Topic:"Infrastructure Planning" in M12619

1 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 3 The Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power, Company) Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) 4 Plan Application provides customers, the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB, Board), and other 5 stakeholders with a comprehe...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan Application outlines proposed capital investments totaling $702.1 million, with $284.0 million requested for approval from the Nova Scotia Energy Board. The plan aligns with the 2030 Clean Power Plan and Evergreen IRP Action Plan. The establishment of the Independent Electricity System Operator in Nova Scotia (IESO-NS) has impacted project accountability and planning.

1 • The IG provided comments on the proposed definitions of Scope and Scope Change, noting 2 that they differ from traditional project management terminology and how NS Power has 3 historically defined Scope in capital project applications...

AI summary The Independent Governor (IG) provided feedback on the proposed definitions of 'Scope' and 'Scope Change' within the Capital Expenditure Justification Criteria (CEJC), noting discrepancies with traditional project management terminology and NS Power's historical definitions. NS Power has considered this feedback and clarified that the definition of 'Scope Change' is intentionally limited to changes in stated intent to avoid excessive regulatory filings.

28 Fault Location, Isolation, 1,578,360 5,299,248 1,195,233 4,640,900 Awaiting Approval Service Restoration (FLISR) Implementation

AI summary The text outlines a project titled 'Fault Location, Isolation, Service Restoration (FLISR) Implementation' with associated costs and a status of 'Awaiting Approval'.

MacDonald Dam Access Improvements 963,078 1,547,398 This project is for the construction of an access walkway along the top of the spillway to a low level sluiceway gate for the Hydro Operations team to be able to adjust downstream flow re...

AI summary The document outlines several infrastructure projects related to hydro operations and environmental improvements. These include constructing an access walkway at the MacDonald Dam, building a fish passage at the Tusket Powerhouse, replacing a rubber dam at Lumsden, and decommissioning the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station.

CI# Project Title 2026 Budget ($) Project Total ($) and intermediate pressure steam from the boiler to produce power through the generator. C0082195 LIN2 2025/26 Capacity Requirement 299,478 3,162,203 This project is for the component refu...

AI summary The document outlines several infrastructure and maintenance projects across Nova Scotia's energy sector, including asset refurbishment, replacement of equipment, and system upgrades to ensure operational reliability and compliance with environmental regulations.

1,102,575 1,353,592 This project is for refurbishment of priority areas of the roof at the Sydney Coal Railway Transportation & Rail Maintenance Centre (Rail Centre). Total New Steam Spending for Subsequent Approval 10,402,603 24,560,654 T...

AI summary The text outlines various capital expenditure projects in Nova Scotia, including roof refurbishment, synchronous condensers, transmission tower rerouting, and network upgrades for wind farms. These projects aim to enhance infrastructure and support renewable energy integration.

CI# Project Title 2026 Budget ($) Project Total ($) C0071888 New Tidewater Substation 4,119,741 4,141,223 This project is to build a new Tidewater Substation to address increased residential electricity demand, improve system reliability,...

AI summary The document outlines several capital projects aimed at improving electricity infrastructure in Nova Scotia, including new substations, transformer replacements, and transmission line upgrades to enhance system reliability and meet growing demand.

or the replacement of the 10H-T2 transformer which serves the Victoria General Hospital and the IWK Children’s Hospital in Halifax. C0080108 L-5532 Replacements and Upgrades Phase 1 908,755 2,490,532 This project is for the replacement of...

AI summary The document outlines several transmission line replacement and upgrade projects, including the replacement of the 10H-T2 transformer serving key hospitals, upgrades to L-5532 and L-6043 transmission lines, and network upgrades for the Benjamin’s Mill Wind Farm. These projects are part of ongoing infrastructure planning and investment in Nova Scotia's power grid.

CI# Project Title 2026 Budget ($) Project Total ($) General Plant C0082133 IT - Renew Microsoft Enterprise Agreement 1,800,000 1,800,000 This project funds the on-premises portion of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement for software assuranc...

AI summary The document outlines several IT and infrastructure projects planned for 2026, including the renewal of Microsoft Enterprise Agreement, implementation of distributed intelligence apps, a DERMS solution, and improvements to the Sydney Depot. Each project includes budget allocations and total project costs.

eliver and manage data integrations in a more timely and cost effective manner. C0047278 IT - Oracle MDM Upgrade 4,684,089 7,949,409 The Meter Data Management (MDM) System is nearing end-of-life and requires an upgrade to maintain vendor s...

AI summary The text discusses the need to upgrade the Meter Data Management (MDM) System and the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) to ensure vendor support, cybersecurity, and compatibility with emerging technologies. These upgrades are part of the 2026 ACE Plan and involve significant financial investments.

iii 2.7 $1,000,000 for which approval is not sought. (As provided in Appendix B) iv Carry-over capital spending. (As provided in Section 7.1) 83.4 v Routine capital spending. (As provided in Section 10) 22.0 Total 2026 Transmission Capital...

AI summary This section outlines the 2026 Transmission Capital Investment Plan, including carry-over capital spending and routine capital spending. It details specific projects such as energy storage, substation upgrades, and transformer replacements with their respective budgets and expenditures.

Bulk Oil (KSO) Breaker Replacements 2023/05 2026/12 859,084 635,204 1,000,004 2,494,292 C0061403 2024/2025 Sacrificial Anode Installation 2024/07 2026/02 2,233,034 142,517 - 2,375,551 C0069238 2025/2026 Steel Tower Refurbishment 2025/12 20...

AI summary The text presents a list of infrastructure projects with associated costs and timelines, including breaker replacements, steel tower refurbishments, and line retirement programs, spanning from 2022 to 2027.

L (Attachments Only) 1 Figure 25: 2026 Distribution Investment by Investment Type 2 (Millions of dollars) Distribution 31.8 8.9 Sustaining 79.2 Customer/Load Driven Regulatory/Compliance Right-of-Way Widening 70.6 3 4 5 Distribution invest...

AI summary The 2026 Distribution investment plan, totaling approximately $190.5 million, is driven by asset management strategies and customer load growth. The investment focuses on sustaining capital, reliability, and regulatory compliance.

8 1,185,364 2,286,083 Replacement C0071954 87W-312 Dauphiness Mill Lake Rebuild 2024/10 2026/06 5,934 500,000 1,259,111 1,765,045 52184 37N-412-Glooscap Trail Rebuild PH2 2017/09 2026/09 786,166 49,303 337,901 1,173,369 C0070787 91W-411 La...

AI summary The table lists various infrastructure projects with their costs and timelines, including replacements and extensions. The document is part of the 2026 ACE Plan and contains confidential information.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 9.0 GENERAL PLANT 2 3 General Plant includes information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), computer 4 infrastructure, vehicle replaceme...

AI summary The 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan outlines General Plant investments, which include IT, OT, infrastructure, and communication equipment. These investments support NS Power’s digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience, aligning with strategic initiatives like grid modernization and cybersecurity.

/02 2026/12 245,130 164,874 - 410,004 Total Telecommunications 2,038,491 3,508,360 2,866,859 8,413,711 C0061284 IT - OT Cyber Security Control 2023/11 2026/12 1,957,397 1,917,601 2,905,463 6,780,461 Implementation Phase 1 C0047277 IT - GIS...

AI summary The document outlines various IT projects and their associated costs under the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. These projects span cybersecurity, data migration, customer service improvements, and infrastructure upgrades, with detailed cost breakdowns and timelines provided.

ion Other Thermal $563,050 $537,973 $544,902 $495,729 $5,150,911 $7,592,390 $7,703,116 $6,661,024 Transmission Transmission Substation $4,327,200 $4,375,511 $4,370,346 $4,025,131 Replacement, Add'ns/Mod'ns Primary Equipment Spares $91,829...

AI summary The text presents financial data related to various infrastructure and energy projects, including transmission, distribution, and thermal costs, with figures spanning multiple years. The data includes line items such as equipment replacement, right-of-way widening, and meter upgrades. The document is redacted and contains confidential information.

completed under the routine is like-for-like replacements, the routine is 17 classified as like-for-like. New Customer routines, System Growth and Performance routines 18 (such as heat rate, system improvement, and right-of-way widening ro...

AI summary The 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan outlines routine capital spending for transmission substation replacements and modifications, including unplanned replacements, lightning arrestor replacements, and other equipment regaskets. Total projected costs for these activities are $3,122,388.

11 Provincial - Planned Transmission Line $5,680,154 Replacement T020 Transmission Switch & Breaker Replacements Avg Unit 2026 ACE Asset Quantity Price Plan Forecast Switch (<69 kV) 2 25,721 51,441 Switch (69 kV) 7 33,500 234,500 Switch (1...

AI summary The document outlines planned transmission line replacements and upgrades for 2026, including switch and breaker replacements, as well as tower life extension programs. The total projected cost for these activities is approximately $7.9 million.

ill 27 continue to improve the transmission system’s ability to withstand significant weather events 28 where tree fall ins from the edge of the ROW can pose a risk to NS Power’s infrastructure. 18 M07176, NS Power 2016 Annual Capital Expe...

AI summary The text discusses NS Power's efforts to improve the transmission system's resilience against weather events, particularly focusing on risks posed by tree falls near the right-of-way. It references the 2016 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan and the 2026 ACE Plan Reliability Directive for details on progress and future plans.

1 Widening these ROWs mitigates the risk of tree fall ins for the vast majority of trees on the edge 2 of the ROW. 3 4 The increased investment in T010 for the widening of 138kV, 230kV, and 345kV rights-of-way 5 remains consistent with the...

AI summary The document discusses the widening of rights-of-way (ROWs) to mitigate tree fall risks and references the 2016 directive on ROW widening for various voltage levels. It also mentions the 2021 Distribution Routines ATO and the requirement for NS Power to report on routine findings in the 2024 ACE Plan, along with forecasting methodologies for distribution routines.

le installations.) Conversion Work $940,000 5 year plan feeder level Targeted Equipment Replacement $6,668,263 Total D055 Planned Replacement of Distribution Equipment $15,000,016 D020 Padmount Replacements 2,278,256 Distribution Upgrades...

AI summary The document outlines the 2026 ACE Plan and discusses the Board's directives to NS Power regarding the D005 Routine, including improving transparency in forecasting, incorporating historical storm events, and providing details on failed and damaged devices in future filings.

1 New Distribution ROW where areas with no discernable ROW are being cleared to create a ROW 2 with a clearance of 20 feet on the forested side of the line. That program only focuses on areas 3 with no ROW currently, while prior to 2024, D...

AI summary NS Power is expanding the distribution right-of-way (ROW) from 10 to 20 feet on the forested side of the line in areas where no discernible ROW exists. The New Distribution ROW program has been successful, and the goal of 20 feet of clearance is now being applied to all areas where achievable. The costs associated with this work are detailed in Figure 49.

Managed Feeder Length Avg Cost Contract Total Geographic Location Length Cost Section (Km) per Km Overhead Segment Cost (Km) 102W-311 Wedgeport 5.94 5.94 39,600 235,062 33,995 269,057 23W-301 Clyde River 2.65 2.65 39,600 105,071 15,195 120...

AI summary The text provides a detailed table outlining the costs associated with various distribution right-of-way widening projects in Nova Scotia, including geographic locations, lengths, average costs per kilometer, contract costs, and total costs for each project segment.

404,118 58,444 462,562 Total Distribution Right-of-Way Widening 13,223,182 Note: Totals may be slightly off due to rounding. 1 2 Pursuant to CI 49611 - New Distribution Rights-of-Way Phase I, submitted to the Board on 3 November 1, 2016, L...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's response to Post-Tropical Storm Arthur, including recommendations for managing overgrown distribution rights-of-way and the Board's direction to explore innovative financing options. It references a 2016 ACE Plan and a 2015 Board decision.

82 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) P028 Telecommunication Systems Replace & Modifications Miscellaneous teleprotection equipment upgrades (as required) 35,000 Upgrade misce...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan includes various telecommunication system upgrades and replacements, such as radio links, fiber optic equipment, network monitoring, and tower lighting, with associated costs ranging from $6,600 to $127,059 for different projects.

82 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 Figure 53: Computing Asset Management 2026 ACE Plan Forecast P010 SCADA Improvements This forecast is developed based on SCADA equipmen...

AI summary The text discusses the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, specifically focusing on SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) improvements under P010, with a forecasted cost of $120,428.

P031 NS Power IT Infrastructure Volume to Infrastructure Component Asset Management Plan be Refreshed Voice and Data Network Network Infrastructure & Equipment 100,000 Physical Security technology (Cameras, Physical Security 70,000 DVRs, C...

AI summary The document outlines the IT infrastructure components of NS Power, including network infrastructure, physical security systems, servers, power supplies, and personal computing devices, along with their associated costs for refreshment and replacement.

sions from the emitting fleet. 27 28 Figure 56 compares the capital investment forecast in the 2026 ACE Plan for NS Power’s thermal, 29 natural gas, and biomass generation units to the Evergreen IRP capital investment forecast. When 30 com...

AI summary The text compares the 2026 ACE Plan's capital investment forecast for NS Power's thermal, natural gas, and biomass generation units with the Evergreen IRP capital investment forecast, highlighting differences between a single year or subset of years in the ACE Plan and a long-term planning exercise.

1 Criticality and Condition values are typically influenced predominantly by the factors discussed 2 previously and assigned accordingly. However, other factors may also influence the rating of a 3 project. 4 5 Multiple influencing factors...

AI summary The document discusses how project ratings are influenced by various factors and the role of professional judgment in evaluating them. It also outlines the forecasted capital expenditures from 2026 to 2030, including sustaining capital and notable investments, while acknowledging that these projections may change due to external factors and regulatory directives.

3.2 17.2 30.1 30.0 - Distribution: Distribution R.O.W Widening 31.8 32.4 33.1 33.7 34.4 Transmission: Transmission R.O.W Widening 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 ECEI - Energy Storage 44.2 (3.3) - - - ECEI - Synchronous Condenser 84.7 115.3 91.3 46.7...

AI summary The text presents capital expenditure figures across various sectors including distribution, transmission, generation, and energy storage as part of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan. These figures highlight investments in infrastructure and energy initiatives, with specific allocations for projects such as Energy Conservation and Efficiency Initiative (ECEI) and the Wreck Cove LEM.

criticality and condition inputs. Specifically for distribution feeders, the criticality assessment 28 includes factors such as usage (kWh sales), regulatory consequences, customer count, redundancy, 29 and ease of access. The condition sc...

AI summary The text outlines the methodology for assessing the criticality and condition of distribution feeders, incorporating factors like usage, regulatory consequences, and customer count. It references specific regulatory decisions and documents related to the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan.

1 Within the 2026 ACE Plan, the Distribution projects included for approval (as well as previously 2 identified projects in progress), and associated risk rating inputs are provided in Figure 58 below. 3 4 Figure 58: 2026 ACE Plan Distribu...

AI summary This section outlines the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, specifically focusing on distribution projects for approval, including their risk ratings and condition inputs. The table lists several projects with details such as criticality, load balance, outage frequency, and vegetation conditions. Some projects are still in progress, and updates to condition scores will be provided in future ACE Plans.

class poles across the Utility’s four operating regions, and to provide a post 24 storm evaluation to determine pole status, survival rate, impact on customer 25 outages, and whether the upgraded class improved the resilience of the 26 woo...

AI summary The document discusses the need for pole upgrades across NS Power's operating regions to enhance resilience against severe weather and climate change. It references the 2026 ACE Plan and Appendix G of the Five-Year Reliability Plan Update, which outlines reliability strategies and directives.

and duration of outages caused by failed 29 equipment when compared to recent history. These years were also the most challenging years for 30 severe weather events. The increase in failed primary aerial conductors is believed to be attrib...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan discusses the impact of severe weather events on infrastructure reliability, noting increased failures in primary aerial conductors due to high wind stress. However, NS Power's targeted asset investments have improved equipment reliability, with 2025 showing a positive trend in reducing customer interruptions.

1 All distribution capital projects and routines that replace deteriorated equipment are aimed at 2 sustaining or improving system reliability and contribute to the reduction of customer impacts due 3 to device failures referenced in the t...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's efforts to improve system reliability through capital projects and storm response, addressing the impacts of changing weather patterns and climate risks. It outlines the use of the 2.5 Beta Method for classifying storm events and highlights the current performance metrics and capital programs for 2026.

9 Foreign Interference 10,087 0 0 4.03% Total 250,026 0 0 1 2 Over 20 percent of all identified event day outage hours in 2025 have been caused by tree contacts. 3 Furthermore, a significant portion of events coded as adverse weather are l...

AI summary The text highlights that over 20% of event day outage hours in 2025 were caused by tree contacts, emphasizing the need for continued investment in vegetation management and right-of-way widening. Several capital projects are identified to address these issues in 2026.

1 • L-6511 was substituted by L-6002, L-6503 2 3 The following progress was made on distribution widening under D010: 4 5 • 62 percent of planned 2025 work has been completed as of October 31, 2025 6 • 80 percent completion is forecast for...

AI summary Progress on distribution widening under D010 shows 62% completion as of October 31, 2025, with 80% expected by year-end. Increased vegetation management costs are attributed to higher traffic control, labor, and expanded scope of work, including enhanced fire monitoring and targeting specific tree species to mitigate risks from wind events.

1 Plans for Replacement of Aging Energy Delivery Equipment & Storm Performance 2 3 The 2015 ACE Plan Terms of Consensus included two commitments with respect to reliability: 4 5 (4) As part of the reliability directive in future ACE Plans,...

AI summary The 2015 ACE Plan Terms of Consensus required NS Power to provide more detailed information on its plans for replacing aging transmission and distribution equipment, including asset descriptions, strategic goals, and inspection data, as recommended by the SBA's consultant, Mary Neal.

30 20 10 0 Age Group 2 3 4 • Expected useful life of 50-60 years depending on the transformer type, utilization, and 5 environmental conditions. 6 7 • Age Demographics – 43.8 percent of Transformers are beyond 50 years of service and 28.3...

AI summary The document discusses the aging of transformers in the electrical grid, noting that 43.8% are over 50 years old and 28.3% over 60 years old. It estimates annual replacements at 7-9 units and highlights that proposed 2026 investments will increase the proportion of aging transformers. Proactive replacement strategies and programs like the transformer spares and mobile substation programs are planned.

300 200 100 0 Age Group 2 3 4 • Expected useful life of 55-65 years depending on the conductor design and environmental 5 conditions. 6 7 • Age Demographics – 36.6 percent of conductor is beyond 55 years of service and 16.3 8 percent beyon...

AI summary The document discusses the aging of transmission conductor assets, noting that 36.6% of conductor is beyond 55 years of service and 16.3% beyond 65 years. The expected useful life is 55-65 years, with a projected increase in the number of assets beyond these ages due to planned capital investments in 2026.

N REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 Figure 86: Padmount Transformer Age Profile Padmount Transformer Age Profile 900 Number of Padmounts in Age Group 800 700 2025 Age Profile 600 500 2026 Age Profile 400 300 200 100 0

AI summary The document presents a padmount transformer age profile for 2025 and 2026, showing the number of transformers in different age groups. This data is likely used for planning capital expenditures and infrastructure upgrades.

1 11.1.6 CIS Replacement Project – Status Update 2 3 The Board’s letter dated October 1, 2025 pertaining to a customer DRO appeal provided the 4 following directive: 5 6 NS Power is directed to include specific updates about its Customer I...

AI summary The NSEB has directed NS Power to include updates on the CIS Replacement Project in its Annual Capital Expenditure filings until the project is completed. The current CIS, installed in 1997, is no longer supported and poses significant technological risks despite recent upgrades.

2026 Transmission Plant Land Rights - Easements 1.26% Station Equipment 2.14% Towers & Fixtures 1.26% Poles & Fixtures 4.32% Overhead Conductors & Devices 1.96% Underground Conduit 1.53% Underground Conductors & Devices 2.61% Roads, Trails...

AI summary The text outlines the distribution of costs across various components of the Transmission and Distribution Plant, including land rights, equipment, and infrastructure, with percentages allocated to each category.

2026 ACE Plan C0080206 Page 2 of 5 JUSTIFICATION: Justification Criteria: Thermal Sub Criteria: Equipment Replacement/ Refurbishment Why do this project? NS Power conducts condition and risk assessment and analysis based on the annual boil...

AI summary NS Power is proposing the replacement of boiler components such as tubes, tube shielding, and tube locks to enhance system reliability, mitigate the risk of unplanned outages, and ensure safe and cost-effective operation. The project is necessary due to the increased risk of failures from degraded components and the potential for higher costs from emergency repairs.

ficient, and cost-effective operation of the boiler, while supporting sustained asset integrity and reliability of the asset and maintaining the operating license compliance. Why do this project now? The inspection, refurbishment, and repl...

AI summary The project involves the inspection, refurbishment, and replacement of boiler tubes and tube shields during scheduled outages to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation while maintaining compliance with industry standards. This is necessary due to the high temperatures, pressures, and abrasive conditions these components operate under, which make regular maintenance essential.

General Project Data A. Scope Non-Process Facilities (Infrastructure, Ports, Pipeline, Power Transmission) Defined (D) P P D D D Project Scope of Work Description Preliminary (P) P P Byproduct and Waste Disposal Defined (D) NR P D D D Site...

AI summary The document outlines general project data, including scope, capacity, location, requirements, and technology selection for infrastructure and power transmission projects. It categorizes elements as defined (D), preliminary (P), or not required (NR).

onmental Monitoring Not Applicable (NA) NR NR E. Technology Selection Process Technology Not Applicable (NA) F. Strategy Contracting/Sourcing Defined (D) NR P D D D Escalation Defined (D) NR P D D D G. Planning Logistics Plan Preliminary (...

AI summary The text outlines various project planning and management aspects, including technology selection, contracting strategies, logistics planning, and regulatory approvals, with statuses ranging from defined to preliminary.

