and Director, Market Operations.

3.5.1 Findings [69] The development of IESO Nova Scotia's first IRP is an important foundational exercise which lays the groundwork for the system operator's activities going forward. As Synapse noted, it is "crucial for informing near-ter...

AI summary The development of IESO Nova Scotia's first IRP is critical for informing procurement decisions and ensuring ratepayer interests. NS Power must maintain operations during the transition to IESO, as mandated by the More Access to Energy Act. NS Power confirmed assistance in transitioning responsibilities, though IESO did not participate in prior matters (M12386, M12217).

3.6 Reporting on the Transition from NS Power [78] IESO Nova Scotia stated that it will assume the system operator responsibilities under the More Access to Energy Act in a two-phased transition. In the first phase of the transition, it wi...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia outlined a two-phase transition from NS Power, with Phase 1 (system planning, procurement) to begin in Q4 2025 and Phase 2 (real-time dispatch) in Q2 2027. The IESO proposed monthly transition reports, but the Industrial Group requested expanded details on costs and milestones. The IESO argued that Phase 1 was largely complete and that cost reporting would increase regulatory burden.

4.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS [87] The Board approves IESO Nova Scotia's proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for its initial test year ending March 31, 2026. For the initial test year, this approved amount is $6,751,287, with a net amou...

AI summary The Board approves IESO Nova Scotia's revenue requirement for the initial test year ending March 31, 2026, and sets conditions for future filings. Specific accounting policies and financial controls are required, along with enhanced integrated resource planning that includes regional system modeling and emissions considerations. Quarterly reporting on the transition from NS Power to the IESO is also mandated.

The Board orders that: - 1. IESO Nova Scotia's expenditure and revenue requirement for its initial test year ending March 31, 2026, is approved at $6,751,287, with a net amount of $5,306,824 after the application of provincial funding. - 2...

AI summary The Board approves IESO Nova Scotia's expenditure and revenue requirement for 2026, sets guidelines for future applications, and outlines requirements for integrated resource planning and quarterly reporting. The decision emphasizes detailed financial controls, engagement with Indigenous groups, and integration of emissions offset costs into modeling.

Eastward Energy Incorporated TAKE NOTICE that Eastward Energy ("Eastward") hereby requests to intervene in this proceeding. Eastward is a Nova Scotia-based company, formed for the purpose of providing natural gas distribution service to No...

AI summary Eastward Energy Incorporated, a Nova Scotia-based natural gas distributor, requests intervention in a regulatory proceeding before the Nova Scotia Energy Board. The company provides contact details for representatives Allison Coffin and Angela Costello, and the proceeding is dated August 12, 2025.

Request IR-1: - Reference: Exhibit N-1(i), p. 1 of 36 - The NSIESO outlines the transition of system planning, transmission interconnection, energy and - capacity procurement functions and real time dispatch operations from NS Power in two...

AI summary The NSIESO outlines the transition of system planning, transmission interconnection, energy and capacity procurement functions, and real-time dispatch operations from NS Power in two phases. A request is made for a more detailed transition timeline or Gantt chart.

Request IR-17: - Reference: Exhibit N-1(i), p. 21 of 36 - a) Please break down the total consulting fees into those related to the Integrated Resource Plan and each individual pre-integrated resource plan study (listed by study or modellin...

AI summary Request IR-17 seeks details on NSIESO's consulting fees related to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and pre-IRP studies, timelines for NSIESO's first IRP (October 2025–March 2026), completion expectations, and coordination with NS Power's Evergreen IRP.

Request IR-1: - Reference: Application Exhibit B-2, page 20, "This first phase of work has roles related to System Planning". - a) Explain the tasks included in the forecast for the first phase of work (October 2025 to March 2026) related...

AI summary Request IR-1 seeks clarification on the NSIESO's first Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) exercise, including tasks for October 2025–March 2026, the current status of the IRP approach, and preliminary timelines for completion. The request also inquires about modeling structures, consultant involvement, and draft resource portfolio results.

Request IR-3: - Reference: Application, Exhibit B-2, pages 19-21, employee transfers and staffing and consultants. - a) Confirm, or explain the extent to which otherwise, that staffing transfers to NS IESO from NS Power associated with the...

AI summary Request IR-3 seeks clarification on NSIESO staffing transitions from NS Power for the next IRP, including impacts on planning, new hires, consulting fees, and modeling software. Questions address employee transfers, consulting firm selection, and cost allocations for IRP-related tasks.

15 Request IR-5: 16 17 RE: Exhibit A-1, p. 6, stating that the NSIESO is mandated to "develop terms of reference for and 18 carry out an integrated resource planning exercise as required." 19 20 Further, in NS Power's 2025 IRP Action Plan...

AI summary The document outlines NS Power's ongoing efforts in integrated resource planning (IRP), including updates to the 2025 IRP Action Plan, evaluations of the Mersey redevelopment project, and studies like Effective Load Carrying Capacity. It raises questions about NS Power's pre-transition planning, employment offer status, resource transfers to NSIESO, NSIESO's modeling timelines, procurement dependencies, and evaluations of fast-acting generation and the NS-NB Reliability Intertie Project.

30 Request IR-6: 31 32 RE: Exhibit B-2, p. 25-26, discussing the fast-acting generation. 33 34 (a) Please clarify the total amount of fast-acting generation that the NSIESO anticipates 35 procuring (300 MW, 600 MW, or some other figure). 3...

