Topic:"Infrastructure Planning" in M12591

DESCRIPTION: The project scope includes implementation of three new technology solutions along with new and revised business processes across key areas related to system commitment, operational planning, and dispatch functions at the Energ...

AI summary The project involves implementing three technology solutions at NS Power's Energy Control Centre to improve system commitment, operational planning, and dispatch functions. These include a Portfolio Optimization tool, a Dispatch Dashboard, and an Outage Request Platform. The initiative supports NS Power's response to renewable and decarbonization targets and incorporates recommendations from the 2018-2019 FAM Audit Dispatch Study (M09548).

Why do this project? As the NS Power power system evolves to meet provincial and federal renewable energy and decarbonization targets, it will increasingly incorporate variable energy resources and phase out dispatchable coal-fired thermal...

AI summary This project aims to modernize NS Power's dispatch and communication systems to handle increased renewable energy integration and system variability. Manual processes are becoming unsustainable, and automation is needed for real-time system analysis, status updates, and economic optimization. The project also addresses recommendations from past audits and aims to align NSPSO with industry-standard tools.

Why do this project this way? Software tools for Optimization of real-time dispatch and information sharing for communicating real-time power system conditions, including the management of planned and unplanned system outages, are availabl...

AI summary The document discusses the importance of adopting modern software tools for real-time power system management to improve efficiency and reliability. It notes that NS Power has received $6 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada for this project under the Electricity Predevelopment Program.

Document No: XXX-XX-XXXX-XXXX Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix Equipment Replacement Required fields: Estimate Classification Project Name: Energy Control Centre - Optimization Tools - C0032664 Started or Prelimina...

AI summary The document outlines a project cost estimate input checklist and maturity matrix for the Energy Control Centre - Optimization Tools project (C0032664). It details the project's scope, location, requirements, technology selection, and planning, with a focus on deliverables and their maturity levels. The project is at a defined or complete stage for most categories, with high percentages of deliverables completed.

CI C0032664 – Energy Control Centre – Optimization Tools (NSEB M12591) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 with dispatchable quick-start generation, will be subject to a more complex set of 2 system constraints requiring the func...

AI summary The document outlines NS Power's current operational processes for economic dispatch, involving the preparation of a day-ahead dispatch plan by NS Power Marketing, submission to the System Operator for reliability review, and subsequent adjustments based on real-time conditions. The implementation of new technology, including the Outage Request Platform (ORP), is expected to automate these processes.

TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1: Tufts Cove Unit Overview 25 Figure 2: Ramp Rates of NS Power's Thermal Generating Units 26 Figure 3: Tufts Cove Unit Availability and DAFOR 27 Figure 4: Daily Modeling Timeline 33 Figure 5: Wreck Cove Operating P...

AI summary The document contains a table of figures and tables related to Nova Scotia Power's generating units, system demand, and dispatch optimization processes. It includes figures on system load, generation capacity, and historical data, as well as a table on net system peak demand and installed capacity by generation type.

3. Uniqueness of Nova Scotia's System Nova Scotia's system is quite unique in many ways and this uniqueness defines some of the challenges that give rise to the need for this Dispatch Study. Some of the features that make the Nova Scotia s...

AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity system is unique due to limited interconnectivity and a transition from legacy thermal generation to increasing renewable resources. The system faces challenges related to this shift, as highlighted in the Dispatch Study. Renewable energy now makes up over 35% of installed capacity and is expected to grow further.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 16 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platform should allow for full integration with existing databases. An example of suc...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations for improving the IT platform and dispatch processes at NS Power, including integration with existing databases, dynamic data updates, optimization of energy and ancillary services, and the use of specific tools like PCI's GenTrader® for real-time dispatch calculations.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 19 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY 1. Limited Interconnectivity. When compared to other neighboring electric systems such as those in the Northeastern par...

AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity system is characterized by limited interconnectivity compared to other systems in North America and is transitioning from a legacy thermal generation model to one incorporating more renewable and intermittent resources. NS Power operates as a vertically integrated utility, responsible for most of the province's generation, transmission, and distribution.

Tufts Cove is supplied with fuel by the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline ("M&NP")-Canada, so all deliveries of natural gas to the plant must be transported through M&NP-Canada. There is little gas produced in Maritimes Canada, therefore th...

AI summary NS Power relies on the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline (M&NP) and other long-term firm contracts with TransCanada Pipeline Limited (TCPL) and Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) to transport natural gas from Alberta to Tufts Cove in Nova Scotia. The gas is sourced from Empress, Alberta, and delivered via a series of pipeline segments to meet the needs of Tufts Cove Units 4, 5, and 6.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 29 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY pipeline posts operational notices on the status of the pipeline.33 When the Information Technology Communication Platf...