NR P Start-up & Commissioning Plan Preliminary (P) NR P P/D H. Studies Environmental Impact/Sustainability Assessment Not Applicable (NA) NR Environment/Existing Conditions Not Applicable (NA) NR Soils & Hydrology Not Applicable (NA) NR Te...

AI summary The document outlines the status of various technical deliverables for a project, including the completion of equipment data sheets, process flow diagrams, and design specifications, with some items marked as not applicable or preliminary.

Complete (C) NR S/P C C C Electrical One-Line Drawings Not Applicable (NA) NR General Equipment Arrangement Drawings Complete (C) NR S/P C C C Instrument List Complete (C) NR S/P C C C Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams Complete (C) NR S/P...

AI summary The document outlines the status of various technical and construction-related deliverables for a project, indicating completeness, preliminary status, or not applicable status for different categories such as drawings, permits, and schedules.

ment 2026 Start Date: 2026/08 In-Service Date: 2026/10 Final Cost Date: 2027/04 Function: Steam Forecast Amount: $1,024,385 DESCRIPTION: This project will replace refractory components in the Point Aconi boiler system, following inspection...

AI summary This project involves replacing refractory components in the Point Aconi boiler system to ensure safe and efficient operation, reduce thermal losses, and prevent unplanned outages. The work includes key areas such as cyclones, combustor-to-cyclone crossover ducts, and lower combustor sections, with a forecasted cost of $1,024,385.

100% 100% 80% 80% 73% towards Class Estimate Comments: This project is being filed as a Class 3 estimate. The defined deliverables for this project indicate that 80% of Class 3 deliverables are completed. A contingency value of 10% was sel...

AI summary The TUC Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishment project involves installing an 80-meter sloped rock revetment to address deteriorated steel sheet pile structures at the Tufts Cove Generating Station. The project is part of the 2026 ACE Plan with a forecast cost of $5,691,466, and a contingency of 10% has been included to account for risks such as material cost volatility and potential scope changes.

t has the highest total score among the 3 design options in the chosen weighted criteria which included design criteria, operational impacts, regulatory considerations, and probable cost. In addition: a. The design was the most simple and...

AI summary The rock revetment design option was selected due to its simplicity, lower environmental impact, and longer service life compared to other options. It requires less maintenance and has a 50-year design service life, whereas the retaining wall option has a shorter lifespan and higher maintenance needs.

Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix General Construction Required fields: Estimate Classification Project Name: TUC Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishment Started or Preliminary Class 5 Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Matu...

AI summary The text presents a Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix for the TUC Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishment project. It outlines the project's scope, capacity, location, and requirements, with classifications for estimate maturity levels and required fields.

D D Project Schedule Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Preliminary (P) NR P Risk Register Defined (D) NR P D D D Stakeholder Consultation/Engagement/Management Plan Preliminary (P) NR P Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)...

AI summary The text outlines various project deliverables and their status, including the Project Schedule, Regulatory Approval, Risk Register, and Environmental Impact Assessments. It indicates the status of deliverables as Defined (D), Preliminary (P), Not Applicable (NA), or Complete (C) and includes notes on stakeholder engagement and technical specifications.

Complete (C) NR S/P C C C Electrical One-Line Drawings Not Applicable (NA) NR General Equipment Arrangement Drawings Complete (C) NR S/P C C C Plot Plans/Facility Layouts Not Applicable (NA) NR Room Classification Datasheet Not Applicable...

AI summary The text outlines various documentation requirements and statuses for different project components, including drawings, plans, and permits, with statuses such as 'Complete (C)', 'Not Applicable (NA)', 'Preliminary (P)', and 'P/C'. It provides a structured overview of the project's documentation needs.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0021608 Attachment 1 Page 3 of 34 C. Lebans Page 3 The remainder of the SSP wall in this area has been largely untouched and was observed during a condition assessment in October 2...

AI summary The document discusses the poor condition of an SSP wall in a coastal area, noting corrosion due to seawater exposure. An inspection in October 2022 identified the need for remediation to ensure structural stability. Corrosion is particularly severe in the splash zone and around low water areas.

otection called an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system was noted to be installed at the SSP wall location which acts by energizing the wall with electrical current using a continuous power Page 4 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 161 o...

AI summary The document discusses the installation of an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system at the SSP wall location to prevent corrosion. It also outlines the original design specifications and thickness of the PS28 flat web sheet piles used in the construction of the cells.

have no capacity for any significant loading acting on the top portion of the cells where the corrosion is the greatest, and the remainder of the cell below the mid tide zone has compromised capacity. It should be noted that while most sev...

AI summary The document discusses corrosion issues on the SSP circular cell wall, noting significant corrosion on the seaward face and potential corrosion in the buried portion. CBCL has proposed three remediation options with concept drawings and cost estimates, though detailed design is required due to limited site information.

nfirm final configurations. Design Criteria To develop these options, CBCL has established the following design criteria, based on NPSI’s requirements and typical designs of similar structures: Table 1 - Proposed Design Criteria Criteria V...

AI summary The document outlines the design criteria for a structure, including a 50-year design life, surcharge loading, and deck elevation. It notes that the proposed deck elevation does not account for sea level rise, which may impact the site during detailed design.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0021608 Attachment 1 Page 9 of 34 C. Lebans Page 9 Demolition & Removals The condition survey noted that the top portion of all SSP cells is highly deteriorated, and it is recommen...

AI summary The document discusses the condition of SSP cells and the need for temporary support and removal of piping and parts of the wharf access bridge during repairs. It also outlines Option 1, which involves installing a new anchored combi-wall to replace the existing SSP wall.

l. If it is determined that driving conditions are more favorable, it may be possible to omit the king piles and construct the wall of SSP Z-panels, resulting in lower overall project costs. To achieve a 50-year design life, it is expected...

AI summary The text discusses potential construction modifications for a project involving the installation of a combi wall and the extension of a cold-water intake. It outlines options for reducing costs by omitting certain components and using alternative materials. The proposed design includes measures to ensure a 50-year lifespan and prevent corrosion.

2026 ACE Plan C0021608 Attachment 1 Page 12 of 34 C. Lebans Page 12 Figure 11 - Option 1 TUC3 Intake Extension In summary, this option would provide a brand-new structure that will have a service life of 50 years, with minimal maintenance...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan discusses two options for infrastructure improvements: Option 1 involves a new structure with a 50-year service life but may require additional regulatory steps due to seabed encroachment. Option 2 proposes a concrete retaining wall and partial cell encapsulation to minimize operational disruption.

ated on the top of the SSP cell. To reduce impact on operations, the front of the proposed cantilevered retaining wall will be located to provide sufficient working room around the existing piping. Figure 12 - Option 2 General Arrangement...

AI summary The text discusses a proposed concrete encapsulation project for SSP cells, which will serve as a sacrificial coating to prevent corrosion. Structural analysis of the SSP cells is required to ensure they can resist lateral loads, and reinforcement may be necessary. Installation details include the use of curved formwork, reinforcing mesh, and tremie pipes for concrete placement.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0021608 Attachment 1 Page 14 of 34 C. Lebans Page 14 Figure 13 - Option 2 Typical Section There is some uncertainty regarding the long-term viability of this option. The existing S...

AI summary This document discusses the potential vulnerabilities of existing SSP (Steel Sheet Pile) cells in a proposed infrastructure project. There is uncertainty about their long-term viability, particularly concerning corrosion in the buried portion of the cells. An investigation into the current condition of the buried portion is recommended before proceeding with detailed design.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0021608 Attachment 1 Page 15 of 34 C. Lebans Page 15 Option 3 – Rock Revetment This option is very similar to the existing rock revetment installed in front of TUC1, TUC2, and TUC3...

AI summary Option 3 involves the installation of a rock revetment with a 700mm median diameter armour rock in two layers at a 1V:2H slope, which would replace the existing SSP wall and reduce the need for maintenance following storm events.

NSPI TUFTS COVE SSP WALL REPAIR MARINE EXISTING CONDITIONS

AI summary The text references a wall repair project at Tufts Cove involving steel sheet pile (SSP) walls under the marine conditions section, indicating existing conditions related to the infrastructure.

CONSTRUCTION A ISSUED FOR REVIEW MAR 9/23 JEF No. Description Date By NSPI TUFTS COVE SSP WALL REPAIR MARINE

AI summary The document references a construction project related to the repair of the Tufts Cove Steel Sheet Pile (SSP) wall, issued for review on March 9, 2023, by NSPI (Nova Scotia Power Incorporated).

CONSTRUCTION A ISSUED FOR REVIEW MAR 9/23 JEF No. Description Date By NSPI TUFTS COVE SSP WALL REPAIR MARINE

AI summary The document references a construction project related to the repair of the Tufts Cove Steel Sheet Pile (SSP) wall, issued for review on March 9, 2023, by NSPI (Nova Scotia Power Incorporated).

Drawing No DRAWING NAME: Y:\HALIFAX\DATA\PROJECTS\2022\220322.00 NSPI TUFTS COVE SSP WALL\44 CAD\03 STRUCT\220322.00-MSK04.DWG LAYOUT NAME: OPTION 2 - NEW RETAINING WALL PLOT DATE: Thursday, March 9, 2023 11:12:16 AM CAD OPERATOR: LULI MSK...

AI summary The text appears to be a technical drawing and related documentation for a construction project, specifically a retaining wall at Tufts Cove, associated with the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) and contract number C0021608. The document is labeled as confidential and partially redacted.

NSPI TUFTS COVE SSP WALL REPAIR MARINE OPTION 2 - ELEVATION AND SECTIONS

AI summary The text refers to a project titled 'Tufts Cove SSP Wall Repair' under the 'Marine' category, with a focus on 'Option 2 - Elevation and Sections'. The document appears to be related to infrastructure planning or maintenance.

NSPI TUFTS COVE SSP WALL REPAIR MARINE OPTION 3 - NEW ROCK REVETMENT

AI summary The document outlines a project titled 'Tufts Cove SSP Wall Repair' under the 'Marine' category, with a specific focus on 'Option 3 - New Rock Revetment'. This suggests a plan for repairing or reinforcing a structure using a new rock revetment.

REMOVED) REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0068898 Page 1 of 5 CI Number: C0068898 Title: TUC1 IP LP Last Stage Blade Replacement Start Date: 2025/05 In-Service Date: 2026/06 Final Cost Date: 2026/12 Function: Steam Forecast Amount: $5,215,861 DESCR...

AI summary This project involves the replacement of L-0 blades on the Tufts Cove Unit 1 turbines to ensure safe and reliable operation. The blades are subject to erosion and fatigue, and the project is justified under the Thermal Equipment Refurbishment/Replacement sub-criteria. The estimated cost is $5,215,861, with a projected in-service date of 2026/06.

Defined (D) NR P D D D Escalation Not Applicable (NA) NR G. Planning Logistics Plan Preliminary (P) P P P Integrated Project Plan Not Applicable (NA) NR Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P...

AI summary The text outlines project planning and management phases, including logistics, integrated project plans, project codes of accounts, schedules, regulatory approvals, risk registers, and start-up plans. It also mentions the absence of certain studies like environmental impact assessments and technical deliverables such as block flow diagrams.

6.6 Contracting Entity Purchase order shall be issued to: EthosEnergy Canada, Ltd. 3100 South Sam Houston Parkway East Houston, TX 77047 www.ethosenergy.com 6.7 Terms and Conditions EthosEnergy has attached a copy of our standard terms and...

AI summary The document outlines a contract with EthosEnergy Canada, Ltd. for the TUC2 Stack Coating and Structural Refurbishment project at the Tufts Cove Generating Station. The project involves removing existing coatings, repairing concrete cracks, and applying a two-layer epoxy coating system to extend the asset's life.

e external stack column, and the application of a two-layer epoxy coating system to Unit 2 of the Tufts Cove Generating Station (TUC) concrete chimney stack to restore integrity and extend asset life. The stacks at Tufts Cove Generating St...

AI summary This document discusses the refurbishment of the TUC 2 stack column at Tufts Cove Generating Station, including the application of a two-layer epoxy coating system. The project is justified based on findings from a 2024 inspection that revealed extensive cracking in the stack, necessitating repairs to restore integrity and extend asset life. The asset is classified under the Steam Production Plant – Tufts Cove 2 depreciation class with an estimated life of 25 years.

ware as the environment adjacent to saltwater is known to be corrosive. Core sample analysis revealed extensive multi-dimensional cracking, with some extending through the full thickness of the stack. The inspection report (please refer to...

AI summary The inspection report identified extensive cracking in the TUC2 stack due to freeze-thaw cycling and corrosive environments. The report recommends applying new protective coatings and refurbishing major cracks to prevent further damage and ensure structural integrity. The project is being undertaken now to avoid long-term asset degradation, structural risks, and safety concerns.

asset life of the stack, pose structural integrity risks, and present safety concerns, particularly the potential for material to spall from the stack column at height. Why do this project this way? Removal of existing coatings, targeted c...

AI summary The project involves removing existing coatings, refurbishing concrete, and applying a two-coat epoxy system to restore a chimney stack. This method ensures structural integrity and long-term protection. Contingency planning accounts for weather-related risks, such as wind, rain, and humidity, which could increase costs or delay the project.

Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix General Construction Required fields: Estimate Classification Project Name: TUC2 Stack Coating and Structural Refurbishment Started or Preliminary Class 5 Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Cl...

AI summary This document outlines a Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix for the TUC2 Stack Coating and Structural Refurbishment project, detailing required fields, project definition maturity levels, and general project data including scope, capacity, location, and requirements.

Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Defined (D) NR P D D D Risk Register Preliminary (P) NR P Stakeholder Consultation/Engagement/Management Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Defined (D) NR P D...

AI summary The text outlines various project planning and regulatory documentation stages, including definitions, risk registers, stakeholder engagement, work breakdown structures, and technical deliverables. It highlights the preliminary and defined status of several components, with some items marked as not applicable.

100% 100% 72% 72% 61% Percentage towards Class Estimate Comments: This project is being filed as a Class 3 estimate. The defined deliverables for this project indicate that 72% of Class 3 deliverables are completed. A contingency value of...

AI summary The document outlines a Class 3 estimate for a project with 72% of deliverables completed. A 20% contingency was applied to cover contractor cost risks. The text includes a redacted inspection report for Unit #2 at Tufts Cove Generating Station, submitted as part of the 2026 ACE Plan.

TABLE OF CONTENTS I. INTRODUCTION II. DESCRIPTION III. INSPECTION FINDINGS / RECOMMENDATIONS IV. PHOTOGRAPHS & COMMENTARY Exterior photos: Photo Numbers: Column North Drop 1-25 Column East Drop 26-46 Column South West Drop 47-69 Date: Dece...

AI summary This document outlines an inspection conducted by Commonwealth Dynamics Limited on the TUC #2 chimney at the Tufts Cove Generating Station. The inspection involved three core extraction drops and focused on assessing the condition of the concrete wall, particularly column cracking and delamination.

fety cable from elevation 0’-0” to elevation 492’-0” Platforms: Four (4) interior platforms (annular space) locations. One (1) 360° CEMS platform at elevation 125’-0”; one (1) partial 180° AOL balcony at elevation 240’-0”; One (1) par- tia...

AI summary This document describes the structural and technical specifications of the Tufts Cove Generating Station Unit #2, including platform locations, breeching ducts, LPS cables, AOL obstruction lights, and access doors. It is part of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) under contract number C0080134.

2026 ACE Plan C0080134 Attachment 1 Page 16 of 45 NSPI 16 Tufts Cove Generating station. Unit # 2 Job number 2924 13. Elevation 390’ open pocket along the seam at cold joint, likely from original construc- tion, concrete hammer tests hollo...

AI summary This document is part of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) and includes details about the Tufts Cove Generating Station, Unit #2. It describes structural issues such as cracks, cold joints, and hollow concrete at various elevations along the station.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0080133 Page 2 of 5 excess of 50,000 hours since its last major inspection and will be due for overhaul in 2027 based on NS Power’s asset management strategy. Completing this project in a planned manner, assessing c...

AI summary The document discusses the planned refurbishment of the Intermediate Pressure (IP) turbine at Tufts Cove 3 (TUC3) during the 2027 outage to ensure continued safe and reliable operation, mitigate risks of unplanned outages, and align with NS Power’s asset management strategy. The project aims to reduce operational risks and maintain system reliability.

025 Page 291 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0080133 Attachment 2 Page 5 of 7 Nova Scotia Power 2026 TUC3 IP Major 1.0 Executive Summary Siemens Energy will be offering the following scop...

AI summary This document outlines the scope of services Siemens Energy will provide for the Nova Scotia Power 2026 Tufts Cove 3 IP Major outage, including pre-planning activities, resource allocation, and specific tasks such as bearing replacement, casing elevation checks, and rotor bore inspection.

Building Floors Not Applicable (NA) Security System Not Applicable (NA) NR/P LEED Certification Level Not Applicable (NA) NR/P Codes and/or Standards Not Applicable (NA) NR Communication Systems Not Applicable (NA) NR Exterior Closure Desc...

AI summary The document outlines various aspects of a project, including building floors, security systems, LEED certification, and communication systems, which are marked as not applicable. It also covers technology selection, contracting, logistics, and project planning, with some elements defined or in preliminary stages.

D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting Defined (D) NR P D D D Risk Register Preliminary (P) NR P Stakeholder Consultation/Engagement/Management Plan Not Applicable (NA) NR Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)...

AI summary The document outlines project schedules, regulatory approvals, and technical deliverables for a project, including the status of various plans and studies. Some items are marked as complete, while others are in preliminary or not applicable stages.

CI Number: C0068888 Project No. : Continuous Ash Hauling System Avoided Replacement Energy Costs Avoided Unplanned Repair Costs Total Annual Avoided Costs Year 2026 2027 2026 2027 2026 2027 Replacement Energy Cost ($/MWh) 0.00 0.00 Repair...

AI summary The Continuous Ash Hauling System analysis shows no energy replacement or unplanned repair costs for 2026 and 2027, with a 100% capacity factor in 2026 dropping to 50% in 2027. The total capital cost of the alternative is listed as $1,359,984. The 'Do Nothing' option is presented as an alternative.

or expiration of this Agreement including, but not limited to, the following provisions: Section 9 (Insurance), Section 20 (Limitation of Liability), Section 23 (Governing Law), Section 28 (Confidential Information) and this Section 31 (Su...

AI summary This document outlines the refurbishment of the Burnside Unit #2 Combustion Turbine engine, including the scope of work, cost, and timeline. The project is necessary due to damage observed on stage 9 blades and aims to restore the unit's functionality and reliability within the NS Power electrical system.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) procedures. Without this teardown, there remains a significant risk that hidden defects could evolve into unplanned unit failures. Why do this project this way? A “run to failure” strategy is not appro...

AI summary The document discusses the decision to refurbish an existing engine rather than replace it, citing risks of unplanned failures and the cost-effectiveness of refurbishment. It references the 2025 10-Year System Outlook and the Evergreen IRP scenario, emphasizing the need to maintain system reliability and align with the Province’s Clean Power Plan.

Defined (D) NR P D D D G. Planning Logistics Plan Defined (D) P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Not Applicable (NA) NR Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting D...

AI summary The document outlines various planning and study components for a project, including logistics, integrated project plans, risk registers, and environmental assessments. Some sections are marked as not applicable or preliminary, indicating the current status of planning and documentation.

782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0080135 Attachment 1 Page 19 of 21 BGT2 BSI March 25, 2025 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 350 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C...

AI summary This document outlines a transmission line replacement project for L-7012, a 230 kV line built in 1982, requiring upgrades due to deteriorated assets identified through NS Power’s inspection program. The project involves replacing assets on 72 structures and is part of the 2026 ACE Plan.

replace deteriorated assets that have been identified through NS Power’s transmission line inspection program. This project includes the replacement of deteriorated assets on a total of 72 structures. The project scope includes: - Structur...

AI summary The project involves replacing deteriorated assets on 72 transmission line structures to ensure the reliable operation of the transmission line and mitigate the risk of unplanned interruptions. The work is prioritized based on the condition of the assets and the criticality of the line to the overall system.

ansmission line inspection program results, as well as the criticality of the line to the overall system operation. This project is required to support the reliable operation of the transmission line. This project is deemed in-service when...

AI summary The document discusses a transmission line replacement and upgrade project, emphasizing the need to replace deteriorated assets for reliable system operation. The project is classified as Class 3 with a 15% contingency due to risks such as overtime work, material cost increases, and remote access challenges. The project is expected to be in-service by January 2026, with the final cost date set for January 2028.

VED) 2026 ACE Plan C0080110 Page 4 of 5 Instructions: Select option in Column B. Document No: XXX-XX-XXXX-XXXX Columns C through G will auto-populate. Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix Transmission Line Infrastructu...

AI summary The document outlines a project cost estimate input checklist and maturity matrix for the L7012 Replacements and Upgrades Phase 1 transmission line infrastructure project. It includes fields for project maturity levels and estimate classifications.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Preliminary (P) NR P B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Project...

AI summary The document outlines general project data for an infrastructure project, detailing scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning. It specifies the status of various project components as defined or preliminary, and includes information on environmental monitoring and logistics.

Preliminary (P) NR P Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting Preliminary (P) NR P Risk Register Preliminary (P) NR P Stakeholder Consultation/Engagement/Managem...

AI summary The text outlines various project management and regulatory documents related to a project, including the Code of Accounts, Schedule, Risk Register, and Stakeholder Management Plan. It also mentions studies such as Routing Options, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Topography, with some sections marked as preliminary or not applicable.

Technical Deliverables (Specifications and/or Drawings) Conductor, Insulator, Grounding, Joint Design (including protection for buried or subsea) Complete (C) S P C C C Foundation/Structure (Tower) Design Not Applicable (NA) Route Mapping/...