AI summary The NSIESO is requested to clarify the total fast-acting generation procurement target, whether it will use existing plans (2030 Clean Power Plan, NSPI's 2023 Evergreen IRP) or conduct new modeling, and if it can use prior procurement documents from the Nova Scotia Rate-Based Procurement.

21 1 2025 M12412 20 (b) Which "business units" are expected to be transferred directly from NSPI? 1 2 (c) To date, what coordination has taken place with NSPI in relation to this transfer of business, and specifically, how often are member...

AI summary The document outlines a series of questions regarding the transfer of business units from NSPI to the NSIESO, including coordination efforts, overlapping costs, and cost estimation. It also mentions the use of public funding to cover transition costs and ongoing operations.

Non-Confidential To: The Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator ("NSIESO") 3. Reference: Exhibit A-1 (page 5 of 36, lines 23-26)"The NSIESO intends to pursue a phased transition of the System Operator functions from NSPI to the NSI...

AI summary The NSIESO is planning a phased transition of System Operator functions from NSPI to the NSIESO, starting with energy procurement, system planning, and transmission interconnection in Q4 2025, followed by grid and energy dispatch operations in Q2 2027. Details for the Q2 2027 phase are requested.

Delivered by Email Crystal Henwood Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Energy Board 3rd Floor, 1601 Lower Water Street PO Box 1692, Unit "M" Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Henwood: Re: M12412 – IESO NS – Proposed expenditure and reve...

AI summary The Industrial Group supports IESO-NS's initial revenue requirement and Deferral Account proposal but emphasizes the need for clear parameters and protective measures, as recommended by DGT. They also request improvements in future filings, an IRP process schedule, and ongoing transition reporting.

Conclusion The Industrial Group respectfully requests the following Order and directions to IESO-NS: - 1. Approve the creation of a time-limited net OM&A Deferral Account covering the period ending March 31, 2026, and adopt the DGT recomme...

AI summary The Industrial Group requests the NSEB and IESO-NS to approve a time-limited net OM&A Deferral Account, adopt DGT's 10% cost overrun threshold, and mandate detailed reporting in future RR applications, including stakeholder engagement evidence, financial controls, monthly progress updates, and an IRP schedule by March 2026.

pecific guidelines and accounting policies describing the operation of the Deferral and Variance Account. This must be filed no later than the IESO's application for its 2027/2028 revenue requirement. [7] No later than its next revenue req...

AI summary The Board directs IESO Nova Scotia to submit guidelines, financial controls, and quarterly reports, including updates on system operator transition phases, staffing, and compliance. Minimum filing requirements include audited statements, projections, and a business plan.

to occur in Q2 2027. Its forecast annual expenditure and revenue requirement is anticipated to increase over the first three fiscal years to reflect the increased scope of functions it will undertake. - [10] IESO Nova Scotia applied to the...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia seeks approval for its OM&A expenses and revenue requirement for its initial test year ending March 31, 2026, including establishing a Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account. The application aligns with its obligations under the More Access to Energy Act, including commencing its first integrated resource planning exercise by October 2025.

3.5 Integrated Resource Planning Process [54] Section 11(1) of the More Access to Energy Act required the IESO to start its first integrated resource planning process within one year after the proclamation of that section on October 24, 20...

AI summary Section 11 of the More Access to Energy Act mandates the IESO to initiate integrated resource planning (IRP) within one year of the Act's proclamation (October 2024), with the first IRP starting in October 2025. The IESO must evaluate diverse energy resources and file results with the NSEB. However, IESO Nova Scotia provided limited details on its initial IRP activities, focusing instead on staffing costs related to the function.

3.5.1 Findings [69] The development of IESO Nova Scotia's first IRP is an important foundational exercise which lays the groundwork for the system operator's activities going forward. As Synapse noted, it is "crucial for informing near-ter...

AI summary The document emphasizes the importance of IESO Nova Scotia's first Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for informed procurement and ratepayer interests. It highlights NS Power's obligations under the More Access to Energy Act to maintain operations during the transition to IESO. The Board's prior decisions (M12386, M12217) identified IRP transition challenges, with NS Power assisting IESO despite its non-participation in those matters.

4.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS [87] The Board approves IESO Nova Scotia's proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for its initial test year ending March 31, 2026. For the initial test year, this approved amount is $6,751,287, with a net amou...

AI summary The Board approves IESO Nova Scotia's expenditure and revenue requirement for the initial test year ending March 31, 2026, at a net amount of $5,306,824 after provincial funding. It also sets requirements for future applications, including financial controls, formal support for assumptions, historical financial data, and engagement with Indigenous groups. The IESO is directed to address specific issues in its integrated resource planning, including modeling scenarios and emissions costs, and to provide quarterly reports on its transition from NS Power.

The Board orders that: - 1. IESO Nova Scotia's expenditure and revenue requirement for its initial test year ending March 31, 2026, is approved at $6,751,287, with a net amount of $5,306,824 after the application of provincial funding. - 2...

AI summary The Board approves IESO Nova Scotia's revenue requirement for 2026 and sets requirements for future filings, including detailed financial and planning information. It also directs the IESO to address specific issues in its integrated resource planning, including modeling scenarios with New Brunswick and incorporating demand response opportunities.