AI summary NS Power's dispatch optimization process incorporates information about pipeline maintenance schedules and electric transmission availability. The Information Technology Communication Platform will integrate this data into a single environment, similar to practices in Newfoundland and Labrador.

b. Recommendations - R1: Investigate the creation of an IT Platform similar to other jurisdictions where the information about the system is shared live so the Marketing Group can update its Dispatch Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platf...

AI summary The recommendations focus on improving IT systems for energy management, suggesting the creation of an IT platform similar to PJM's Data Viewer and updating PortOps® with real-time data for better system integration and optimization as system complexity increases.

b. Recommendations - R9: The Open Access Transmission Tariff ("OATT") Standards of Conduct for the Provision of Wholesale and Renewable to Retail Electric Transmission Service ("OATT Standards of Conduct") that govern communications betwee...

AI summary The recommendations emphasize the need for Nova Scotia Power to adopt a more comprehensive method for calculating the contribution of intermittent resources to day-ahead and real-time dispatch, while also aligning with real-time system status through an IT platform. These changes aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of transmission service and dispatch calculations.

5.6. Optimization of Ancillary Requirements All generating units are configured within PortOps® to mimic the operation of the physical operation of the unit. Included in this configuration is a provision for ancillary products. Each unit i...

AI summary This section discusses the configuration of generating units within PortOps® to model ancillary products, considering factors like ramp-up capabilities and generator location. The configuration ensures that multiple ancillary products are not provided simultaneously, and their supply and cost are economically evaluated alongside energy supply during model iterations.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 64 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Real time economic optimization of ancillary services is performed by the System Operator referring to the economic dis...

AI summary The document discusses the real-time economic optimization of ancillary services by the System Operator using data from the Control Center and Marketing Desk. It highlights the current reliance on coal-fired and natural gas units for ancillary support and suggests future reliance on wind with AGC, transmission lines, and smart grid initiatives. The communication between departments is noted as being manual, with a recommendation for an IT platform to standardize and automate information sharing.

a. Observations - O1: The Marketing Desk optimizes the dispatch schedule to solve for the economics of the dispatch of the facilities for energy and ancillary services that yield the smallest cost possible. The Control Center reassesses an...

AI summary The document outlines observations regarding the coordination between the Marketing Desk and the Control Center in optimizing dispatch schedules, addressing discrepancies in natural gas procurement timing, and the importance of fuel switching at Tufts Cove. It emphasizes the challenges in aligning dispatch schedules across different market timelines and the role of intermittent resources in affecting these differences.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 73 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY dispatch capability in the event real-time load is less than scheduled in the integrated forward market. There are thre...

AI summary The document outlines the dispatch capability process in the event real-time load is less than scheduled in the integrated forward market. It describes three levels of dispatch with different processes, and mentions tools like PLEXOS® and PortOps® used in planning and dispatch activities.

b. Recommendations - R1: Investigate the creation of an IT Platform similar to other jurisdictions where the information about the system is shared live so the Marketing Group can update its Dispatch Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platf...

AI summary The recommendations suggest creating an IT platform for real-time system information sharing and dynamically updating PortOps® with up-to-date energy and ancillary data to improve dispatch scheduling and operations.

b. Recommendations - R1: Investigate the creation of an IT Platform similar to other jurisdictions where the information about the system is shared live so the Marketing Group can update its Dispatch Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platf...

AI summary The recommendations focus on improving IT infrastructure and data integration to enhance system transparency and dynamic scheduling. Specifically, they suggest implementing an IT platform like PJM's Data Viewer and updating PortOps® to include real-time data for energy and ancillary services as system complexity increases.

6.3 Current Tools - 1. PLEXOS ®.127 PLEXOS® is the economic dispatch tool utilized by NS Power's System Planning and Portfolio Optimization groups and it is sold and maintained by Energy Exemplar. The vendor produces one of the most popula...

AI summary This section outlines the current tools used by NS Power for economic dispatch and planning, including PLEXOS®, PortOps®, PRT®, and AWS TruePower. These tools are utilized for long-term planning, forecasting, and market support functions.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 85 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY - R5: Leverage the functionality within an IT Platform ("R1") to log and communicate current system status and issues i...

AI summary The document outlines requirements for enhancing IT platform functionality to improve real-time communication of system status and data transfer between the Control Center and Marketing Desk. It also mentions the need to calculate system marginal generator costs and shadow prices for ancillaries based on load-following unit costs.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 2 Page 2 of 3 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) - 2 - system, and providing a plan aimed at addressing the Company's approach to dispatch. The Dispatch Study will incorporate suggestions by stakehold...

AI summary The Board agrees with stakeholders that NS Power should implement recommendations from the Dispatch Study as soon as possible, with quarterly updates on progress. The Board also requests a quantification of benefits from new IT infrastructure and expects this to be included in the capital work order. NS Power is directed to continue working with stakeholders to refine the Action Plan through the FAM Small Working Group.