AI summary The text outlines technical deliverables and their status for a project, including conductor, insulator, grounding, joint design, foundation/structure design, route mapping, and other specifications. Most items are marked as complete or preliminary, with some noted as not applicable.

required to complete the project within the available outage window, unforeseen material or contract cost increases, or unforeseen costs related to accessing structures in wet or remote locations. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 361 of 782 RE...

AI summary The document outlines the 70W-T52 transformer addition project at the 70W High St. Bridgewater substation, aimed at enhancing system reliability, supporting load growth, and future voltage conversion. The new transformer will operate in parallel with 70W-T53 and allow for the eventual retirement of 70W-T51 once feeder conversions are complete.

mobile transformer connection capable of accommodating larger mobile units, addressing long-standing substation access challenges and eliminating the need for foreseeable future upgrades at the site. Summary of Related CIs +/- 2 years Purs...

AI summary The project involves adding a new 69kV-12kV transformer in Bridgewater to address aging infrastructure, increase capacity, and support long-term distribution planning. The existing 69-4.2kV transformer is over 68 years old and has exceeded its service life. The new transformer will operate in parallel with an existing one, providing redundancy and enabling the conversion of 4kV feeders to 12kV.

ructure readiness ahead of the 4kV feeder conversion project. Keeping 70W-T51 in service during the transition maintains 4kV system supply as load is converted to 12kV. Why do this project this way? This project takes a phased approach by...

AI summary This project involves a phased approach to upgrade the 4kV feeder system by adding a new transformer to off-load an existing one and provide contingency capacity. The plan includes retiring an old transformer once the conversion is complete, which will free up space for larger mobile units. The project aligns with NS Power’s asset management strategy and has a 15% contingency for risks like material costs and schedule delays.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Defined (D) NR P D D D B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Projec...

AI summary The document outlines general project data including scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning for a project. It details the defined and preliminary status of various aspects such as site infrastructure, voltage, environmental monitoring, and logistics planning.

P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Preliminary (P) NR P Risk Register Defined (D) NR P D D D Sta...

AI summary The text outlines various project management components and their status, including Integrated Project Plan, Project Code of Accounts, Project Schedule, and others, with some items marked as 'Defined (D)' and others as 'Preliminary (P)' or 'Not Applicable (NA)'.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0070909 Attachment 1 Page 2 of 16 Bridgewater Area Planning Study Addendum EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This addendum to the 2006 Bridgewater Distribution Planning Study 211-0606-W62 provides updated justification and context...

AI summary This addendum updates the 2006 Bridgewater Distribution Planning Study, justifying the retirement of an aging transformer and its replacement with a higher-capacity unit. The upgrade is needed due to evolving load profiles and approaching system limits, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and complete by 2029.

TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................... i TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................

AI summary The document outlines the scope and findings of a study related to system upgrades and conditions in the Nova Scotia power system, including feeder voltage levels, substation loading, and deteriorated plant conditions.

W-AREA-2025-017 Nov 10, 2025 ii Date: December 12, 2025 Page 370 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0070909 Attachment 1 Page 4 of 16 Bridgewater Area Planning Study Addendum 1.0 SCOPE This...

AI summary This addendum updates the Bridgewater Area System Planning Study, focusing on transformer 70W-T51 and the conversion of the distribution system from 4 kV to 12 kV. It highlights stable loading on 70W-T51, increased loading on 70W-T53, and the need for a new 69 kV-12 kV transformer to support the conversion and improve system reliability.

W-AREA-2025-017 Nov 10, 2025 3 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 371 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0070909 Attachment 1 Page 5 of 16 Bridgewater Area Planning Study Addendum 2.0 SUMMARY OF O...

AI summary The Bridgewater Area System Planning Study identified the 70W-High Street substation as a critical supply point. It outlined three reinforcement alternatives, with Alternative A-1 proposing replacing a transformer and converting 4 kV feeders to 12 kV to relieve the 89W substation. This alternative was not pursued due to higher costs, but a later transformer replacement at 89W resolved the issue. Alternative B-1 suggested replacing 70W-T51 while maintaining the 4 kV system.

ely recommended proceeding with Alternative B-2, establishing a long-term plan for 70W-High Street Substation to transition entirely to 12 kV operation once all remaining 4 kV loads were converted. W-AREA-2025-017 Nov 10, 2025 4 Date: Dece...

AI summary The document discusses the deferred conversion of the 70W-High Street Substation from 4 kV to 12 kV operation, highlighting the need for a long-term plan to complete the transition initiated in the 2006 Bridgewater Area Study. System upgrades since 2006 have not fully resolved the need for additional 12 kV capacity.

Date: December 12, 2025 Page 375 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0070909 Attachment 1 Page 9 of 16 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 376 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMO...

AI summary The Bridgewater Area Planning Study Addendum evaluates two alternatives to address transformer and contingency capacity issues at 70W-High Street Substation. Alternative A involves replacing transformer 70W-T51 in 2026 and adding a new transformer in 2027, with an estimated investment of $5.4 million.

lternative resolves the immediate Deteriorated Plant Criteria Violation associated with the existing transformer, it retains the 4 kV system in service, requiring ongoing maintenance of aging assets. 5.2 Alternative B – Add T52 (69-12 kV,...

AI summary Alternative B proposes installing a new transformer and converting remaining 4 kV feeders to 12 kV, retiring an aging transformer and eliminating the need for ongoing investment in the 4 kV system. This option aligns with Nova Scotia Power’s voltage standardization strategy and offers long-term operational benefits.

removes the need for ongoing investment in the 4 kV system. Alternative B is therefore the recommended solution, offering the lowest cost with significantly higher system and operational benefits. W-AREA-2025-017 Nov 10, 2025 9 Date: Decem...

AI summary The Bridgewater Area Planning Study Addendum concludes that Alternative B is the recommended solution for replacing transformer 70W-T51 and completing voltage conversions at 70W-High Street Substation. The project will retire 4 kV assets, upgrade to 12 kV transformation, and align with Nova Scotia Power’s long-term distribution strategy. The estimated investment is $4.3 million, with completion planned for January 2029.

iorated transmission assets that have been identified through NS Power’s transmission line inspection program. This project includes the replacement of deteriorated assets on a total of 59 structures. The project scope includes: - Structur...

AI summary This project involves replacing deteriorated transmission assets identified through NS Power’s inspection program, including 12 structure replacements and others. The work is necessary to maintain system reliability and redundancy, and the project is prioritized based on asset condition and system criticality.

ansmission line inspection program results, as well as the criticality of the line to the overall system operation. This project is required to support the reliable operation of the transmission line. This project is deemed in-service when...

AI summary This document discusses a transmission line replacement and upgrade project, emphasizing the need to replace deteriorated assets as the only technically feasible option. It outlines the project timeline, with the first portion expected to be completed in January 2026 and the final cost date set for January 2028. A contingency of 15% is applied based on past project experiences and risk factors.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Preliminary (P) NR P B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Project...

AI summary The text outlines general project data for a development, including scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning. It categorizes various aspects of the project as either defined (D) or preliminary (P), with some sections marked as not applicable (NA) or not rated (NR).

ntegrated Project Plan Preliminary (P) NR P Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting Preliminary (P) NR P Risk Register Preliminary (P) NR P Stakeholder Consulta...

AI summary The document outlines various project management components, including the Integrated Project Plan, Project Code of Accounts, Project Schedule, and Risk Register, with some items in preliminary or defined stages. It also includes sections on studies such as routing options, environmental impact assessments, and topography, with some sections marked as not applicable.

Technical Deliverables (Specifications and/or Drawings) Conductor, Insulator, Grounding, Joint Design (including protection for buried or subsea) Complete (C) S P C C C Foundation/Structure (Tower) Design Not Applicable (NA) Route Mapping/...

AI summary The text outlines technical deliverables and their status for a project, including conductor, insulator, grounding, joint design, foundation/structure design, route mapping, and other specifications. Most items are marked as complete or preliminary, with some noted as not applicable.

required to complete the project within the available outage window, unforeseen material or contract cost increases, or unforeseen costs related to accessing structures in wet or remote locations. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 387 of 782 RE...

AI summary This document outlines the 76W-T1 Transformer Replacement project at Mahone Bay Substation, which involves replacing an aging transformer with a higher capacity unit, upgrading infrastructure, and improving safety standards. The project is part of the 2026 ACE Plan and has a forecasted cost of $2,818,855.

The project also includes redesigning and installing new transformer foundation, adding a new transmission structure, improving oil containment, and updating the ground grid to meet modern standards. Summary of Related CIs +/- 2 years: Pur...

AI summary The project involves replacing the 76W-T1 transformer in Mahone Bay due to its end-of-life status, internal overheating signs, and anticipated load growth. The transformer is the sole supply to the town, and replacement is necessary for reliable and safe power delivery.

icates that replacing the unit with a new, higher-capacity transformer is the best approach. Overall, this project is crucial to maintain reliable, safe, and efficient power delivery to Mahone Bay. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 389 of 782 R...

AI summary This project involves replacing a transformer (76W-T1) to prevent unplanned failure and ensure reliable power delivery to Mahone Bay. The presence of ethylene in the main tank indicates internal degradation, and delaying replacement increases the risk of sudden failure. The project also aligns with the Town of Mahone Bay’s planned low-voltage infrastructure upgrades and NS Power’s asset management strategy.

uire similar upgrades to another transformer elsewhere on the system to handle the increased load. Therefore, replacing the existing transformer at 76W is the most practical and cost-effective choice. Upgrading the high voltage substation...

AI summary The document discusses the replacement of a transformer at 76W and upgrades to a high voltage substation structure to ensure reliability and alignment with modern design standards. A 15% contingency is applied to project costs, excluding the transformer, to account for potential risks such as overtime work and unexpected service wire deterioration.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Defined (D) NR P D D D B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Projec...

AI summary The document outlines general project data for an infrastructure project, covering scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning. Key elements include defined and preliminary status for various project components, with some sections marked as not applicable.

Defined (D) P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Not Applicable (NA) NR Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting Defined (D) NR P D D D Risk Register Not Applicable...

AI summary The text outlines the status of various project management and regulatory components for an integrated project plan, including definitions, preliminary stages, and not applicable items, with a focus on environmental and stakeholder considerations.

Preliminary (P) NR S/P P Erosion Control Plan & Drawings Preliminary (P) NR S/P P Foundation/Structure (Tower) Discipline Drawings Preliminary (P) NR S/P P Tower/Structure Location/Spotting Complete (C) NR S/P P C C Instrument Datasheets C...

AI summary The text provides a summary of project deliverables and their completion status across different disciplines, including erosion control plans, foundation/structure drawings, and electrical discipline drawings. It lists the number of deliverables and their percentage completion towards the class estimate.

ently not capable of live-line operation. Live line switches can be operated while the circuit is energized. These switches isolate line L-6536 and have reached end-of-life, with one being inoperable. Due to the existing switches not being...

AI summary The existing switches on line L-6536 are not capable of live-line operation and have reached end-of-life, requiring an outage for safe work. The project involves upgrading switches to support live-line operation, with no related projects planned in the next five years. The asset has an estimated life of 35 years and falls under the Transmission Plant depreciation class.

f Retirement: Accounting Policy 6420 – Retirement and disposal of Capital Assets • Percentage of Asset Pool: 0.23% JUSTIFICATION: Justification Criteria: Transmission Plant Why do this project? The installation of the new switches will ena...

AI summary The project involves replacing two end-of-life switches (22N-603 and 22N-604) to enable live-line operation, reducing outages and improving reliability. The current switches are difficult to operate and their failure could lead to unplanned outages. A new ground grid and switches will allow more efficient operations and mitigate risks.

e of salaries across a variety of jobs within similar classifications including fringe, and are used solely for budgeting purposes. Note 2: Small differences in totals are attributable to rounding. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 396 of 782 R...

AI summary The text provides a project cost estimate input checklist and maturity matrix for the L6536 Switch Replacements transmission line infrastructure project, including classification levels and required fields for project definition deliverables.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Defined (D) NR P D D D B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Projec...

AI summary The document outlines general project data, including scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning for a project. It details the status of various components as defined or preliminary, with some elements marked as not applicable.

P P Integrated Project Plan Preliminary (P) NR P Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting Defined (D) NR P D D D Risk Register Preliminary (P) NR P Stakeholder C...

AI summary The text outlines various project planning and regulatory components for an initiative, including the Integrated Project Plan, Project Code of Accounts, Project Schedule, Regulatory Approval & Permitting, Risk Register, and Stakeholder Consultation/Management Plan. It also references studies such as Routing Options, Topography & Bathymetry, and Environment/Existing Conditions, with varying levels of definition and applicability.

ng Station to the transmission grid, enabling the delivery of renewable hydroelectric energy. Its continued degradation poses operational, financial, and environmental risks. Why do this project now? The 96H-T1 transformer is consistently...

AI summary The document discusses the need to replace a transformer due to oil leaks and its location near a river, which poses environmental risks. Replacement is deemed necessary due to the transformer's degraded condition, lack of OEM support, and the cost-effectiveness of replacement over refurbishment.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Defined (D) NR P D D D B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Projec...

AI summary The document outlines general project data for an infrastructure project, including scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning aspects. It details the project's defined parameters and requirements across various categories.

Defined (D) P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Preliminary (P) NR P Risk Register Preliminary (P...

AI summary The text outlines various project management and regulatory planning documents, including the Integrated Project Plan, Project Code of Accounts, and Work Breakdown Structure. It also mentions preliminary stages of regulatory approval and permitting, risk registers, and stakeholder engagement plans. Some studies, such as routing options and environmental assessments, are defined or not applicable.

for specific risks associated with additional overtime work that may be required to complete the project within the available outage window, and any unforeseen material or contract cost increases. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 406 of 782 RE...

AI summary This document discusses the replacement of four Pennsylvania circuit breakers on NS Power’s system, including the risks associated with additional overtime work and unforeseen cost increases. The project involves replacing one 69 kV and three 138 kV circuit breakers, which are considered high risk due to reliability concerns.

uch larger portion of the transmission system and in some cases affects a higher number of customers. This project will complete replacement of four Pennsylvania circuit breakers on NS Power’s system. Summary of Related CIs +/- 2 years: Pu...

AI summary The document discusses the replacement of Pennsylvania circuit breakers on NS Power’s transmission system due to poor performance and reliability concerns. The project is justified based on safety, system reliability, and the unavailability of replacement parts from the original equipment manufacturer. Related capital items and depreciation class information are also provided.

s limited ability to maintain and repair these breakers, combined with their poor operation history, results in an unacceptably high risk associated with continued operation. Why do this project now? These circuit breakers are required to...

AI summary The project aims to replace aging circuit breakers to reduce the risk of failure and ensure reliable transmission system operation. It is part of a multi-year initiative, with the first replacement expected in August 2026 and the final cost date set for June 2029.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Defined (D) NR P D D D B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Projec...

AI summary The document outlines general project data for an infrastructure project, including scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning aspects. It details the project's defined parameters and requirements across various categories.

Defined (D) P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Preliminary (P) NR P Risk Register Defined (D) NR...

AI summary The text outlines various project management documents and studies related to a project, including the Integrated Project Plan, Project Code of Accounts, Project Schedule, and others. It also mentions studies such as Routing Options, Topography & Bathymetry, and Environmental Impact/Sustainablity Assessment, with some marked as not applicable.

for specific risks associated with additional overtime work that may be required to complete the project within the available outage window, and any unforeseen material or contract cost increases. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 411 of 782 RE...

AI summary The document outlines a project to establish new distribution rights-of-way in 2026, targeting areas where existing vegetation management practices are insufficient to prevent tree contacts and ensure reliable system operation. The project is part of the 2026 ACE Plan and is expected to cost $20,889,694.

wer’s distribution system. The new rights-of-way will primarily be established adjacent to the road right-of-way edge, where most distribution feeders are currently located and bordered by vegetation. Phase 11 continues the step change in...

AI summary NS Power is advancing Phase 11 of its distribution rights-of-way program, focusing on improving system resiliency through new rights-of-way establishment and using satellite imagery and AI for prioritization. The project is influenced by vegetation data and landowner cooperation, with targeted circuits subject to change based on permissions and risk factors.

• 2025 CI C0061521 New Distribution Rights-of-Way Phase 10 $20,890,176 • 2027 CI TBD New Distribution Rights-of-Way Phase 12 $TBD • 2028 CI TBD New Distribution Rights-of-Way Phase 13 $TBD Depreciation Class: Distribution Plant - Land Righ...

AI summary This project involves establishing new distribution rights-of-way to support storm hardening and vegetation management, reducing outages by mitigating tree contact issues, particularly outside existing corridors. It aligns with NS Power’s Five-Year Reliability Plan and aims to improve system resilience during normal and extreme weather conditions.

outside existing corridors and contributes to the Plan’s goal of reducing SAIDI through targeted vegetation strategies that improve system resilience during both normal and extreme weather conditions. Tree contacts are a leading cause of o...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of tree contacts on power outages, highlighting that 80% of these contacts occur from trees outside the right-of-way. It outlines how establishing new rights-of-way can reduce such incidents by increasing the separation between trees and distribution feeders, contributing to the Plan’s goal of reducing SAIDI through improved vegetation management strategies.

e of salaries across a variety of jobs within similar classifications including fringe, and are used solely for budgeting purposes. Note 2: Small differences in totals are attributable to rounding. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 416 of 782 R...

AI summary The text includes a checklist and maturity matrix for estimating project costs related to a new distribution right of way infrastructure project, with classifications based on the maturity level of project definition deliverables.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Defined (D) NR P D D D B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Projec...

AI summary The document outlines general project data, including scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning for a project. Key details cover infrastructure, voltage, environmental monitoring, right-of-way, and logistics planning, with various sections defined or not applicable.

P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Not Applicable (NA) NR Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Not Applicable (NA) NR Risk Register Not Applicable (NA) NR S...

AI summary The text outlines the status of various project management components for an integrated project plan, including the project code of accounts, schedule, and stakeholder engagement plan. Several items, such as regulatory approval, risk register, and environmental impact assessment, are marked as not applicable.

of Kms 2023 2024 Feeder Change Completed Condition Condition 103W-312 15 5 3 2 10C-211 7 3 2 1 126H-313 7 4 3 1 127H-411 12 5 3 2 12V-302G 6 5 3 2 16N-301 8 5 3 2 16V-315 10 3 3 0 16V-315G 8 5 3 2 16W-302J 9 3 3 0 18V-412 22 3 3 0 1N-402 5...

AI summary The document presents a table with data on feeder lines, including the number of kilometers, conditions in 2023 and 2024, and changes over time. This appears to be related to infrastructure planning and asset management in the electricity distribution system.

d past outage performance has confirmed that conductor replacement is necessary. Delaying this project increases the likelihood of additional unplanned interruptions for customers served by this line. This project is deemed in service when...

AI summary The document discusses a conductor replacement project necessary to prevent additional unplanned outages. The project is phased, with the first distribution transformer replacement expected in August 2026 and the final cost date set for July 2027. The approach focuses on replacing the most deteriorated sections of the line. A 10% contingency has been applied to cover potential risks such as additional equipment replacement and tree trimming.

Document No: XXX-XX-XXXX-XXXX Columns C through G will auto-populate. Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix Transmission Line Infrastructure Required fields: Estimate Classification Project Name: 36V-303 Baxter's Harbou...

AI summary The document outlines a project cost estimate input checklist and maturity matrix for the 36V-303 Baxter's Harbour Rd Reconductor Phase 1 transmission line infrastructure project, detailing maturity levels and estimate classifications.

d Project Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting Defined (D) NR P D D D Risk Register Defined (D) NR P D D D Stakeholder Consultati...

AI summary The text outlines various project management components, such as the project plan, code of accounts, schedule, and risk register, with varying levels of definition and development. Several studies and assessments are marked as not applicable.

ent. The contingency will also provide coverage for further project requirements including the balancing of load for transformers, and any additional tree trimming required along the service lines. Date: December 12, 2025 Page 424 of 782 R...

AI summary The text discusses a contingency plan for a project, including load balancing for transformers and additional tree trimming along service lines. It also includes a description of a capital item related to a reconductor and line extension project with specific dates and a forecasted cost.

oles and Fixtures Distribution Plant – Overhead Conductors and Devices Distribution Plant – Line Transformers Estimated Life of the Asset: 45 years Retirement Information: • Categorization of Retirement: Accounting Policy 6420 - Retirement...

AI summary The document discusses a project to replace deteriorated poles and conductors on feeder 57C-426H to improve outage performance and enable future customer connections. The project is part of a broader effort to enhance the reliability of the distribution feeder, which has historically had poor performance due to an off-road section.

782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0080612 Page 2 of 5 distribution assets on this feeder section in this manner is imperative, as delaying further upgrades or continuing to operate overhead equipment i...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan outlines a project to reconfigure and upgrade the 57C-426H feeder section between Country Harbour and Indian Harbour Lake, which serves nearly 1,000 customers. The project involves constructing new 3-phase distribution lines and reconductoring existing 1-phase lines. The project is classified as a Class 3 estimate with a 10% contingency to cover risks like equipment replacement and tree trimming.

General Project Data A. Scope Project Scope of Work Description Defined (D) P P D D D Site Infrastructure (Access, Construction Power, Camp, etc.) Defined (D) NR P D D D B. Capacity Voltage (kV) and Circuits Defined (D) P P D D D C. Projec...

AI summary The document outlines general project data for a proposed initiative, detailing scope, capacity, location, requirements, technology selection, strategy, and planning. It includes information on infrastructure, voltage, environmental monitoring, and logistics.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0080612 Page 5 of 5 Legend: Inclusions: Date: December 12, 2025 Page 430 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan C0080111 Page 1 of 5 CI Number: C...

AI summary This document outlines the 2026 RTU Deployment project, which involves installing 21 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) in Nova Scotia substations to improve grid operation and emergency response times. The project is part of General Plant function and has a forecasted cost of $8,322,655.

Defined (D) NR P D D D G. Planning Logistics Plan Defined (D) P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Preliminary (P) NR P Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Preliminary (P) NR P Regulatory Approval & Permitting Def...

AI summary The text outlines various planning and technical deliverables for a project, including logistics, integrated project plans, risk registers, and stakeholder management plans. It also mentions the status of network infrastructure and data architecture as complete.

k. These capabilities will provide detailed asset information to be used in supporting the prioritization of various work streams across Energy Delivery. This project scope includes two key elements: The first component is the establishmen...

AI summary The project involves creating a data capture platform using photographic documentation and machine learning to enhance asset recognition and integration with NS Power's GIS system, improving efficiency and data accessibility across various business units.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan C0080252 Page 2 of 5 JUSTIFICATION: Justification Criteria: Distribution System Why do this project? This project advances NS Power’s overall asset intelligence in a way that is sustainable through the use of the enh...

AI summary This project aims to enhance NS Power’s asset intelligence by integrating advanced technology into their field resources and GIS system, enabling continuous data updates and streamlining customer request processing. The project is being executed now due to the limited timeframe for federal funding, which covers most costs except administrative overheads and contingency.

the work is completed (January 2026); therefore, the Final Cost Date (June 2027) is listed as six months after the last portion of the work is forecast to be completed). Why do this project this way? This project establishes an effective w...

AI summary The project aims to improve data intelligence on distribution assets using technology and machine learning automation, replacing manual and outdated methods. It is fully funded by the federal government except for administrative overheads and is classified as a Class 1 estimate with a 2% contingency applied for unforeseen issues.

D Solution Contracting / RFP Defined (D) NR P D D D G. Planning Cross Team Planning (i.e., ECC/Energy Delivery ROPS/Corporate Security/IT Sec Defined (D) P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Code of Accounts Def...

AI summary The text outlines various planning and technical deliverables for a project, including the definition of solution contracting, planning processes, and technical specifications such as network infrastructure and data architecture.

5,149,415 13,954,518 Deferred 2026 Subsequent Submittal Additional engineering is required before project can progress to construction. C0053214 76W-T1 Transformer Replacement 1,938,848 2,279,295 Deferred 2026 Subsequent Submittal Project...

AI summary The text outlines several deferred and cancelled projects, primarily related to infrastructure and IT upgrades, with reasons including the need for additional engineering, reprioritization, and integration with other projects. These projects are scheduled for future submissions or approvals, notably in 2026.

SEB on December 1, 2025 52314 1C-GT1/UT1 Replacement 11/30/2020 2,032,393 1,678,006 FIN CWO submitted to NSEB on December 1, 2025 This project is now complete; however, the final cost application is being held until the functionality C0042...

AI summary The text provides information on several completed projects with pending final cost applications, including IT security upgrades, wood pole retreatment, and smart grid initiatives. These projects are being processed by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) under various proceedings, with final costs contingent on investigations and asset disposition processes.

project. The so ware takes capital costs, avoided costs, revenue, expenses, and taxes into considera on to give a Net Present Value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and discounted payback period. Economically JusƟfied Project: A capit...

AI summary The text outlines various types of capital projects, including economically justified, environmental, and essential projects, and explains the use of the Economic Analysis Model (EAM) to assess their benefits. It also defines terms such as 'Final Cost (FIN)' and 'Individual Capital Item' and discusses the Integrated Resource Plan as a long-term planning framework for evaluating utility resources.

179 Nova ScoƟa Power Inc. Capital Planning & Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria Summary Document 17.0 Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria 17.1 IntroducƟon - General ConsideraƟons The following considera ons are used to evaluate...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power outlines criteria for justifying capital expenditures, emphasizing evaluation of alternatives, technology suitability, cost-effectiveness, compliance with reliability standards, and minimizing operational costs. The approach prioritizes meeting industry performance norms and selecting the least-cost option that satisfies requirements.

ensure compliance with NPCC and, or NERC Reliability Standards. The least cost op on mee ng the requirements and constraints specified above shall be selected. 17.1.1 Integrated Resource Plan An Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) assesses vari...

AI summary NS Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a strategic planning tool ensuring compliance with NPCC and NERC standards, aiming to meet future electricity needs with a 20% reserve margin through stakeholder consultation and cost-effective solutions.

nd cost effec vely in compliance with current and emerging opera onal and environmental constraints; • A reference against which to assess demand and supply-side applica ons; • A living document that will be updated as condi ons change mate...

AI summary NS Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) serves as a living document for assessing energy demand and supply applications, incorporating expert input, stakeholder data, and predictive modeling. It emphasizes a 25-year planning horizon with realistic value ranges, clarifying it is not a commitment to specific initiatives or a regulatory approval request.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix D Page 61 of 179 Nova ScoƟa Power Inc. Capital Planning & Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria Summary Document Forced Outage Rate Unplanned outages result in replacement genera on, o en at a higher cost than the...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. outlines capital expenditure justification criteria, emphasizing unplanned outages' cost impacts via probabilistic production models. System design adheres to NPCC and NERC standards, with NERC requirements enforced through NSEB regulatory approval. Transmission criteria combine protection performance and system dynamics, ensuring compliance with single contingency design principles.

Bulk Electric System is planned, designed, and operated in accordance with single con ngency criteria. NS Power System Design Criteria are applied for all other por ons of the interconnected system. NERC standards and NPCC criteria are con...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power's system design criteria for transmission and distribution systems, emphasizing compliance with evolving NERC and NPCC standards. It details conditions for upgrading, replacing, or modifying transmission plant to ensure safety, reliability, and cost efficiency, while aligning with capital expenditure justification criteria.

llows selec ve sampling of standard induc on type meters both in verifica on and re-verifica on. Month DD, YYYY Page 51 of 54 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 516 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan Append...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. outlines criteria for replacing metering equipment and upgrading work support facilities. Replacements occur when meters fail standards or customer rate classes change. Facilities are modified to ensure safety, comply with laws, and maintain asset longevity.

legal, safety, regulatory or environmental direc ves. ExecuƟve: A member of the NS Power Execu ve Team including General Managers, Vice Presidents, Execu ve Vice Presidents and the President and CEO. Final Cost (FIN): A capital work order...

AI summary The text defines key terms related to capital projects, financial metrics, and regulatory processes, including 'Final Cost (FIN)', 'Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)', and 'Internal Rate of Return (IRR)'. It outlines NS Power's Executive Team and the NSEB's role in reviewing capital projects.

179 Nova ScoƟa Power Inc. Capital Planning & Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria Detailed Document 17.0 Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria 17.1 IntroducƟon – General ConsideraƟons The following considera ons are used to evaluate...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. outlines capital expenditure justification criteria, emphasizing evaluation of alternatives, technology suitability, cost analysis, compliance with reliability standards, and selection of the least-cost option meeting requirements. The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is referenced as a framework for decision-making.

ensure compliance with NPCC and, or NERC Reliability Standards. The least cost op on mee ng the requirements and constraints specified above shall be selected. 17.1.1 Integrated Resource Plan An Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) assesses vari...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), emphasizing its role in assessing supply/demand scenarios, ensuring compliance with emission standards, and maintaining a 20% capacity reserve margin. The IRP serves as a strategic, stakeholder-informed roadmap for long-term electricity planning and capital expenditure justification.

cost effec vely in compliance with current and emerging opera onal and environmental constraints; • A reference against which to assess demand and supply-side applica ons; • A living document that will be updated as condi ons change materia...

AI summary NS Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) serves as a strategic planning tool for energy demand and supply, incorporating expert input, stakeholder feedback, and predictive modeling over a 25-year horizon. It emphasizes adaptability to changing conditions and clarifies it is not a binding commitment or approval application for specific initiatives.

REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan Appendix D Page 133 of 179 Nova ScoƟa Power Inc. Capital Planning & Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria Detailed Document • Wood stave pipelines shall be replaced when an engin...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. outlines criteria for capital expenditures, including replacing wood stave pipelines based on engineering risk assessments, turbine runners due to degradation or efficiency gains, and dams/hydraulic structures failing to meet safety standards. Decisions hinge on formal engineering evaluations and risk analyses.

e undertaken unless the customer requests to contribute the incremental cost difference. Extension of service will conform to the latest version of the NS Power Rates, Regula ons and Procedures Manual. Pole Strength Compliance with Standard...

AI summary NS Power outlines criteria for replacing distribution pole lines based on safety hazards, distribution planning, legal obligations, and cost minimization. Pole replacement is mandated by CSA standards and guided by a 1993 report on inspection procedures and replacement criteria.

ure is used to evaluate alterna ve solu ons to correc ng voltage condi ons to CSA Standards on the Nova Sco a Power Inc. distribu on system. • Local Voltage For local voltage issues the costs are iden fied to determine a least cost solu on...

AI summary The text outlines methods and associated costs for addressing voltage issues on Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s distribution system, including transformer adjustments, reconductoring, and infrastructure upgrades, with costs calculated in current-year or present-worth dollars.

t feeders has been fully u lized. In addi on, cable ra ngs for normal and emergency condi ons should be determined by reference to the “Underground Standards Manual”. • Conductors Overhead conductors are considered to be overloaded when th...

AI summary The document outlines procedures for identifying and addressing overloaded equipment on Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s distribution system, referencing specific manuals and criteria for conductor loading, equipment ratings, and economic justification of solutions.

6 ACE Plan Appendix D Page 145 of 179 Nova ScoƟa Power Inc. Capital Planning & Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria Detailed Document • Grounding – Economic Jus fica on Procedure To reduce the earth poten al the costs are iden fied suc...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. outlines capital expenditure justification criteria for grounding, joint use agreements, highway relocation, radio interference voltage, and voltage unbalance. Costs include labor, materials, and compliance with regulations like DEP 5.50 and the Radio Communication Act. Joint use agreements with Bell Aliant aim to reduce costs for both parties.

ce Network & Systems This includes PBX Cards, disk drives, power supplies, so ware & component upgrades, telephone sets, fax machines, and wiring due to office moves. Month DD, 2025 Page 92 of 113 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 611 of 782 REDA...

AI summary This document outlines Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s capital planning and expenditure justification criteria for telecom systems, including broadband networks, cable systems, voice networks, and network management systems, as part of the 2026 ACE Plan.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix D Page 160 of 179 Nova ScoƟa Power Inc. Capital Planning & Capital Expenditure JusƟficaƟon Criteria Detailed Document This rou ne includes the purchase of hardware and so ware products required for the con nuing oper...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s capital expenditure plans for 2026, including IT infrastructure upgrades, property improvements (e.g., environmental compliance, building replacements), and furniture/equipment replacement. It references Appendix B's documentation policy for capital item reviews, though content is redacted.

heets and analysis Re rement Informa on x Tenders and bid evalua ons x Financial reports, including x - Power Plant Informa on- General ledger - Purchasing & Accounts Payable - Labour Distribu on - Documenta on to support assump ons, decis...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s capital planning and expenditure justification criteria, including system design standards and a revision record for the 2026 ACE Plan Appendix D. It emphasizes detailed financial reporting and project documentation requirements.

the following: a. Economic dispatch or outage of genera on. b. Loading of transformer(s) to their (or their associated equipment) thermally limited ra ngs. Reinforcement is required in all cases when a single con ngency results in either t...

AI summary The text outlines reinforcement requirements for power systems under contingency scenarios, emphasizing economic considerations and transformer loading practices. It references IEEE standards for transformer loading and discusses scenarios where reinforcement may be economically justified despite meeting technical criteria.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix E Page 4 of 17 Mersey Hydro Update Non-Confidential 1 The sections below provide NS Power’s response, including: 2 3 • An update on the incremental sustaining investments that have been incorporated into the 4 Hydro...

AI summary NS Power outlines updates on Mersey Hydro redevelopment, including sustaining investments in the Hydro Interval Plan (HIP), stakeholder engagement with First Nations and government, an NPV analysis comparing redevelopment options, and cost estimates for preliminary engineering and procurement for 2028. The analysis includes assumptions and engagement details.

ower Great Brook (CI C0070486) and preparation for drawdown at Deep Brook in 2026 (CI C0080219) Safe and Reliable Hoist replacement for stop logs at Cowie Falls to safely and Management of Water reliably manage water (CI C0049032) Dam Safe...

AI summary The document outlines infrastructure maintenance projects for dam safety and powerhouses, including hoist replacements, concrete assessments, and crane column refurbishments at sites like Cowie Falls, Upper Lake Falls, and Big Falls, with associated Capital Item (CI) identifiers.

tes submitting CI 39472 HYD – Mersey Redevelopment 13 Phase 1 only once the IRP process has concluded and a full-scope review confirms the 14 redevelopment remains the best value for customers. Page 17 of 17 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 64...

AI summary The Mersey Redevelopment Phase 1 is contingent on the completion of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process and a full-scope review confirming its value to customers. A WACC rate of 5.08% is noted in the 2026 ACE Plan Appendix E.

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................. 5 4 2.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia's 2030 decarbonization goals, including 80% renewable electricity sales and coal phase-out, along with initiatives like the Clean Power Plan, Independent Energy System Operator, and Resource Development Plan focusing on wind, solar, and community programs.

ration Phase-Out................................................................................... 35 30 7.0 ADDITIONAL IRP ACTION PLAN AND ROAD MAP ITEMS ................................... 38 Page 2 of 55 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 65...

AI summary This document outlines the 2026 ACE Plan's update, covering demand-side management, hybrid peak/load management, green hydrogen projects, offshore wind, and project accountabilities, coordination, and risk management strategies for Nova Scotia's energy sector.

1 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 3 This The Path to 2030 report is submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) in compliance 4 with the Board’s direction to “[f]ile a detailed and specific plan outlining how the Company will 5 achieve the 20...

AI summary The Path to 2030 report outlines NS Power's alignment with Nova Scotia's 2030 Clean Power Plan and its Evergreen IRP Action Plan. It details steps to meet 2030 decarbonization goals, including 80% renewable electricity and coal phase-out by 2030. The report also mentions the creation of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO-NS) in 2024 and references Matter M11307.

icity planning landscape in 24 Nova Scotia including several changes to the Project Accountability Matrix. 25 26 • As described in Section 5.0 and Section 6.2.2, any future Battery Storage projects will be 27 scoped and procured by the IES...

AI summary The document outlines changes in project accountability for Battery Storage and Fast-Acting Generation projects, to be managed by IESO-NS. NS Power supports this transition, aligning with the 2030 Clean Power Plan updates in the 10 Year System Outlook (10YSO) report. Key references include the 2023 ACE Plan (M11017) and updated resource timelines.

for this year’s Path to 2030 update. With respect to 12 resources, sizing, and timing, this update to The Path to 2030 report is consistent with the 2025 13 10YSO report unless otherwise noted. 14 15 Figure 1 - 2030 Clean Power Plan Resour...

AI summary The document updates the 2030 Clean Power Plan resources, aligning with the 2025 10YSO report. It details renewable energy projects (wind, solar, storage) with their capacities and construction dates, including the NS Power BESS Project, Green Choice Program, and future procurement timelines.

: 30 31 • The 2030 Decarbonization Goals 32 • The Province of Nova Scotia’s 2030 Clean Power Plan 33 • Creation of the Independent Energy System Operator of Nova Scotia (IESO-NS) Page 8 of 55 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 661 of 782 REDACTE...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia's 2030 Clean Power Plan, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Action Plan, and the creation of the Independent Energy System Operator of Nova Scotia (IESO-NS). It details resource development, project management, and timelines for meeting decarbonization goals.

urce outside Nova Scotia. 22 23 This requirement was incorporated into the most recent Evergreen IRP and is considered in the 24 2030 Clean Power Plan. 25 2 N.S. Reg. 110/2021. Page 10 of 55 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 663 of 782 REDACTED...

AI summary Nova Scotia's Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act mandates 80% renewable electricity by 2030 and coal phase-out by 2030. These targets are integrated into the Evergreen IRP and 2030 Clean Power Plan, with the 2026 ACE Plan Appendix F detailing implementation steps.

1 2 (IR 675) is forecast to reach commercial operation in Q1 2027, with the supporting operating 2 study to be completed beforehand to assess system impact. This will bring the total installed 3 capacity of the Mersey River Wind projects t...

AI summary The document outlines the progress of Mersey River Wind projects (Phases I and II) with capacities of 90 MW and 112.5 MW, respectively, and their expected commercial operation dates. It also notes the status of other interconnection requests (IR 739, IR 785) and the Generator Interconnection Process (GIP) for Renewable to Retail (RtR) projects.

1 • The remaining 18 percent of requests were for Class 2 Commercial Net Metering Service 2 (Generators greater than 100 kW up to 1 MW). 3 • 12 percent of requests were for generators having a nameplate capacity greater than 200 4 kW (Name...

AI summary NS Power has completed 16 preliminary assessments under the Commercial Net Metering Program (CNMP), totaling 3.5 MW of potential capacity. Over 12.4 MW of capacity has been assessed since the program's start. Additional renewable energy procurement is needed beyond current projects to meet the 2030 80% renewable energy standard, with responsibility for future procurements falling to the government and IESO-NS.

1 Incorporated (WTI) was formed in Nova Scotia as an ownership arrangement pursuant to the 2 Prescribed Projects Regulations made under the NS Public Utilities Act, to facilitate a low-cost 3 equity investment in the Project by the Canada...

AI summary WTI, a deemed utility under the Public Utilities Act, submitted an application for project cost approval and rate base establishment for the NS-NB Reliability Intertie Project. The NSEB approved the project in November 2025, directing WTI to update progress on the Path to 2030 timeline and participate in NS Power’s ACE Plan proceedings. Land acquisition and right-of-way clearing in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick are progressing ahead of schedule.

1 The Decision Gate 3 (DG3) governance milestone is planned for December 2025. Advancement 2 of the project through DG3 enables project sanction, with kickoff of the construction contract in 3 Q1 2026. This will be followed by the mobiliza...

AI summary The document outlines project milestones for the Reliability Intertie, including Decision Gate 3 (DG3) in December 2025 and Stage 2 transmission planning. It also highlights the need for 300MW of new fast-acting generation by 2030, as per the 2030 Clean Power Plan and Evergreen IRP analysis. NS Power is not currently engaged with NB Power on Stage 2 but plans to collaborate with stakeholders on interregional transmission expansion.

was reflected in The Path to 2030 – 2024 Update filed under M12012. 23 24 Upon receiving direction from the Province that procurement of fast-acting generation would be 25 led by the IESO-NS, NS Power worked to consolidate and transfer all...

AI summary NS Power transferred project materials to the Province and IESO-NS by November 2024, committing to an ongoing advisory role and supporting the IESO-NS in 2025 with technical input and project momentum.

ls (fuel switching). 22 23 6.5 Fuel Conversions at Existing Units 24 25 The 2030 Clean Power Plan includes alternate fuel operation at four of NS Power’s existing 26 thermal units. Similarly, the Evergreen IRP identified that alternate fue...

AI summary The 2030 Clean Power Plan and Evergreen Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) propose alternate fuel operations at four NS Power thermal units. References include IESO-Nova-Scotia-REOI-for-Capacity.pdf and exhibits from M12412 related to expenditure and revenue requirements.

1 a common resource plan element across IRP scenarios, and these were included in the IRP Action 2 Plan under item #3e. 3 4 6.5.1 Gas Conversion at Point Tupper Generation Station 5 6 The coal-to-natural-gas conversion of Point Tupper Gene...

AI summary The 2023 Evergreen Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) identifies coal-to-natural-gas conversion at Point Tupper Generating Station Unit 2 as a cost-effective peaking resource aligned with the Clean Power Plan and 2030 coal phase-out. NS Power aims to complete the project by 2028. Similarly, the 2030 Clean Power Plan and 2023 IRP scenarios support transitioning Lingan Generation Station units to heavy fuel oil (HFO) peaking operations due to low capital costs and operational benefits.

rged as a consistent outcome 26 across all 2023 Evergreen IRP scenarios. The value of this conversion is supported by the low 27 capital cost (these units already operate on HFO) and the ability for these units to operate in a 28 peaking c...

AI summary The analysis highlights the conversion of existing HFO-operating units to peaking capacity as a consistent outcome across 2023 Evergreen IRP scenarios, citing low capital costs and suitability for net peak demand periods. This aligns with the 2026 ACE Plan Appendix F.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix F Page 35 of 55 The Path to 2030 – 2025 Update Non-Confidential 1 The 2029 timing for conversion to exclusive HFO operation for Lingan Units 1, 3, and 4 aligns 2 with the planned phase-out of coal generation by 2030...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan outlines the 2029 transition of Lingan Units 1, 3, and 4 to HFO operation, aligning with Canada's Clean Electricity Regulations and the 2030 coal phase-out. Preliminary engineering for auxiliary boilers and HFO logistics improvements at Sydney International Pier are underway to support operational readiness and reduce emissions.

le generation units. 21 22 6.6 Coal Generation Phase-Out 23 24 The significant addition of new resources described above is designed to both enable coal phase- 19F 25 out and support the forecast of continued load growth on the system. In...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's analysis of coal unit retirement timelines as part of the Evergreen IRP process, concluding that retaining coal units as late as possible is optimal. This aligns with broader resource additions to support coal phase-out and load growth forecasts.

electrification load profiles 24 considered, the hybrid peak electrification profile emerged as an opportunity for reduction of 25 system peak load requirements and was studied as part of the Evergreen IRP. This scenario 26 assumes the ado...

AI summary The text discusses electrification load profiles, highlighting a hybrid peak electrification scenario studied in the Evergreen IRP, which reduces system peak load by adopting mini-split heat pumps. It references regulatory proceedings (M12249, M12282) involving EfficiencyOne and Nova Scotia Power Inc., including a 2026 DSM Extension and a new benefit-cost analysis test for DSM plans.

1 sources (such as oil and natural gas) to operate during the colder/peak system demand periods in 2 the winter when heat pumps are less efficient. This potential program has been considered and 3 discussed in NS Power’s Load Forecast Repo...