M E M O R A N D U M TO: Peggy Green, Nova Scotia Power FROM: Ruben Moreno, Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc. ("Concentric") DATE: January 31, 2023 RE: QUANTIFICATION OF ECONOMIC BENEFITS FROM INCREMENTAL INVESTMENTS IN AUTOMATIZATION AND OP...

AI summary This memorandum from Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc. to Peggy Green of Nova Scotia Power discusses the quantification of economic benefits from incremental investments in automation and optimization tools at the NSPSO level.

REDACTED 1 Request IR-9: 24 volumetric targets for hydro generation and an optimized schedule for dispatchable load 25 from the NS Power Marketing Portfolio Optimizer (NSPIPO) to the Energy Control Centre 26 Portfolio Optimizer (ECCPO), co...

AI summary The document outlines a request for volumetric targets for hydro generation and an optimized dispatch schedule from the NS Power Marketing Portfolio Optimizer (NSPIPO) to the Energy Control Centre Portfolio Optimizer (ECCPO). It also discusses the System Dispatch Dashboard (SDD) and the Outage Request Platform (ORP), emphasizing automation and streamlining processes.

PARTIALLY CONFIDENTIAL Resource Scope & Responsibilities Duration Optimization ECCPO System developer. Full Solution Project Developer SCADA Identify SCADA module upgrade requirements; install Full Specialist and integrate SCADA modules. P...

AI summary The document outlines various roles and responsibilities for different resources involved in a project, including system development, SCADA upgrades, data transformation, firewall security, and change management, with a focus on full and project-based durations.

re of these tasks remains unchanged, the increasing number and diversity of resources will increase dispatch complexity, resulting in increased dispatch deviations and the need for system adjustments. In response to multiple IRs, including...

AI summary NS Power proposed optimization tools to manage increasing dispatch complexity, aligning with recommendations from the 2018-2019 Fuel Adjustment Mechanism Audit Dispatch Study (M10453). The Board requested quantified benefits for the proposed tools, but NS Power only provided a theoretical estimate from Concentric, which noted it represents the likelihood of closing the gap between current and future dispatch methods.

Conclusion The Board recognizes that Concentric's quantification of the benefits of the new IT infrastructure involved assumptions about real-time wind output and its potential replacement by the next lowest variable-cost generation resour...

AI summary The Board accepts Concentric's quantification of benefits for new IT infrastructure, noting assumptions about real-time wind output and economic dispatch. It finds the project necessary and justifies the associated costs, approving $7,486,068 for NS Power. The project supports the Evergreen IRP objectives and 2030 renewable electricity targets.

Request IR-11: - a) Please quantify the expected benefits associated with this project (i.e., decreased congestion, improved reliability, and improved capacity) in terms of the expected NPV in cost savings and describe how this cost saving...

AI summary The request asks for quantification of the expected benefits of a project, including decreased congestion, improved reliability, and improved capacity, in terms of net present value (NPV) cost savings. It also seeks a time frame for when these cost savings will occur, ensuring they outweigh the project's estimated NPV of capital and operating costs.

Request IR-17: - NS Power noted that "Equipping System Operators and System Security Engineers with the tools to manage a larger fleet of variable energy resources, more complex maintenance plans and schedules, along with a diminishing fle...

AI summary NS Power argues that investing in new optimization tools is necessary to manage a growing number of variable energy resources and declining coal-fired generators. The request asks for evidence that these tools are compatible with those used by other system operators, how they will be used by other teams, and their benefits to reliability, cost, and regulation.

1. Please explain whether NSIESO has been notified or involved in the proposed project and the nature of its involvement. 2. If it is shared by both, please explain the method and the associated costs. 3. If NSIESO is the only user, please...

AI summary The text consists of a series of questions related to a proposed project involving NS Power and NSIESO. Topics include notification and involvement of NSIESO, cost-sharing methods, asset transfer plans, technology lifespan, maintenance, operational costs, staffing requirements, financial analysis, and contingency planning for system unavailability.

iminishing fleet of coal-fired thermal generators will require investment in the tools described above. These tools are essential to bring NSPSO in line with those leveraged by other system operators” 1. Please describe and provide a copy...

AI summary The text discusses the need for investment in optimization tools for NSPSO to align with other system operators, requests for analysis and updates on project status, and explains a cost variance due to changes in federal funding eligibility dates for the 2024 ACE Plan.

Conclusion The Board recognizes that Concentric's quantification of the benefits of the new IT infrastructure involved assumptions about real-time wind output and its potential replacement by the next lowest variable-cost generation resour...

AI summary The Board accepts Concentric's quantification of the benefits of new IT infrastructure, noting its alignment with the 2018-2019 Fuel Adjustment Mechanism Audit Dispatch Study and support for the Evergreen IRP objectives and 2030 renewable electricity target. The Board approves $7,486,068 for the project, finding it necessary and justified.