AI summary NS Power is evaluating a hybrid peak program to reduce winter demand by using alternative energy sources during peak periods. A study by Net Zero Atlantic, involving DOE and E1, aims to assess the program's cost impacts and operational models, with a completion timeline of Q1 2026.

1 2 Through 2025, NS Power has made steady progress on the DERIR initiative. The initial 3 framework, first stakeholder workshop, development of list of DER-related initiatives, second 4 stakeholder workshop, and one-on-one interviews with...

AI summary NS Power has advanced the DERIR initiative through stakeholder engagement and planning, while exploring green hydrogen projects with developers like EverWind Fuels and Nova Sustainable Fuels. These projects require incremental resources beyond current load forecasts, highlighting the need for additional capacity and renewable energy integration.

1 Nevertheless, there are growing risks with some aspects of the plan, including: 2 3 • Delays in procuring new fast-acting generation, combined with the growing lead times seen 4 across the industry for new combustion turbines, create unc...

AI summary The text outlines risks in a plan, including delays in procuring fast-acting generation, attrition of Green Choice projects risking 80% renewable energy targets, and unclear timelines for energy storage beyond NS Power’s BESS project. NS Power notes flexibility in coal retirement timelines but emphasizes collaboration with IESO-NS and the Province to address procurement challenges.

l need to be developed in collaboration with the IESO-NS. In the meantime, 25 NS Power continues to support the transition of accountabilities to the IESO-NS in collaboration 26 with the Province. Page 55 of 55 Date: December 12, 2025 Page...

AI summary NS Power is collaborating with the IESO-NS to transition accountabilities related to the Five-Year (2025-2029) Reliability Plan Update, reflecting ongoing efforts to align with the IESO-NS's role in system operations and planning.

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 6 4 1.1 Five-Year Reliability Plan Commitment.............................................

AI summary The document outlines a five-year reliability plan focusing on vegetation management, storm hardening, and targeted equipment upgrades. It emphasizes wildfire mitigation, corridor widening, and tree trimming to enhance grid resilience. Section 3.0 highlights the 2025 overview as the first year of the plan, while sections 4.0–4.5 detail vegetation management strategies and infrastructure improvements.

. 26 17 4.5 Trimming and Removal of Trees Around Existing Power Lines .......................... 27 18 5.0 STORM HARDENING – TARGETED EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS AND 19 UPGRADES .....................................................................

AI summary The document outlines infrastructure upgrades for Nova Scotia's power grid, including tree trimming, storm hardening, equipment replacements, and grid modernization programs. It is part of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, focusing on distribution, transmission, and substation improvements.

1 6.1.2 Downline Connectivity ............................................................................. 45 2 6.2 Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration ................................................. 47 3 6.3 Distributed En...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power's 2026 Five-Year Reliability Plan, focusing on storm hardening through vegetation management, corridor widening for distribution/transmission lines, equipment upgrades, and advanced grid modernization programs including connected assets and infrastructure improvements.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 4 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential

AI summary The 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan Appendix G outlines updates to NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan, focusing on infrastructure and operational reliability measures. The document is part of a non-confidential regulatory proceeding.

1 LIST OF FIGURES 2 3 Figure 1: Forecast Investment by Reliability Program 2025-2029 ($ millions) ............................. 7 4 Figure 2: Contribution to CHI by Outage Cause (2020 – 2024) Performance Standards ............11 5 Figure 3...

AI summary The document outlines a list of figures related to reliability programs, vegetation management, corridor widening, and rights-of-way establishment in Nova Scotia. Key themes include reliability investments, outage cause analysis, customer interruption metrics (CHI), SAIDI improvement targets, and infrastructure planning initiatives for 2025.

............................... 26 18 Figure 13: Map of 2025 Completed and Planned Establishment of New Rights-of-Way ........... 27 19 Figure 14: Trimming and Removal of Trees Around Existing Powerlines - 2025 ....................... 28 2...

AI summary The document outlines NS Power's 2025 infrastructure projects, including rights-of-way establishment, tree trimming, equipment upgrades, and transmission work. It references the Five-Year Reliability Plan update and the 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G, focusing on grid modernization and reliability improvements.

1 Figure 26: In Progress Construction of New Mount Uniacke Substation .................................... 42 2 Figure 27: 2025/2026 Advanced Grid Modernization Progress Overview ................................. 44 3 Figure 28: 2025 Plann...

AI summary The document outlines infrastructure projects and planning for grid modernization, reliability, and expansion in Nova Scotia, including substation construction, remote terminal unit installations, vegetation management, right-of-way widening, and conductor upgrades for 2025/2026.

ments 8 detailed in year one of the Plan. The Plan has a goal of reducing the overall duration and frequency 9 of outages while balancing the affordability of these investments for customers. 10 11 1.1 Five-Year Reliability Plan Commitment...

AI summary NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan aims to reduce outage duration and frequency through three core programs: vegetation management, storm hardening, and grid modernization. The plan balances reliability improvements with customer affordability, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and advanced grid technologies.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 7 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G outlines NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan, focusing on infrastructure and capital expenditures. The document is non-confidential and part of a regulatory proceeding related to energy reliability and planning.

3,500 700,000 3,000 600,000 2,500 500,000 2,000 400,000 1,500 300,000 1,000 200,000 100,000 500 - - 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 (Projected) Customer Hours Projected Outage Event Count Projected 4 5 6 2.2 Distribution Targeted Devices 7 8...

AI summary Figure 4 illustrates trends in customer hours of interruption and outage frequency from 2020 to 2025, showing reductions attributed to distribution equipment upgrades and storm hardening initiatives. Projections for 2025 include actual data through October and estimates for November-December based on historical performance.

025 based on the prior five years’ performance. Storm hardening initiatives and 13 equipment upgrades are core elements of the plan, which will continue to build on these positive 14 trends. 15 Page 12 of 71 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 72...

AI summary NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan emphasizes storm hardening and equipment upgrades to improve system reliability. Performance standards target reducing Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (CHI) from equipment failures, with metrics shown in Figure 4.

1 3.0 2025 Overview – Year One of Five Year Reliability Plan 2 3 In 2025, NS Power’s Reliability team has been focused on executing the projects identified in year 4 one of the Plan, with $206.6 million committed to strengthen the grid and...

AI summary NS Power's 2025 reliability efforts focused on $206.6 million in grid upgrades, including distribution system improvements like replacing insulators, conductors, and transformers, as well as tree clearing to enhance resilience against weather events and support growing energy demand.

s in addition to the 617 kilometers of corridor widening have been 26 proactively identified and addressed from beyond cleared rights-of-way. This work 27 involves coordination with customers and landowners to remove each individual tree....

AI summary NS Power is updating its Five-Year Reliability Plan, focusing on corridor widening and tree removal activities beyond cleared rights-of-way. Coordination with customers and landowners is required for individual tree removal, including locations with multiple trees. The 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G is referenced as part of this update.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 15 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 • Addition of six RTUs improving substation communication and control, supporting 2 quicker response and restoration of service in the e...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G outlines infrastructure upgrades to enhance grid reliability, including RTU additions, substation transformer replacements, new substation construction in Mount Uniacke, transmission structure work, and reconductoring of 33.7 km of transmission lines to improve resilience and winter peak capacity.

Complete in Remainder of Year Distribution 297 kms 183 kms 59 kms 242 kms (Revised due to Corridor Wildfire Mitigations) 1 Widening with Managed Distribution ROWs Vegetation Establish 330 kms 229 kms 89 kms 318 kms (Revised due to Manageme...

AI summary The document outlines vegetation management activities for distribution and transmission corridors, noting revisions to project distances due to wildfire mitigation measures. Additional controls by the Department of Natural Resources reduced work efficiency, with details in the Storm Hardening – Vegetation Management section.

4 3 2 1 0 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 SAIDI Actual Projected SAIDI Average SAIDI (2019 - 2023) 2029 5YR Plan Target Performance Standards Target 9 10 11 3.2 2025 Priority Feeders Update 12 13 Please refer to APPENDIX A: 2025 Highest Prio...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan Update, focusing on targeted reliability improvements for priority feeders identified in Appendix A. It emphasizes data-driven approaches to address feeder conditions and performance, aligning with projected SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) targets and reliability standards.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 18 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 All feeder plans for 2025 are underway or complete; work will continue on all in progress work 2 until completed. 3 4 APPENDIX B: Work C...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G outlines progress on 2025 feeder reliability initiatives, noting that all plans are underway or complete. Appendix B summarizes completed and ongoing work, indicating which feeders remain on the 2026 priority list. Multi-year projects are planned for select feeders to enhance reliability and mitigate outage risks.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 19 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 4.0 STORM HARDENING – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 2 3 2025-2029 Forecast Investment: $265.0 million 4 Estimated Performance Standards SAIDI Re...

AI summary NS Power's 2025-2029 Storm Hardening Vegetation Management Plan allocates $265 million for reducing tree-related outages, targeting a 0.70–1.25 hour SAIDI reduction. Daily operations involve 75 crews clearing trees from distribution and transmission ROWs, with strategies including corridor widening and trimming.

be Completed by YE Distribution 12.5 183 59 Corridor Widening Transmission 3.0 105 15 Corridor Widening Establishment 16.4 229 89 of New Rights-of-Way Trimming and 6.9 205 55 removal of trees 2 3 As of October 31, 2025 NS Power has complet...

AI summary NS Power has completed 617 km of distribution and 105 km of transmission vegetation management by October 2025, including rights-of-way establishment, hazard tree removal, and aerial pruning. These efforts aim to improve system reliability and reduce vegetation-related outages, informed by satellite-based assessments of distribution rights-of-way.

of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 21 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 This enhanced detail of vegetation condition is used to improve the Company’...

AI summary NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan update utilizes enhanced vegetation condition data to guide risk-based interventions. Figure 8 illustrates regional progress in distribution vegetation management, showing spans cleared and ROW treated as of October 2025.

nt work programs. 5 6 Figure 8: 2025 (YTD End of October) Distribution Vegetation Management Completed by 7 Region Region Distribution Vegetation Management Spans Kms Metro 1,114 61 NE 3,913 217 CB 1,874 104 West 4,230 235 Total 11,131 617...

AI summary NS Power adjusted its 2025 vegetation management program due to provincial restrictions from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) imposed during drought and wildfire conditions in 2025. Restrictions included halting heavy equipment operations during extreme fire weather and conducting fire watches, leading to revised work prioritization and scheduling to maintain reliability while complying with safety protocols.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 25 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 As of October 31, approximately 87 percent of the 2025 program has been completed and is on 2 track to have the full project work comple...

AI summary NS Power reports that 87% of the 2025 program has been completed and is on track for full completion by year-end. Figure 11 outlines vegetation transmission widening projects, including the L-6503-added line from Onslow to Trenton, which has 17 km completed year-to-date.

Y/N Line Kms Kms L-6503-added Onslow to Trenton 0 17 L-6002-added Sackville to 0 12 Bridgewater L-7005 Onslow to 16 9 Hopewell L-7003 Onslow to Port 29 22 Hastings L-7004 Dalhousie 23 18 Mountain to Port Hastings L-7009 Brushy Hill to 18 1...

AI summary NS Power updated transmission lines (e.g., L-6503, L-7005) in 2026 based on asset management priorities, reflecting shifts in infrastructure planning. The note highlights ongoing adjustments to targeted lines throughout the year.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 26 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 4.4 Establish New Rights-of-Way (ROW) 2 3 2025-2029 Forecast Investment: $86 million 4 2025 Anticipated Year End Investment: $16.4 milli...

AI summary NS Power's 2025-2029 program to establish new distribution rights-of-way aims to improve reliability, with $86 million in forecasted investment and 229 km completed by year-end, as detailed in Figures 12 and 13.

ge 739 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 32 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 Figure 18: 2025 Targeted Equipment Upgrades Progress Overview Program...

AI summary NS Power outlines its 2025 targeted equipment upgrades, including $81 million in distribution and transmission system investments. Key initiatives focus on replacing aging infrastructure, expanding protective devices, and ensuring environmental compliance to enhance system reliability and customer experience.

standards to align with the current CSA 21 C22.3 overhead line standards. In the Board’s decision on the 2025 Annual Capital Expenditure 22 (ACE) Plan (M12012), the Board directed the following: Page 35 of 71 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 7...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board directed NS Power to monitor upgraded pole installations and evaluate their impact on system reliability, aligning with the 2025 ACE Plan (M12012). Appendix C details pole monitoring projects across regions, focusing on resilience improvements and outage reduction.

dentifies the region, feeder, 9 location, and the number of poles scheduled for upgrade to the new class standard. These assets 10 will be monitored on an ongoing basis following storm events. 11 12 5.1.3 Distribution System Build to Roads...

AI summary NS Power's Distribution System Build to Roadside program aims to enhance reliability by relocating distribution lines to roadside locations, reducing tree-related contacts. In 2025, the program exceeded its 8 km target, completing 8.8 km and advancing 2 km of additional work, improving infrastructure accessibility and outage management.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 37 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 Figure 21: 2025 Build to Roadside Projects by Region YTD BTR Project BTR Project Status 2025 Planned Completed Comments Region BTR kms B...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G details NS Power's 2025 Build to Roadside (BTR) project progress by region, showing planned vs. completed kilometers and project statuses (e.g., 'On Track – Ongoing' or 'Exceeded – Ongoing') for East, Northeast, Metro, and West regions.

nductor Region Reconductored Reconductored Reconductored Reconductored Target Status East 2 5.4 4 17.1 West 5 9.7 13 28.4 Metro 18 10.6 12 15.0 Northeast 7 12.8 10 13.2 2 3 5.1.5 Distribution System Underground Upgrades 4 5 The Distributio...

AI summary NS Power's Distribution Underground Program focuses on replacing aging underground infrastructure, including padmount transformers, vaults, and manholes. In 2025, NS Power exceeded its target of replacing 50 padmount transformers, completing 64 replacements by November. Additional upgrades, including three vaults and one manhole, are also underway.

ge 746 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 39 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 2 Figure 23: 2025 Completed Padmount Transformer Replacements and Upg...

AI summary NS Power outlines its 2025-2029 transmission system upgrade plan, allocating $196 million over five years and $32.6 million for 2025 alone. Projects focus on replacing structures, reinforcing conductors, and realigning lines to enhance reliability and resiliency, informed by risk profiles and past performance.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 42 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 2 NS Power has purchased and received a spare substation transformer. Replenishing this spare unit 3 supports the overall NS Power Trans...

AI summary NS Power is updating its Five-Year Reliability Plan by acquiring spare transformers, advancing substation projects (Bayers Lake, Stellarton), and completing the Mount Uniacke substation. These actions aim to improve system reliability and capacity while managing inventory costs.

RTUs planned for deployment in 2025. The remaining units are in progress and remain a priority 18 to have two completed before year-end, and the final three installations to be completed early in Page 44 of 71 Date: December 12, 2025 Page...

AI summary NS Power outlines its 2025 RTU deployment plan, with Phase 6 under regulatory review. The company emphasizes its commitment to the Board's oversight in ensuring project value for customers. Progress updates include completed and on-track installations across multiple substations, with final installations targeted for early 2026.

Complete West Kingston 63V Complete West Ohio Road 25W Complete West Central Argyle 19W On Track West Wolfville Ridge 83V Complete West Indian Path 80W On Track 7 8 6.1.2 Downline Connectivity 9 10 2025-2029 Forecast Investment: $44 millio...

AI summary The document outlines infrastructure projects with statuses (e.g., 'Complete', 'On Track'), a $44M 2025-2029 investment forecast, and a $5.2M 2025 investment. It references a cost reasonableness review (M12588) for NS Power's RTU Replacements Program and the 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G. The NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan Update is also mentioned.

Region Area/Community Feeder/Substation Installation Status West Three Mile Plains 79V-401 In Progress/On Track Musquodoboit Metro Harbour 87H-313 In Progress/On Track Musquodoboit Metro Harbour 87H-313 In Progress/On Track Northeast Dicki...

AI summary The table outlines the installation status of infrastructure projects across Nova Scotia, with most projects in 'In Progress/On Track' and some planned for 2026 execution. Locations include regions like West, Metro, Northeast, and East, with specific feeders and communities listed.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 49 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 7.0 2026 – YEAR TWO – FIVE-YEAR RELIABILITY PLAN 2 3 2026 is year two of the Five-year Reliability Plan. NS Power has committed to an ov...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 reliability plan allocates $234 million for grid improvements, including storm hardening ($178.9M), vegetation management ($45M), and advanced grid modernization ($10.7M). This follows $206M in 2025 and over $185M annually in prior years, focusing on corridor widening, ROW establishment, and tree trimming.

ribution Establish New ROWs 377 kms Vegetation Management Trimming and Removal of Trees 192 kms Transmission Transmission Corridor Widening 121 kms Vegetation Management Distribution System Equipment 15 Trip Saver Additions Targeted Upgrad...

AI summary The document outlines infrastructure projects for Nova Scotia Power's reliability plan, including new right-of-way establishment, vegetation management, transmission corridor widening, and distribution system upgrades. Specific initiatives include conductor replacements, substation transformer replacements, and targeted equipment additions to enhance grid reliability.

Transmission System Upgrades 28 lines Substation Upgrades and 8 Transformers Replacements Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) 8 RTUs Downline Connectivity 35 Devices Advanced Grid Modernization Fault Location Isolation and 24 Devices Service Rest...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G outlines NS Power's priority transmission system upgrades, including substation upgrades, RTUs, and FLISR devices. The 2026 priority feeder list includes 40 feeders, 31 newly identified and 9 carried over from 2025, based on outage data and load growth analysis. The list may be revised following full 2025 outage data analysis.

age 759 of 782 REDACTED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 52 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 7.1 STORM HARDENING – VEGETATION MANGEMENT 2 3 2026 Forecast Investm...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan allocates $45 million for vegetation management to enhance power system reliability across 860 km of infrastructure. Regional breakdowns (Metro, Northeast, East, West) are detailed in Figure 33, with plans to refine the strategy based on 2025 performance data.

lowing analysis of 2025 16 year-end system performance, with potential refinements to address emerging priorities. 17 18 7.1.1 Distribution Corridor Widening with Managed Rights-of-Way (ROW) 19 20 2026 Forecast Investment: $13.2 million 21...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan outlines a $13.2 million investment to widen 293 kilometers of distribution corridors using existing rights-of-way across Central/Metro, East, Northeast, and West regions, as detailed in Figure 34 of the Five-Year Reliability Plan Update.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 54 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 In 2026, NS Power is forecasting an investment of $3.3 million to widen approximately 121 2 kilometers of transmission rights-of-way by...

AI summary NS Power plans to invest $3.3 million in 2026 to widen 121 km of transmission rights-of-way by five meters, enhancing storm hardening and reliability by increasing vegetation clearance from infrastructure. Figures 35 and 36 detail project spans and locations.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 55 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 7.1.3 Establish New Rights-of-Way (ROW) 2 3 2026 Forecast Investment: $18.5 million 4 5 The 2026 Vegetation Management Reliability progr...

AI summary NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan allocates $18.5M to establish 377km of new rights-of-way using satellite-driven vegetation management and $6.9M for trimming/removing trees along 192km of distribution lines, targeting reliability improvements across Central/Metro, East, Northeast, and West regions.

mming along approximately 192 kilometers of distribution line in 22 2026. Figure 38 provides a detailed breakdown of the communities and circuits where this work 23 is scheduled to take place 24 Page 55 of 71 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 7...

AI summary The document outlines NS Power's 2026 maintenance plans for 192 km of distribution lines across Central/Metro, East, Northeast, and West regions, with $83.9 million allocated for equipment upgrades under the 2026 ACE Plan. Storm hardening initiatives are forecasted to cost $178.9 million.

TS AND 4 UPGRADES 5 6 2026 Forecast Investment: $178.9 million 7 8 7.2.1 Distribution System Equipment Upgrades and Replacements 9 10 2026 Forecast Investment: $83.9 million 11 12 7.2.1.1 Modernize and Replace Aging Equipment 13 14 NS Powe...

AI summary NS Power plans $83.9M in 2026 for distribution upgrades, including PCB replacement and 7.1km of line relocation to roadside to improve reliability. Modernization efforts align with federal regulations and prioritize infrastructure renewal based on inspection data.

Build to Roadside kms Cape Breton 85S-401 Wreck Cove Rebuild 0.4 Cape Breton 103C-314 Grand Étang Water 0.9 Crossing Northeast 57C-426 Country Harbour Cell 2.6 Tower Build to Roadside Northeast 33N-201 Canaan Road Conversion 1.3 Northeast...

AI summary NS Power plans 2026 reconductoring projects to improve system reliability and performance, with Figure 40 detailing regional conductor upgrade kilometers: Cape Breton (20.1 km), West Metro (34.0 km), Northeast (17.2 km), and others. The text highlights infrastructure planning for distribution system upgrades.

34.0 West Metro 9.6 Northeast 17.2 2 3 In 2026, NS Power plans to complete approximately 30.9 kilometers of line and phase extensions 4 to enhance system reliability and operational flexibility. These projects are designed to improve 5 loa...

AI summary NS Power plans to complete 30.9 km of line and phase extensions in 2026 to enhance system reliability, reduce voltage drops, and improve service continuity in rural and developing areas. Projects are regionally distributed, with 5.5 km in the Northeast, 10 km in Metro, and 15.4 km in the West, as outlined in Figure 41.

1 7.2.1.4 Distribution System Underground Upgrades 2 3 In 2026, a planned investment of $10.2 million will support the Distribution Underground 4 program, aimed at strengthening and modernizing NS Power’s underground electrical system. Thi...

AI summary NS Power plans a $10.2M 2026 investment in underground distribution upgrades, including cable replacement in Kentville, SCADA-enabled switch installation in Halifax, and a high-capacity ductbank with QEII Health Sciences Centre. These projects aim to enhance system reliability, reduce outages, and support infrastructure growth in high-density areas.

wth in high-density areas by enabling 25 the extension of existing three-phase circuits. Additionally, the project will establish new feeder 26 ties, contributing to improved reliability and operational flexibility in the distribution netw...

AI summary The project involves extending existing three-phase circuits in high-density areas and establishing new feeder ties to enhance reliability and operational flexibility in the distribution network. Further details are referenced in CI C0074130 (matter M12456).

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 60 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 7.2.2 Transmission System Upgrades and Replacements 2 3 2026 Forecast Investment: $43.0 million 4 5 In 2026, NS Power plans to invest ap...

AI summary NS Power plans to invest $43.0 million in 2026 for transmission system upgrades and replacements, including traditional infrastructure work, site-specific projects, and ongoing upgrade programs to enhance reliability and resiliency.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 61 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 Figure 42: Illustration of Targeted NS Power Transmission Projects Planned for 2026 2 3 4 7.2.3 Substation Upgrades and Replacements 5 6...

AI summary NS Power plans to invest $52.0 million in 2026 for substation upgrades and replacements to enhance system reliability and support regional growth, aligning with their asset management framework and community needs.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 62 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 NS Power plans to invest approximately $19 million in the replacement and addition of substation 2 transformers. Figure 43 lists the tra...

AI summary NS Power plans to invest $19 million in substation transformers, including replacements and additions, across various regions in Nova Scotia. New substations, such as in Stellarton and Bayers Lake, are expected to be energized in 2026, with further enhancements planned to improve system capacity and reliability.

NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 Figure 45: 2025/2026 Planned Communications Path with Downline Reclosers Installation

AI summary The document presents an update to NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan, focusing on the 2025/2026 planned communications path with downline reclosers installation.

ion 104H In Design. Metro Kempt Rd (multiple devices) Planned for 2026 Execution 2 3 7.3.3 Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) 4 5 As the presence of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar, wind, and battery storage 6 continues...

AI summary The document discusses the importance of managing Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) such as solar, wind, and battery storage to maintain grid reliability and efficiency. NS Power plans to implement a DERMS platform through a capital work order in 2026 to enhance grid resilience and intelligence.

e efforts, NS Power will deliver a stronger, more resilient 22 grid capable of meeting the challenges of climate change, supporting electrification, and improving 23 the customer experience. 24 Page 67 of 71 Date: December 12, 2025 Page 77...

AI summary NS Power outlines efforts to enhance grid reliability through its Five-Year Reliability Plan, including updates on distribution feeders and work completed or in progress on 2025 priority feeders.

ED REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 70 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 2026 Priority Targeted Equipment Protection Upgrades for Load Build to Vegetation Feeder? R...

AI summary The document outlines a list of targeted equipment replacements and protection upgrades for various regions in Nova Scotia, including details on load growth, vegetation work, and feeder status. The table includes regions, depots, and specific tasks such as protection upgrades and vegetation management.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix G Page 71 of 71 NS Power Five-Year Reliability Plan - Update Non-Confidential 1 APPENDIX C– Pole Monitoring Projects – New Pole Class Standard 2 3 Summary of Pole Monitoring Project Locations 4 Region Feeder Location...

AI summary This appendix outlines NS Power's pole monitoring projects, including locations and details of pole removals and installations across different regions in Nova Scotia.

all major roadwork overnight. The timing and planning needed to be much more organized. Drivers can't even get to an alternate route with Kings, Alexandra, Cottage and the highway tied up," she said. "The first day of school at CBU, the ro...

AI summary Residents and drivers are frustrated with ongoing roadwork in the area, particularly near CBU and George Street, which has caused traffic congestion and delays. Some projects, such as Highway 125 repaving and the Kings Road-Keltic Drive roundabout, have been completed, but others are still ongoing with expected completion dates in late 2026.

- 13 A small variance in forecast versus actual procured every year is expected. The year over year - 14 trend was driven primarily by new customer growth, fluctuations between new service types (i.e. - 15 residential single-phase vs apart...

AI summary The text explains that small variances between forecasted and actual meter procurement are expected annually, influenced by factors such as customer growth, service type changes, damaged meters, customer opt-in/out, supply chain delays, and inventory maintenance.

2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (NSEB M12619) NSPI Responses to Consumer Advocate Information Requests 1 Request IR-12: 2 3 With respect to C0080134 (TUC2 Stack), the CI states that the estimated life of the asset is 4 25 years,...

AI summary The response to Request IR-12 explains that a shorter lifetime alternative was not considered for the TUC2 stack project, citing the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) which shows continued operation until 2050. The response argues that cost savings from a lower life expectancy coating system would not significantly reduce the project's total cost.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan CA IR-16 Attachment 2 Page 3 of 7 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 3.0 TRANSFORMER CONSTRUCTION 3.1 Type (i.e. sealed, conservator) Sealed Sealed 3.2 H Winding Material Copper Copper 3.3 X Winding Material...

AI summary The document outlines technical specifications for transformer construction and bushings, including materials, dimensions, and performance metrics. It provides detailed data on transformer components such as winding material, core type, oil type, noise levels, and bushing specifications.

REDACTED 1 2 (f) Please identify any similar previous projects that provide a basis for the 20 percent contingency amount, and supply any information not already filed with the Board in 3 a public document that would assist in understandin...

AI summary The response addresses the need to replace switches at the end of their useful life on L6536, which will also add live-line functionality. This project is necessary to maintain system conditions and comply with operating criteria, which are specific to L6536 and related interconnection lines.

CONFIDENTIAL (Attachment Only) 1 Request IR-18: 2 3 With respect to project C0068969 (Pennsylvania Breaker Replacements): 4 5 (a) Please provide the schedule for the replacement of the 14 remaining circuit breakers. 6 7 (b) Please explain...

AI summary The response to Request IR-18 outlines the schedule for replacing 13 remaining circuit breakers as part of project C0068969. The replacement timeline depends on resource availability and outage restrictions and may change. Inspections and spare parts are maintained in the interim, and efforts are made to repair failed breakers on-site before replacement.

CONFIDENTIAL (Attachment Only) Breaker ID CI Number Project Title 77V-503 C0068969 2026 Pennsylvania Breaker 93N-601 C0068969 2026 Pennsylvania Breaker 93N-602 C0068969 2026 Pennsylvania Breaker 93N-603 C0068969 2026 Pennsylvania Breaker 4...

AI summary The document contains a table listing breaker projects with their respective Breaker IDs, CI Numbers, and Project Titles, including the '2026 Pennsylvania Breaker' project. Some entries have 'TBD – Future' as the CI Number and are marked as 'submission'.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 (e) Yes, vegetation management is covered by the Project Delivery Model. Cost minimization 2 actions in the past have included working with the Provincial Department of Public Works 3 to combine efforts in areas where ro...

AI summary The text discusses cost minimization strategies in vegetation management, including collaboration with provincial and private entities, reducing right-of-way widening, and sharing resources. It also mentions the intent to increase vegetation management work using allocated funding for reliability improvements.

2026 ACE NSDoE IR-001 Attachment 1 Status CI Number Title First Approval Year Original Approved Project Cost 2026 ACE Project Total Variance ($) Variance % 5 (a) Both projects are justified based on ensuring Tufts Cove can reliably supply...

AI summary The document discusses two projects at Tufts Cove, stating they are justified for reliability but not for incremental energy or capacity. The Shoreline Sheetpile project extends asset life by 50 years, and the Turbine IP/LP Last Stage Blade Replacement by 25 years. NS Power did not perform a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) analysis on an individual project level, as it is included in the Integrated Resource Planning exercise. These projects are expected to increase the rate base by $5.7 million and $5.2 million, respectively.

\ \ Increase driven by CI 47124 - Advanced Metering Infrastructure project. 1 Request IR-4: 2 3 Reference: Exhibit N-1: Application - Section 9.0 (General Plant) (PDF Page 57) 4 5 (a) General Plant capital for 2026 is forecast at $92.5 M,...

AI summary The text discusses an increase in General Plant capital for 2026, primarily driven by IT investments, deferred work from 2025, and vehicle replacements. NS Power explains the increase is due to resource constraints, shift to Software as a Service, and cybersecurity investments, among other factors.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 (d) The overall coordination of the transition is being supported by the project management 7 funding is "expected, the amount cannot be forecast at this time." 8 9 (a) For 2026-2030, please identify each source of exter...

AI summary The text discusses the coordination of a transition through project management and outlines external funding sources for 2026-2030, including the Energy Storage project and Grid Modernization Initiatives. It also references the 2026 ACE Plan and seeks reconciliation of figures within the 2026 Application.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 • IT - Managed Detect & Respond: The purpose of this project was to replace and 2 enhance the Security Information Event Monitoring (SIEM) technology and the 3 security detection and response service. The SIEM and monito...

AI summary This document discusses the deferral of several IT projects by NS Power, including the replacement of SIEM technology and enhancements to cybersecurity risk management. These projects have been postponed, with compensating measures in place to manage cybersecurity risks until long-term solutions are implemented. The request also asks for an explanation of the variance in forecasted expenses between the 2025 and 2026 ACE Plans for specific IT projects.

1 1 Request IR-19: 18 explain why? 19 20 Response IR-21: 21 22 (a) NS Power allocates storm costs to both the D008 (Provincial Distribution Storm Routine) 23 and T001 (Unplanned Provincial Transmission Line Replacements) based on the 24 pr...

AI summary NS Power explains that storm costs are allocated between capital and operating expenses based on the nature of the restoration activities. Historical averages plus inflation are used to estimate storm costs, and reliability investments aim to improve overall system reliability and reduce outages, although the exact impact on storm-related outages is difficult to quantify.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-1: 2 3 General Inquiries and Follow-Up pages 7 to 30 4 5 Page 8 notes that the targeted reliability projects include vegetation management, storm 6 hardening and upgrades, device replacements and grid moderniz...

AI summary The document includes a request (IR-1) asking to identify targeted reliability projects such as vegetation management and grid modernization from specific sections of the filing. The response refers to Attachment 1 for details.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-1 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 3 1987.25 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17.1 17...

AI summary The document outlines a 2026 ACE Plan with a detailed table listing forecasted spending, project titles, combined categories, reliability enhancement, and asset classes. The content appears to be a planning and budgeting document related to energy infrastructure and asset management.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-7 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 1 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) CI# Project # Project Long Title Invesment Trigger 7 about the project to develop a fulsome application. 8 9 • Five projects were IT projects that...

AI summary The document outlines various projects and their investment triggers, including IT projects delayed due to a cyber incident, grid modernization initiatives, substation additions, and deferred projects such as the Synchronous Condenser and Sydney T&D Depot. These delays and deferrals are due to resource constraints, scope definition, and temporary arrangements.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 factor forecasts for each thermal generating unit, as shown in Figure 9 of the 10YSO report. 2 These values represent NS Power's current forecast of expected operating patterns for 3 steam units, combined‑cycle units, co...

AI summary The text discusses NS Power's 10-Year System Outlook (10YSO) report, which includes utilization factor forecasts for thermal generating units and risk profiles for different fleet types, such as Thermal, Hydro, and Combustion Turbine, as outlined in various figures.

2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (NSEB M12619) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-53: 2 3 Directives & Misc pages 87 to 141 4 5 Section 11.1.4 Impact of Reliability Projects pages 92 to 132 6 7 Page 106 stat...

AI summary NS Power states that it continuously evaluates opportunities to improve equipment resilience to adverse weather, including adopting practices from other utilities in harsher climates. Updates to design and construction standards are made based on lessons learned from extreme weather and evolving industry practices.

1 (c) The forecasted Utilization and Capacity Factors as per the 2025 10-Year System Outlook 2 provided in the table below. 3 2026 2027 2028 2029 Utilization Factor H M L UL Capacity Factor 61% 41% 12% 15% 4

AI summary The 2025 10-Year System Outlook 2 forecasts utilization and capacity factors for the years 2026 to 2029. The utilization factor is expected to range from high (H) to ultra-low (UL), while the capacity factor is projected to decline from 61% in 2026 to 12% in 2028, then slightly increase to 15% in 2029.

INTAKE EXTENSION FOUNDATION PREPARATION NOTES; - 1. CONTRACTOR SHALL FULLY EXCAVATE EXISTING LOOSE SILTY GRAVEL LAYER BENEATH NEW INTAKE EXTENSION - A. MINIMUM TRENCH WIDTH (u/s EXCAVATION) VARIES BASED ON THICKNESS OF EXISTING LOOSE SILTY...

AI summary The document outlines technical specifications for the excavation and installation of a new intake extension, including trench width calculations, slope requirements, and re-placement of excavated material. It emphasizes compliance with NSPI's geotechnical engineer and the need for a work plan for precast components.

3 G03: C0021608 TUC Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishment

AI summary The text includes a reference to a project identified as G03: C0021608 TUC Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishment, which may relate to infrastructure or maintenance activities.

8.1 Organizational Capabilities

AI summary This section discusses the organizational capabilities of the Nova Scotia Energy Board and Nova Scotia Power Inc. in the context of capital expenditures, reliability, and grid management. It highlights the importance of infrastructure planning and the role of various programs and initiatives in maintaining system reliability.

8.3 Project Plan

AI summary Section 8.3 of the document outlines the Project Plan, which includes details related to capital expenditures, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance. The plan addresses initiatives such as the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). It involves various entities and programs aimed at improving grid reliability and energy efficiency.

1. Administration & Mobilization - Complete safety, environmental, and dive plans; NSPI site onboarding. - Partially remove existing bridge and establish barge access. - Mobilize marine vessels, barges, cranes, excavators and other require...

AI summary The text outlines administrative and mobilization activities related to a project, including safety and environmental planning, site onboarding, and the mobilization of marine and construction equipment.

Preliminary Project Schedule JOB No. NSPI RFP 06 2025-545 Baseline Schedule Layout TUFTS COVE SHORELINE SHEET PILE ROCK REVETMENT 26-Aug-25 13:11 Data Date: 28-Sep-26 # Activity Name Original Duration Remaining Duration Start Finish Total...

AI summary The preliminary project schedule outlines the timeline for the Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment project, including key activities such as mobilization, removal of an existing bridge, and a 53-day outage for Tufts Cove Unit 3. The schedule spans from September 2026 to November 2026.

3.1 Responsibilities

AI summary This section outlines the responsibilities related to the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, including the roles of various entities and the processes involved in managing capital expenditures and infrastructure planning.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 1 Page 43 of 139 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED)

AI summary The document is a redacted page from the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) as part of Information Request 71 (IR-71). It includes confidential information and is part of a larger submission related to capital expenditures and infrastructure planning.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 1 Page 46 of 139 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED)

AI summary The text is a redacted page from the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) as part of Information Request 71 (IR-71). The page contains confidential information and is part of a larger document discussing capital expenditures, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 1 Page 62 of 139 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED)

AI summary The document is a redacted page from the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) in response to Information Request 71. It appears to be part of a larger submission, with details about capital expenditures and infrastructure planning, though specific content has been removed due to confidentiality.

6.0 Project Scope of Work The scope of this project is to install an approximately 80-meter-long sloped rock revetment on the shoreline of the Tufts Cove Generating Station (TUC) in Dartmouth, NS. This work is required to mitigate the cond...

AI summary The project involves installing an 80-meter sloped rock revetment at the Tufts Cove Generating Station to restore shoreline structural integrity and accommodate a new intake extension. The work includes underwater excavation, placement of core and filter stone, and construction of a concrete box culvert. Environmental compliance and habitat enhancement are key considerations.

7.0 Site Location, Control, and Access

AI summary This section outlines the considerations related to site location, control, and access in the context of energy infrastructure planning and management. It includes details about regulatory processes, stakeholder involvement, and technical standards for ensuring reliability and safety.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 1 Page 66 of 139 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED)

AI summary The document is a redacted page from the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) as part of Information Request 71 (IR-71). It includes a table with data related to capital expenditures, potentially involving infrastructure planning and procurement practices.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 1 Page 77 of 139 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED)

AI summary The document is a redacted attachment from the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) in response to Information Request 71. It contains confidential information and is part of a larger proceeding related to capital expenditures and infrastructure planning.

Project Health & Safety Plan Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment RFP-06/2025-545 Upon project completion, all permanent signs, traffic signals, beacons, and pavement markings impacted by the temporary workplace must be restored.

AI summary The Project Health & Safety Plan mandates the restoration of permanent signs, traffic signals, beacons, and pavement markings affected by temporary workplace activities upon project completion at Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment RFP-06/2025-545.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 3 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document references a shoreline revetment project at Tufts Cove, identified by RFP-06/2025-545, as part of the 2026 ACE Plan. The text is redacted, indicating confidential information has been removed.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 7 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document references a request for proposal (RFP) for the Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment project, identified as RFP-06/2025-545. No further details about the project's scope, costs, or stakeholders are provided in the excerpt.

8.3 PROJECT PLAN To complete this project, we will need to remove a section of bridge to the wharf. Nova Scotia Power will either remove piping on bridge or have it assembled in such a manner that it can be unbolted at the bridge joint. We...

AI summary The project plan outlines removing a bridge section to the wharf, utilizing specific equipment like a spud barge and excavators, with Nova Scotia Power managing the work. Material will be stockpiled at Tufts Cove, and a silt boom will be installed to prevent harbor contamination. Elliot Excavators Limited and Connors Diving Services Ltd. are involved in the project.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 10 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document references a shoreline revetment project at Tufts Cove, identified by RFP-06/2025-545, as part of the 2026 ACE Plan. No detailed discussion or arguments are present in the provided text.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 14 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document references a Request for Proposal (RFP) titled 'Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545' and includes a redacted page from the 2026 ACE Plan. The text highlights infrastructure-related procurement activities, though specific details are confidential.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 15 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary A redacted attachment from the 2026 ACE Plan discusses infrastructure planning related to a shoreline revetment project, referencing a Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered #RFP-06/2025-545. The document is part of a larger regulatory proceeding.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 16 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document references a shoreline revetment project at Tufts Cove, identified by RFP-06/2025-545, indicating a procurement process for infrastructure development.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 21 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document is part of the 2026 ACE Plan, referencing the Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment project under RFP-06/2025-545. The content is redacted, with only an image placeholder and project details visible.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 29 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document references a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment project under the 2026 ACE Plan, indicating a procurement process for coastal infrastructure.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 32 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document references a shoreline revetment project at Tufts Cove, identified by RFP-06/2025-545, as part of the 2026 ACE Plan. The page is redacted, indicating confidential information has been removed.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-71 Attachment 2 Page 46 of 53 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment #RFP-06/2025-545

AI summary The document refers to a shoreline protection project at Tufts Cove with a specific request for proposal (RFP) number.

Rock Revetment - Armour Stone Layer Success: All values provided #8-1 Labour (Site Labour) 1 Lump Sum $ 125,000.00 $ 125,000.00 Success: All values provided #8-2 Materials 1 Lump Sum $ 515,000.00 $ 515,000.00 Success: All values provided #...

AI summary The text presents a detailed breakdown of costs for the Rock Revetment - Armour Stone Layer project and the Project Closeout, including labour, materials, equipment, and surveying expenses, with a total cost of $4,169,750.00.

1.1 Design Parameters Nova Scotia Power has indicated that the target design life for the structure is 50-years, with a design return period event of 200-years. This corresponds to an encounter probability of 22% over the structure's desig...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power has set a 50-year design life for the structure with a 200-year return period event, resulting in a 22% probability of occurrence during the structure's lifetime.

Return Design life [years] period [years] 1 5 10 20 30 40 50 75 100 1 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 5 20% 67% 89% 99% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 10 10% 41% 65% 88% 96% 99% 99% 100% 100% 25 4% 18% 34% 56% 71% 80% 87% 95% 98% 50...

AI summary The table presents return period and design life percentages, likely related to infrastructure planning or risk assessment, with data spanning from 1 year to 200 years. It is part of the 2026 ACE Plan and is attached to NSEB IR-78.

REDACTED 1 • The style of intake extension was changed from a king-pile canal to a pre-cast box 2 culvert canal, possibly introducing additional material, engineering and labour 3 expense. This change was made to better align with the proj...

AI summary The text discusses changes in project design, including a shift in intake extension style, increased equipment costs due to marine-based work, lack of inflation consideration, and additional rock revetment material due to sea level rise and geotechnical factors. It also addresses the replacement of turbine blades in the 2026 ACE Plan, emphasizing long-term reliability.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-81: 2 3 G04: C0068898 TUC1 IP LP Last Stage Blade Replacement 4 5 Please provide the forecast capacity factor and utilization factor for TUC1 for each year 6 from 2026 up to and including 2035. 7 8 (a) Given t...

AI summary The response to Request IR-81 discusses the forecast capacity and utilization factors for TUC1 from 2026 to 2035, citing figures from the 2025 10-Year System Outlook. It highlights that maintaining TUC1 beyond 2035 is the lowest-cost option for providing essential firm capacity and winter reliability, as outlined in the Evergreen Integrated Resource Plan.

Line No 17012 Work Order Report Line No: L 701 . 2 Work ( Order i Rep ort L7012-059 230-T-G(O) 70 0 70 Acess is West from the Cleveland Substation 45 40' 12.5599"N -61 14' 58.2495"W No 20235 7.04 7089013 1-2 years No Left pole is very holl...

AI summary The text presents details from a work order report related to pole replacements near the Cleveland Substation and Dowling Road. It outlines the need for replacing poles due to structural issues and includes information on the location, work order numbers, and timelines for replacement.

Line No: L7012 Work Order Report 2023S 7089013 2-4 years L7012-088 Overhead bonding wire Re-Insulate 3X12, Staple Swamp 45 40' -61 10' 15.1867"N 20.8552"W broken at top of right Down Ground pole this is reason for the failure Down ground n...

AI summary The document outlines various work orders related to the repair and replacement of overhead bonding wires and insulators at multiple locations, including issues with rust, broken wires, and structural concerns such as poles sounding hollow. Each entry includes specific coordinates, distances, and references to required letters of authorization from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources.

Date: 2/4/2026 Page 6 of 10 Line No: L 701 . 2 Work ( Order 1 Rep ort L7012-110 230-T-G(O) 70 0 70 black river road. 45 40' 15.2071"N -61 6' 31.0859"W 20235 8.9 6.84 7089013 2-4 years left arm looks to be compressing/ has long weather crac...

AI summary The document details work orders for infrastructure maintenance along Black River Road, including inspections and repairs for poles and insulators. Issues such as weather cracks, compression, and rust are noted, with recommendations for installation and removal of specific components. A land occupation agreement (LOA) is mentioned as required for certain tasks.

CONFIDENTIAL (Attachment Only) 1 Request IR-116: 2 3 T02: C0070909, 70W-T52 Transformer Addition 4 5 The application notes three transformers: 70W-T51, 70W-T53, and 89W-T1. Page 365 that 6 the 2006 Bridgewater Area System Planning Study (2...

AI summary The document includes a request (IR-116) related to transformer additions and system planning in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. It asks for details about feeders, customer counts, load data, installation dates, conversion progress, load transfer, and a 2006 planning report. The response indicates that data prior to 2022 is unavailable due to legacy limitations and provides data from 2022-2025.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-116 Attachment 1 Page 4 of 52 Figure 1: Bridgewater Area - Transmission Switching Diagram 3 Figure 2: Existing Sub-transmission System - Bridgewater Area Figure 3: Town of Bridgewater Figure 4: Feeder Circuit...

AI summary The document contains figures and tables related to the Bridgewater Area's transmission and distribution systems, including load history, growth rates, and infrastructure details. These materials are part of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan submitted to the Nova Scotia Energy Board.

1.0 SUMMARY The Sub-transmission and distribution systems located in the Bridgewater area have been analyzed in this report over a ten year time frame. Results show that there is an immediate requirement for additional 12kV feeder capacity...

AI summary The report analyzes the sub-transmission and distribution systems in Bridgewater, identifying immediate needs for additional 12kV feeder and 69-12kV sub-station transformer capacity. Alternative A-2 is recommended for its lower cost and effort. Alternative B-2 is recommended to resolve a plant criteria violation at High Street Transformer 70W-T51. Additional work is required at Auburndale Sub-station and Line L-5545, and a full sub-transmission study of the Westhavers Elbow system is recommended.

2.0 EXISTING SYSTEM This study was initiated by a capacity criteria violation at the Bridgewater East Sub-station, and covers the period between 2004 and 2013. Forecasts beyond this time frame are uncertain due to the large amount of Sub-t...

AI summary The study was initiated due to a capacity criteria violation at the Bridgewater East Sub-station and covers the period from 2004 to 2013. Forecasts beyond 2013 are uncertain due to significant Sub-transmission work expected in 2012.

The 69kV Sub-transmission System in the Bridgewater area is supplied via the 138kV transmission system transformers identified in table #1 below. EHV Sub-station Transformer Data Sub-station Name Xfmr Manufacturer kV. Rating IMP. Age 75W -...

AI summary The 69kV Sub-transmission System in the Bridgewater area is supplied through 138kV transmission system transformers. Table 1 lists the EHV sub-stations, transformers, their manufacturers, ratings, ages, and other relevant data.

Factors Relevant to Report: - 1. Section 2 of Transmission Line L-5545 and Section 2 of Transmission Line L-5546 were built in 1957; are now 49 years old; and will either need to be rebuilt or replaced during the period covered by this rep...

AI summary The document discusses the aging infrastructure of several transmission lines (L-5545, L-5546, and L-5547), which were built in the 1950s and will require rebuilding or replacement during the period covered by the report. These lines are critical to the electricity transmission network in Nova Scotia.

2.1/ - 4. The previous Distribution Planning Report (#133-0788-W44) for the Bridgewater Area was conducted in 1988 and contained the following major recommendations: - Uprate the 69kV line from 99W to the 70W spur in 1990 (complete) - Repl...

AI summary The 1988 Distribution Planning Report for the Bridgewater Area outlined several infrastructure upgrades, some of which were completed, while others remain unfinished. The report projected higher load growth rates than what has been observed in recent years, with actual growth rates significantly lower.

.1 Load History Load data dating back to 1991 was obtained for each feeder circuit in Sub-stations 70W, 73W, and 89W (refer to Appendix A for feeder data summary). This data was checked against the available sub-station transformer load da...

AI summary Load data from 1991 for Sub-stations 70W, 73W, and 89W was analyzed to calculate historical load growth rates for High Street, Bridgewater East, and Auburndale Sub-stations, using feeder circuit, transformer, and sub-transmission line data.

Relevant Information: The load history shown in Figure 4 reflects the following: - 4kV load on 70W-203 and 70W-204 has remained fairly constant since 1995 (this will slowly be decreased as opportunities arise to convert 4kV to 12kV). - 2.6...

AI summary The text provides a historical overview of load changes on various feeder circuits in the Bridgewater East area, including load transfers and reconfigurations over time. It highlights how load has been redistributed between different circuits since 1995.

Relevant Information: - 1. The historical growth rate for the combined High Street and Bridgewater East Substations was found to be 2.11% per year. - 2. Frequent Load transfers between the High Street and Bridgewater East Sub-stations made...

AI summary The historical growth rate for the High Street and Bridgewater East Substations is 2.11% per year, with significant growth in Bridgewater on the Northeast side of the LaHave River, necessitating the combination of these sub-stations due to frequent load transfers.

Relevant Information: - 1. The historical growth rate for the Auburndale feeder circuits (25kV) was found to be 1.27% per year. - 2. The Auburndale feeder circuit 73W-412 maintains a 3 MVA reserve for the Michelin Bridgewater site. This re...

AI summary The text provides technical details on the Auburndale feeder circuits and transformer, including historical growth rates, reserve capacity, and cooling provisions. It also references a redacted 2026 ACE Plan and includes a figure related to load forecasting for the High Street sub-station.

Assumptions: - 1. The peak feeder loading for 70W occurs during the Winter months, so that the substation transformer 70W-T53 can be loaded to 133% of its top nameplate rating before being considered to be in an overloaded condition. - 2....

AI summary The text outlines assumptions regarding the capacity and loading conditions of the 70W substation transformer and mobile substation 5P-MS, predicting potential contingency capacity issues by 2014 and transformer overload by 2018 under normal and higher-than-normal load growth rates.

Assumptions: - 1. The peak feeder loading for 73W occurs during the Winter months, so that the substation transformer 73W-T1 can be loaded to 133% of its top nameplate rating before being considered to be in an overloaded condition. - 2. T...

AI summary The document outlines assumptions related to the capacity limitations and load forecast for the Auburndale and Bridgewater East sub-stations, highlighting potential overloading issues and the impact of growth rates on future capacity needs.

.1 Bridgewater 69kV Sub-transmission System (Within Report Scope): There are a number of criteria violations concerning the Bridgewater Sub-transmission system that will occur before 2012 if load at the Bridgewater East & High Street Subst...

AI summary The Bridgewater 69kV Sub-transmission System is facing multiple criteria violations due to load growth at Bridgewater East, High Street, and Auburndale substations. These violations include capacity and deteriorated plant issues, with projected violations extending up to 2013.

.1 Capacity Criteria Violation at Bridgewater East (2003) There is presently a capacity criteria violation at the Bridgewater East Sub-station during periods of peak load. The recorded 2002/03 Winter peak was 17.2 MVA, which is 154% of the...

AI summary A capacity criteria violation exists at the Bridgewater East Sub-station due to peak load exceeding transformer ratings. Load has been shifted to other substations, but further offloading is hindered by infrastructure failures. Additional load from new developments is expected, necessitating transformer upgrades.

Alternate Solutions: Three potential solutions were analysed to relieve the overload on the Bridgewater East Transformer 89W-T1. These included the option to add a second transformer at Sub-station 70W; the option to replace Sub-station Tr...

AI summary Three solutions to relieve overload on the Bridgewater East Transformer 89W-T1 were analyzed: adding a second transformer at Sub-station 70W, replacing the existing transformer with a larger unit, and using tertiary windings from other transformers to create a new 12kV supply. A fourth, more costly option involving voltage conversion and transformer replacement at Auburndale was not analyzed.

Alternative A-1: Add a new Transformer at 70W and Offload 89W This option relies on the installation of a second transformer at the High Street Substation to offload the distribution circuits supplied by the Bridgewater East Substation. -...

AI summary Alternative A-1 involves installing a new transformer at the High Street Substation and making several distribution upgrades in 2004 to offload the Bridgewater East Substation. The plan includes circuit conversions, reconductoring, and infrastructure upgrades to support new loads and improve reliability.

It involves the following work: - Install mobile sub-station at 89W prior to station work in 2004 - Move 89W-T1 to stores in 2004 - Remove the existing concrete pad at 89W in 2004 - Install a new pad complete with oil containment in 2004 -...

AI summary The document outlines a series of infrastructure upgrades and expansions at Sub-station 89W between 2004 and 2010, including transformer installation, pad upgrades, and new circuits to improve capacity and support new developments in Bridgewater.

It involves the following work: - Install a new 12kV bus assembly within 99W complete with two recloser bays & U/G station exits, a switch bay, and a bay to connect a new grounding (zigzag) transformer in 2004. - Install a new grounding tr...

AI summary The text outlines a series of electrical infrastructure upgrades and installations in 2004, including new bus assemblies, transformers, distribution lines, and reconductoring efforts to support new developments and improve reliability.

Qualitative Analysis 70W: Adding a transformer at Sub-station 70W would place additional capacity as near to the geographic load centre of Bridgwater as possible, and would therefore lower costs associated with system losses. The distribut...

AI summary The document evaluates two transformer upgrade options at Sub-stations 70W and 89W in Bridgwater. Adding a transformer at 70W would reduce system losses but require additional infrastructure for long-term growth. Replacing the transformer at 89W is considered a less costly and less disruptive solution, despite being further from the load centre.

Solution: 73W-T1 has provision for an additional fan kit that would raise its' top rating to 14 MVA. This would allow the Auburndale transformer to be loaded to 15.9 MVA (14 MVA x 1.33 - 3MVA Reserve = 15.9 MVA) before again being consider...

AI summary The 73W-T1 transformer can be upgraded with a fan kit to increase its capacity to 14 MVA, allowing the Auburndale transformer to handle up to 15.9 MVA before being considered overloaded. However, the addition of a new industrial customer with a peak load over 750kVA in the Bridgewater Industrial Park would necessitate the installation of the fan kit.

.5 Deteriorated Plant Criteria Violation: Line L-5545 (2013) The 2km section of Line L-5545 that runs between the Auburndale Tap and Wileville (L-5545 Section 3) was built in 1957; is now 46 years old; and has reached 110% of the average s...

AI summary A 2km section of Line L-5545, built in 1957, has reached 110% of its average service life of 42 years and is expected to require a major rebuild by 2013, based on the IOWA State Survivor Curve R-2.

.2 Bridgewater 69kV Sub-transmission System (Outside Report Scope): Two criteria violations concerning the Bridgewater 69kV Sub-transmission system are expected to occur by 2013. These are worthy of mention but do not fall within the scope...

AI summary The Bridgewater 69kV Sub-transmission system is expected to experience two deteriorated plant criteria violations by 2013, specifically on lines L-5547 and L-5546. These issues are noted but not addressed in this report as they fall outside its scope.

a) Deteriorated Plant Criteria Violation: Line L-5547 (2012) In addition to providing an alternate supply to Sub-station 89W via line L-5546, Westhavers Elbow also supplies Sub-stations 76W, 78W, 81W, and 82W via 17km of radial Line L-5547...

AI summary Line L-5547, built in 1955, has exceeded its service life and requires replacement. The line supplies multiple sub-stations and replacement must occur under live line conditions unless a new right of way is secured. Considerations include upgrading to 138kV and replacing aging 69kV transformers.

Westhavers Elbow (75W) MVA Figure 13: Westhavers Elbow Load Data (75W) It is evident that major changes/revitalization will be required to the Westhavers Elbow 69kV Sub-transmission System within the next ten to 15 years. As such, a separa...

AI summary The Westhavers Elbow 69kV Sub-transmission System is expected to require major changes or revitalization within the next 10 to 15 years. A separate sub-transmission study is recommended to evaluate the options of upgrading/rebuilding the system or gradually converting it to 138kV operation and replacing Sub-station 75W with a single 138kV Line tap.

b) Deteriorated Plant Criteria Violation: Line L-5546 (2013) The 5.7km section of Line L-5546 between the Bridgewater and Bridgewater East Sub-stations, and the 5.9km Section of L-5546 between the Bridgewater East and Westhavers Elbow Sub-...

AI summary A 5.7km and 5.9km section of Line L-5546, constructed in 1957, is composed of wooden poles and fixtures that are now 46 years old and require a major rebuild or replacement by 2013 due to deterioration.

Comments: The simplest solution to this violation would involve the rebuild of the 5.7km section of line between the Bridgewater and Bridgewater East sub-stations followed by the abandonment of the section between the Bridgewater East and...

AI summary The text discusses two potential solutions to address a violation involving power line infrastructure: rebuilding a section of line between Bridgewater and Bridgewater East sub-stations and abandoning another section, or constructing a new line tap to reduce load on the 69kV system and abandon an existing subtransmission line.

Sub-transmission Lines L-5546 & L-5547 In order to ascertain the true condition of lines L-5546 and L-5547 it will be necessary to have these lines surveyed prior to 2010.

AI summary To determine the actual condition of sub-transmission lines L-5546 and L-5547, a survey of these lines must be conducted before 2010.

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

AI summary This section outlines the recommendations made by the Nova Scotia Energy Board following the analysis and review of various proceedings, including considerations related to energy efficiency, infrastructure planning, and regulatory compliance.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-116 Attachment 1 Page 38 of 52 Station Name Transformer I.D. Transformer Rating (MVA) Feeder kV (L-L) Feeder # Load 2002 Peak Amps Load 2002 Feeder MVA Calc 2002 Total MVA I.D. Α В C - 1 kV(L-L) MVA MW MVAR M...

AI summary The document presents a table detailing electrical transformer and feeder data, including ratings, load information, and calculations for various stations. It includes details such as transformer IDs, ratings, feeder voltage, load peak amps, and calculated MVA values for the year 2002.

Replace 89W-T1 with a New 15/20/25 MVA Transformer in 2004. This has a NPC $74,701 less than Alt A and $139,257 less than Alt C. Alt B is the 'least effort' and 'least cost' solution to the capacity problems within Bridgewater. Although 89...

AI summary The text discusses replacing the 89W-T1 transformer with a new 15/20/25 MVA transformer in 2004, noting cost savings compared to alternatives. Alt B is described as the least effort and least cost solution to capacity issues in Bridgewater, despite 89W being further from the load centre than 70W but on the same side of the LaHave river with significant load growth.

Add Capacity to 70W and Offload 89W This option requires a second transformer at 70W to offload 89W circuits. This location has a HV bus, switch, transformer pad, and low voltage bus already in place, although two of the bays in the LV bus...

AI summary This section outlines the plan to add capacity at 70W by installing a new transformer and reconfiguring existing circuits to offload 89W. It includes upgrading distribution lines, replacing a failed submarine cable, and modifying circuits to serve new developments and redistribute load.

Use 99W-T62 Tertiary to Offload 89W This alternative makes use of the fact that there is 12.5kV (delta) available from the tertiary windings of the power transformers within the Bridgewater EHV Sub-station 99W. In 2004, it involves install...

AI summary The proposal involves using the 12.5kV tertiary windings at Bridgewater EHV Sub-station 99W to offload 89W-301 by upgrading infrastructure, reconfiguring circuits, and replacing cables, ultimately reducing the load on 89W-T51 to 11MVA.

REDACTED 2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-116 Attachment 1 Page 42 of 52 Test 4 Not Applicable (6,156.0) ####### 25,075.0 1,228,675.0 (1,239,750.0) (6,150.0) ####### 25,075.0 1,179,228.0 (6,126.0) (6,236.0) 6,520.1) (6,520.1) (6,520.1) (6,520.1) (6,5...

AI summary The document is a redacted page from an attachment to the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, referencing the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Integrated Resource Plan (IR-116). It contains a table with numerical data, likely related to financial or resource planning, but the content is partially obscured.

Line No: L7001 Work Order Report Line No: L 700 1 Work Order l Rep ort Str# Str Type / Frm Type Pole Lgth L Pole Lgth C Pole Lgth R Access GPS Lat GPS Long Scoping Required Scheduled Grd Clr Min Grd Clr Work OrderID Field Priority Flagged...

AI summary The document details two work orders for electrical infrastructure maintenance in Nova Scotia. L7001-001 involves reinsulating a power line near a storage site, while L7001-003 requires replacing deteriorated spar arms and addressing structural issues on a pole along Old Woods Rd.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-117 Attachment 1 Page 2 of 7 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Line No: L7001 Work Order Report L7001-017 230-T-G(O) 70 0 70 1M Stream N45-23- 39.80 W63-20-05.10 45 23' 37.1937"N -63 20' 7.2537"W No 2026S 10...

AI summary The text contains a redacted work order report detailing maintenance and repair tasks for electrical infrastructure in Nova Scotia. It includes locations, conditions, and required actions for various poles and insulators, with some entries indicating deterioration and the need for replacement and re-insulation.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-117 Attachment 1 Page 3 of 7 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Line No: L7001 Work Order Report L7001-034 230-T-G(O) 75 0 75 Ingelwood Farm fields across railbed/walking trail. 45 21' 52.2991"N -63 21' 8.601...

AI summary The document outlines two work orders related to infrastructure maintenance on power lines in Nova Scotia. Both involve replacing deteriorating spar arms and reinsulating power lines, with specific environmental considerations for work in the Cobequid Bay area.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-117 Attachment 1 Page 4 of 7 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Line No: L7001 Work Order Report L7001-054 230-T-G(O) 70 0 70 Samsons X-mas tree lot 45 19' 41.1475"N -63 21' 8.7492"W No 2026S 11.4 10.29 0000...

AI summary The document discusses a work order report for the replacement of a 70' 230-T-G(0) structure at Samsons X-mas tree lot due to failing insulator grout, hollow poles, and weather-cracked spar arms. It includes environmental considerations related to species at risk.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-117 Attachment 1 Page 5 of 7 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Line No: L7001 Work Order Report L7001-071 230-Da-3(O)(0-60 Deg) 70 65 70 1M Stream with Atv Bridge N45-17-51.20 W63-21-25.8 45 17' 47.2483"N -6...

AI summary The document outlines work order reports for power line maintenance tasks in Nova Scotia, including details about damaged infrastructure such as weather cracks on idler spars, woodpecker holes in poles, and deteriorating insulator grout. The reports include recommendations for repairs and replacements.

2026 ACE Plan NSEB IR-117 Attachment 1 Page 6 of 7 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Line No: L7001 Work Order Report L7001-083 230-T-G(O) 70 0 70 Access Woods Road off Pleasant Valley Road Highway 289 45 16' 46.3171"N -63 22' 45...

AI summary The document contains work order reports for two locations detailing infrastructure issues, including cracked spar arms, rotten pole tops, deteriorating grout in insulators, and ant infestations. Each report includes specific coordinates, work order numbers, and proposed actions such as replacement and reinsulation.

Transmission Vegetation Management Costs from 2016 to 2025 by Voltage. Year 2022 L-5532 1 216.77 2,765 6,923.70 2022 L-5533 1 91.87 1,084 1,657.44 2022 L-5535 1 122.60 944 1,917.12 2022 L-5541 1 54.85 4 2.57 2022 L-5561A 1 2,562.87 2,692 4...

AI summary The document provides a detailed breakdown of transmission vegetation management costs from 2016 to 2025 by voltage level. It includes line numbers, quantities, and associated costs for various projects. The request is made in the context of distribution capital investments and the need for yearly data on primary overhead distribution lines.

5 (b) Please refer to Attachment 1 for the All‑Events Annual Outage Data from 2018–2025. The 6 annual results include all outage events from 2018–2025 for every feeder in all phases of 7 the vegetation management program, regardless of whe...

AI summary The document discusses outage data from 2018–2025, the impact of a cyber incident on data availability regarding vegetation management, and the lack of detailed breakdowns in the annual storm budget. It also notes that the New Distribution ROW program is not related to storm response.

1 which slowed down productivity. A continued focus on contractor efficiency is also 2 expected to help reduce the unit cost. Actual Phase 10 KM Feeder Geographic Location Plan KM Complete Change Description 100C-421 Havre Boucher 15 23 10...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of productivity slowdowns and the expected reduction in unit costs through improved contractor efficiency. It also includes a table showing the progress of various feeder projects, with some projects being removed due to priority shifts.

as time, cost, volume, or quality. 7 8 (b) Please explain how the utility will measure the actual business impact following the 9 deployment of this project. 10 11 Response IR-145: 12 13 (a) A specific business case report was not develope...

AI summary The response outlines expected benefits of a project, including streamlining execution, reducing truck rolls, and improving resource planning through enhanced data visibility and automation. Federal funding is noted to provide these benefits at a significantly reduced cost to customers.

Figure 56: Evergreen IRP vs. 2026 ACE Plan Forecast Comparison by Unit[1](#page-8-0) - (a) Compared to the amount of investment in the last IRP shown on the left axis, please confirm which units shown on the right axis: - (i) have increase...

AI summary The figure compares investment levels in the Evergreen IRP with the 2026 ACE Plan, asking which units on the right axis show increased investment planned for 2026 compared to the left axis.

- (ii) Have decreased investment planned for 2026. 1 (b) Please explain which of the CEJC rating criteria listed on Page 89 of 782, Lines 4-12 2 were relied on to determine this positive or negative change in investment level for 3 each un...

AI summary The response outlines units with increased and decreased investment planned for 2026, citing criteria such as Health & Safety, Environment/Regulatory Compliance, and Business Sustainability. The 2026 investment plan uses a bottom-up approach and differs from the Evergreen IRP, focusing on risk mitigation rather than long-term planning.

(b) "Regular" refers to Regular Administrative Overhead, also known as Labour AO. NS Power has three types of AO Rates, which are calculated in accordance with Board- 1 approved Accounting Policy 6230 – Application of Administrative and Ve...

AI summary The text discusses NS Power's Administrative Overhead (AO) rates, referencing Accounting Policy 6230, and includes several inquiries regarding the increase in Steam projects in 2026, the DLR Deployment project, and the Dynamic Line Rating upgrade. Responses and requests are outlined, with some references to external events and presentations.

B. Forecasting New Customer-Driven Work Volumes

AI summary This section discusses forecasting new customer-driven work volumes, which involves estimating the amount of work required based on customer demand and activity. The focus is on planning and resource allocation to meet future customer needs efficiently.

IV. Contingency for Projects without Risk Matrices

AI summary This section discusses contingency planning for projects that do not include risk matrices, highlighting the need for alternative risk management strategies in the absence of formal risk assessment tools.

2 A. New Distribution Right of Way Phase 11 (CI C0080266)

AI summary This section of the document refers to a proceeding concerning the New Distribution Right of Way Phase 11, identified by the case number CI C0080266. It appears to be related to infrastructure planning and regulatory processes in Nova Scotia.

Q: Should the Board be concerned about the effectiveness of the New Distribution Right of Way projects? A: Perhaps, but it may be too soon to say. Since 2016, NS Power's four reliability metrics related to tree contacts continue to remain...

AI summary The effectiveness of the New Distribution Right of Way projects is uncertain. While NS Power's reliability metrics related to tree contacts have remained flat or decreased since 2016, it is unclear if the project has had a positive impact. However, recent changes in vegetation management practices may improve reliability over time.

B. Spare Transformers - Q: Please describe the role of spare transformers in supporting reliability. - A: According to NS Power, it has added a new transformer to strengthen its "fleet of spares" in support of "system reliability and long-...

AI summary NS Power has added a new transformer to support system reliability. The document discusses cost-effective methods like spare inventory pooling, referencing Grid Assurance, a program that allows utilities to share spare equipment. The costs of spare transformers, including deployment and storage, are highlighted as a challenge for individual utilities.

- "Cleaner Energy for Southern Company: Finding a Low Cost Path to Clean Power Plan Compliance," Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, July 2015. - "Analysis of Solar Capacity Equivalent Values for Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progr...

AI summary The document lists various reports and analyses conducted by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy on energy topics including solar capacity, energy efficiency, and decarbonization in the Southeastern United States. It also includes a review of Nova Scotia Power's Integrated Resource Plan.

- "Building the Energy Efficiency Resource for the TVA Region," presentation on behalf of Southern Alliance for Clean Energy to the Tennessee Valley Authority Integrated Resource Planning Stakeholder Review Group, December 10, 2009. - "Flo...

AI summary The document lists various presentations and testimonies related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and regulatory proceedings in the Southeastern United States, including Florida and the Tennessee Valley Authority region. These presentations cover topics such as energy efficiency as a resource, integrated resource planning, and the implementation of the Clean Power Plan.

hern Alliance for Clean Energy. Adequacy of consideration of energy efficiency in Georgia Power's 2010 integrated resource plan, including cost effectiveness, rate and bill impacts, and lost revenues. Georgia PSC Docket No. 31082, direct t...

AI summary The text outlines expert testimony provided by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy in various regulatory proceedings, focusing on the adequacy of energy efficiency considerations in integrated resource plans and demand side management plans of utility companies in Georgia and South Carolina.

(1) Total 2025 Spend: Top 10 projects that were included in the 2025 ACE Plan CI Project Title Functional Class 2025 C0045132 ECEI - Energy Storage Transmission Plant - T $ 167,944,719 C0068655 LM6000 191-332 Life Extension Gas Turbine Gen...

AI summary The document outlines the top 10 projects included in the 2025 ACE Plan with their respective costs and functional classes, as well as preliminary spending on projects awaiting approval or included in the plan. It includes details on energy storage, infrastructure upgrades, and other initiatives.

(3) Spending on projects started prior to 2025, not in the 2025 ACE Plan: Top 10 projects that were included in prior ACE Plans or approved prior to 2025 CI Project Title Functional Class 2025 C0074452 L6552 - 124C TOA Grid Modernization T...

AI summary The text lists top 10 projects initiated prior to 2025 and not included in the 2025 ACE Plan, detailing their functional classes and 2025 spending. It also includes a status table with project categories, ACE Plan references, submission dates, and financial details.

C0044172 L7005 Canso Crossing Vibration Mitigation Pending Submission 367,176 2,473,174 Project is complete with application pending for submission to NSEB.

AI summary The C0044172 project, L7005 Canso Crossing Vibration Mitigation, is complete and awaiting submission to the NSEB. The project's cost is $367,176, with a total of $2,473,174 allocated.

DATE FILED: April 8, 2026 Page 4 of 19 1 2.0 RESPONSE TO CA (WILSON) EVIDENCE 13 understood, a risk matrix may be developed to support discussions with the project team and to 14 inform how those risks would be addressed if they materializ...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's approach to risk management using the Project Development Methodology (PDM) and highlights a recommendation regarding the Five-Year Reliability Plan review, including the effectiveness of New Distribution Right of Way projects and addressing outages caused by tree contacts.

M12619 - 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan Opening Statement of Nova Scotia Power Incorporated Provided by Dave Pickles, Chief Operating Officer, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated Thank you, Chair and Members of the Board, for the opportun...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Incorporated's 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) proposes $702 million in capital spending, with a focus on improving reliability, safety, and preparing for the future. Investments include vegetation management, infrastructure upgrades, and storm hardening to reduce outages and enhance grid resilience.

g the transmission and distribution system, and adopting modern technologies that enable faster outage detection, isolation, and restoration, all aimed at building a more resilient grid for customers. We also welcome the Board-appointed th...

AI summary The document discusses investments in grid resilience, including modern technologies for outage management, third-party review of the Reliability Plan, and the 2026 ACE Plan's Path to 2030 Update. It highlights grid-scale battery storage projects and the Wasoqonatl Transmission Inc. partnership for new interconnections.

w Brunswick. Construction is expected to be completed by 2028, complementing existing interconnections, including the Maritime Link, which flows energy from Newfoundland and Labrador into Nova Scotia. We are also progressing preliminary en...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan outlines investments in infrastructure and renewable energy to support Nova Scotia's transition to a low-carbon electricity system by 2030. Key initiatives include the development of the NS IESO, renewable energy projects, and the maintenance of existing generation assets.

Chris Milligan ([email protected]) 1 Undertaking U-5: 2 3 Re Matter M12012, Exhibit N-8, IR-1, Attachment 1: to provide an update to the 2025 4 projects that were completed with the totals spent on each project, the total spent in...

AI summary The response to Undertaking U-5 provides an update on 2025 projects completed under the Five-Year Reliability Plan, including actual spending, budget comparisons, and 2026 forecasts. It includes details on specific projects such as the replacement of deteriorated equipment at the New Bridgewater Substation.

4 The maximum existing loading recorded on each of the existing three (3), 4.16kV 5 distribution circuits during the past 12 months were as follows: Feeder 76W-211 76W-212 76W-213 96H Ruth Falls Upper 96H Ruth Falls Upper (SMSTE) 96H-T1 Ga...

AI summary The text presents data on the maximum loading recorded on three 4.16kV distribution circuits over the past 12 months, including details on various indicators such as oil temperature, tapchanger control status, and equipment conditions. It highlights an issue with fans not functioning properly and the presence of oil leaks.

FOR PETROLEUM IMPACTED SITES IN ATLANTIC CANADA Pha III E SA Rep ort, Se ctio n 5 .4 se Generation Thermal Total 536,796 475,944 199,826 465,600 T003 23120 Provincial - Trans Substation Primary 3,298,931 3,450,150 3,644,116 3,122,388 T004...

AI summary The document contains a table with data related to various projects and costs associated with petroleum-impacted sites in Atlantic Canada, including transmission line replacements, equipment spares, and meter replacements. The table includes multiple line items with varying costs across different years.

2026 ACE Plan U-18 Attachment 1 Page 2 of 2 1 Undertaking U-19: 2 3 Regarding the response to NSEB IR-128(a): To provide more detail explaining why the cost 4 per kilometre for 2024 and 2025 on the "D010 and New ROW Spend" went up by so mu...

AI summary The response to NSEB IR-128(a) explains that the increase in cost per kilometre for the 'D010 and New ROW Spend' in 2024 and 2025 was due to incorrect data inclusion and multiple factors such as hazard tree removal, fire restrictions, increased contractor labour costs, and traffic control expenses.

2026 ACE Plan U-20 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 1 1 00 11 Feeder # of Kms Completed 2023 Condition 2024 Condition Change Estimated Capital Cost 528C-301 8 3 2 1 501,114 55V-313JB 6 3 3 0 392,934 568C-311 11 5 3 2 664,814 56N-414 11 3 2 1 678,346...

AI summary The table presents details about various feeders, including the number of kilometers completed, their conditions in 2023 and 2024, the change in condition, and estimated capital costs. This data is part of the 2026 ACE Plan U-20 Attachment 1.

FINAL ISSUES LIST The following issues will be dealt with in the public hearing on NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan, scheduled to begin on April 21, 2026, in addition to the usual review of projects for which approval is sought (including the Rout...

AI summary The final issues list outlines key topics for the public hearing on NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan, including reliability investments, capital spending criteria, cybersecurity breach impacts, and integration of IESO-NS work into NSPI's capital plans.

- [1] Each year, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated files an Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan outlining its proposed capital expenditures for the upcoming year. In accordance with ss. 35, 35A and 35AA of the Public Utilities Act, RSNS 198...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Incorporated submitted its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan for approval, seeking Board approval for projects totaling $76.7 million and Routine Capital Expenditures of $207.3 million. The Board approved the plan, except for the RTU Deployment project, which was deferred pending a Synapse Energy Economics Consultants report. The Board also addressed broader issues related to capital spending and reliability planning.

d hours, and maintenance practices. Used engines also typically require additional depot work after purchase to return them to a serviceable condition. When this additional work is taken into account, the total cost of a used engine can ap...

AI summary NS Power is considering replacing the Burnside #2 Combustion Turbine engine, but the Board is concerned about the high cost of used engines and the lack of price quotes. NS Power also suggested leasing an engine as an alternative, but the Board believes delaying the project until the Integrated Resource Plan is completed could be a better option.

2.2.4.1 Findings [32] As noted by NS Power, this project will add remote monitoring (i.e. visibility) and control (i.e. SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) for the system operator for the sites where new RTU are installed. NS...

AI summary The Board acknowledges the benefits of installing RTUs for remote monitoring and control but is concerned about the lack of quantified benefits, the limited customer impact (3.6% of total customers), and the fact that RTUs do not enhance immediate fault-clearing capabilities. The project is not approved at this time due to pending reviews and insufficient benefit quantification.

4.0 FIVE-YEAR RELIABILITY PLAN [120] In response to ongoing concerns and Board directives in the 2024 ACE Plan Decision, NS Power submitted a Five-Year Reliability Plan as Exhibit N-3 in the 2025 ACE Plan . In this Plan, the Company outlin...

AI summary NS Power submitted a Five-Year Reliability Plan in response to the 2024 ACE Plan Decision, proposing a $1.3 billion investment from 2025-2029 to improve customer reliability and reduce SAIDI by 20%. The Board directed NS Power to provide annual updates and consider new reliability metrics in the 2026 ACE Plan.

Storm Hardening with Targeted Equipment Replacements and Upgrades [124] This involves replacing aging equipment, rebuilding lines, modernizing substations, strengthening transmission infrastructure and installing advanced protective device...

AI summary The text discusses storm hardening initiatives involving equipment replacements, line rebuilding, substation modernization, and installation of advanced protective devices to enhance grid resilience.

4.1 Findings [150] The Board agrees that vegetation management, system hardening and grid modernization are recognized tools for reliability improvements. It is on this basis, and an assessment of the individual merits of each project subm...

AI summary The Board acknowledges the importance of vegetation management and grid modernization but is concerned about the lack of demonstrated reliability improvements despite significant spending. It questions whether the investments are providing value for ratepayers and emphasizes the need for a clearer connection between expenditures and reliability outcomes.

The DOE also appears to be suggesting that because customer growth and demand have not increased at the same pace as the asset base, it reflects negatively on NS Power's asset management capabilities. [170] There is not necessarily a corre...

AI summary The document discusses the relationship between asset base growth and customer demand, noting that they are not necessarily correlated. It highlights examples such as water utilities and the need for capital spending due to aging infrastructure, climate change, and decarbonization targets, emphasizing that regulated utilities cannot abandon less profitable customer segments.

boration to support a transparent, efficient, and fair transition to an lESO-administered electricity system. [Emphasis in original] [Letter from the Office of the Minister of Energy, April 15, 2026] [203] The Board notes there were no pro...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's updated Synchronous Condenser project with a $365 million cost, an increase from the original estimate due to a scope change involving nine condensers instead of four. This change was linked to additional planned wind farms beyond the Rate Based Procurement. The need for coordination between the IESO Nova Scotia, NS Power, and provincial policy directives was emphasized.

8.1 Impacts on Capital Planning [209] On April 25, 2025, NS Power discovered a cybersecurity breach which impacted certain parts of its information technology network resulting in an inability to access certain systems and data. The Board...

AI summary NS Power experienced a cybersecurity breach in April 2025, leading to delayed capital project filings and reliance on GIS databases for data gaps. The Board is reviewing the incident in two proceedings, with a specific focus on its impact on capital planning.

analysis comparing the Mersey Redevelopment Project to the decommissioning and partial decommissioning options. NS Power complied with these directives in Appendix E of its 2026 ACE Plan application. [224] The total cost of the Mersey Rede...

AI summary The Mersey Redevelopment Project's total cost has been estimated at around $1.2 billion in recent ACE Plans, with construction deferred until 2031. NS Power is awaiting the outcome of the IESO Nova Scotia IRP process and is addressing environmental regulatory and Mi'kmaq concerns, particularly regarding fish passage and compliance with the modernized Fisheries Act.

10.1 Findings [237] The Board accepts NS Power's Mersey Hydro System Update as filed with the 2026 ACE Plan application. [238] The Board directs NS Power to provide another comprehensive update on the Mersey Redevelopment Project in the 20...

AI summary The Board accepts NS Power's Mersey Hydro System Update as part of the 2026 ACE Plan application. It also directs NS Power to provide a comprehensive update on the Mersey Redevelopment Project in the 2027 ACE Plan, including capital sustaining costs, NPV analysis, and updates related to Mersey Hydro System modelling from the IESO's 2026 IRP.

hould require enhanced justification where a Routine experiences significant year-over-year expenditure growth or materially evolves in its work categories, standards, objectives or system capability. - 8. Upon identifying a change to proj...

AI summary The document outlines requirements for enhanced justification of expenditure growth and changes in project deliverables by NS Power. It also directs NS Power to engage with the IESO Nova Scotia regarding the The Path to 2030 Update and coordinate in future ACE Plan filings.

Jennifer L. Nicholson SCHEDULE "A" 2026 ACE Plan Approved Projects CI Number Title 2026 Budget Project Total Generation C0080206 POA Boiler Refurbishment 2026 $1,195,706 $1,304,600 C0080205 POA Boiler Refractory Replacement 2026 $936,645 $...

AI summary The document lists approved projects under the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, including boiler refurbishments, transmission upgrades, distribution right-of-way expansions, and intelligent asset data integration, with budget figures and total project costs.

Request IR-1: - Page 8 notes that the targeted reliability projects include vegetation management, storm - hardening and upgrades, device replacements and grid modernization. Please identify the - projects that would fall under these categ...

AI summary The document requests the identification of targeted reliability projects, such as vegetation management and grid modernization, from the Routines in section 10 and individual Capital Investments across Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and General Plant.

Section 7.0 Transmission pages 46 to 50

AI summary The section discusses transmission-related matters, including capital expenditures, infrastructure planning, and regulatory oversight. It touches on the role of Nova Scotia Power and the need for compliance with regulatory processes and standards.

Request IR-18: - In reference to Figure 19 on page 46, please describe the reasons for the proposed significant - decrease in transmission investment for 2026, 2027 and 2028 compared to the forecasts in the - 2025 ACE Plan.

AI summary The document requests an explanation for the significant decrease in transmission investment for 2026, 2027, and 2028 compared to the 2025 ACE Plan, referencing Figure 19 on page 46.

Request IR-22: Please identify any transmission projects that are being advanced ahead of confirmed generation or load requirements and explain why early capital commitment is prudent.

AI summary Request IR-22 asks to identify transmission projects being advanced before confirmed generation or load requirements and to explain why early capital commitment is considered prudent.

Request IR-35: - D010 Provincial widening - a) Please provide more insight into the 2026 D010 budget, including a detailed breakdown of expenditures by major cost category. - b) For each year from 2022 to 2026, please provide the number of...

AI summary Request IR-35 seeks detailed information on the D010 Provincial widening project, including budget breakdowns, project completion data, regional spending analysis, and tree-related outage data from 2023 to 2025.

Request IR-39: - D061 and D062 New Customers - a) Please update the attachment provided in M12319 Board IR-7 to include 2025 actual expenditures and the forecast for 2026. - b) Please provide the following for each year from 2022 to 2025:...

AI summary Request IR-39 seeks detailed updates on customer additions, infrastructure installations, and capital cost funding for D061, D062, and D004. It also requests an explanation of the 2026 forecast methodology and the reasons for D061 being under budget in 2025.

Spending Program pages 90 to 91

AI summary The document discusses the Spending Program, focusing on capital expenditures and funding mechanisms related to energy efficiency and demand-side management initiatives. It outlines the role of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) in shaping energy programs.

Request IR-44: - In reference to Impact of Reliability Projects. - a) On pdf page 92 of the application, NS Power states: "All T&D projects in the 2026 ACE Plan that are included in the Five-Year Reliability Plan will contribute to having...

AI summary The document requests clarification on the impact of reliability projects in the 2026 ACE Plan, specifically asking for expected improvements in performance metrics and a similar table for transmission projects.

Section 11.1.4 Impact of Reliability Projects pages 92 to 132

AI summary This section discusses the impact of reliability projects on the electricity system, focusing on the integration of new resources and infrastructure to ensure grid stability and reliability.

Request IR-76: In reference to the Concrete Retaining Wall and Partial Cell Encapsulation Option, page 170 states: "The proposed concrete encapsulation will not provide any structural capacity to resist lateral loads and is intended to be...

AI summary The text requests information regarding the structural analysis of existing steel sheetpile (SSP) cells and an investigation into the condition of buried SSP walls as part of the detailed design process for the Concrete Retaining Wall and Partial Cell Encapsulation Option. It also seeks confirmation of whether the findings influenced the feasibility assessment and cost estimate of the option.

- up to and including 2035. - a) Given these forecast capacity and utilization factors, please describe any work NS Power has undertaken to assess opportunities to continue operation of TUC1, or shifting of load to other generating facilit...

AI summary The document requests NS Power to describe any work undertaken to assess opportunities for continuing the operation of TUC1 or shifting load to other generating facilities, without requiring the proposed capital project, up to and including 2035.

G06: C0080133 TUC3 IP Turbine Refurbishment

AI summary The document discusses the TUC3 IP Turbine Refurbishment under the G06: C0080133 matter, likely involving capital expenditures and infrastructure planning related to turbine refurbishment.

Transmission Capital Investments

AI summary The section titled 'Transmission Capital Investments' introduces the topic of capital expenditures related to transmission infrastructure. It likely discusses the need for investment in transmission systems, associated costs, and potential impacts on the electricity grid.

T01: C0080110 L7012 Replacements and Upgrades Phase 1

AI summary The document outlines Phase 1 of replacements and upgrades for the L7012 project, likely related to infrastructure or equipment at the Burnside Unit #2 (BGT2) facility. Specific details are not provided in the text, but the context suggests it involves capital expenditures and operational improvements.

Request IR-114: Please explain specifically how NS Power determined that 57 structures need replacement.

AI summary The document requests an explanation from NS Power on how they determined that 57 structures require replacement, likely in the context of infrastructure planning or asset management.

Request IR-116: - The application notes three transformers: 70W-T51, 70W-T53, and 89W-T1. Page 365 that the - 2006 Bridgewater Area System Planning Study (211-0606-W61) included recommendations - related to transformer 70W-T51 and the conv...

AI summary The document requests detailed information on three transformers (70W-T51, 70W-T53, and 89W-T1), including feeder details, customer numbers, installation dates, load history, and reasons for not transferring load from 70W-T51. A GIS map and the 2006 planning report are also requested.

T04: C0053214, 76W-T1 Transformer Replacement

AI summary The document discusses the replacement of the 76W-T1 transformer as part of the C0053214 proceeding, likely involving technical and operational considerations related to transformer replacement.

Request IR-123: - Page 383 of the application notes that the existing 76W-T1 69-4.16kV, 3.75/5 MVA transformer - will be replaced with a 69-13.2/4.16kV, 5/6.66 MVA unit. The low voltage equipment, owned by - the Town of Mahone Bay but oper...

AI summary The document outlines the replacement of a transformer in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, with a higher capacity unit to accommodate future load growth and system upgrades. It also requests detailed information on the project, including installation date, load growth projections, cost differences, and supporting studies.

T06: C0053234, 96H-T1 Transformer Replacement

AI summary The document pertains to the replacement of the 96H-T1 transformer, likely involving technical and procedural considerations related to the transformer's replacement process.

T07: C0068969, 2026 Pennsylvania Breaker Replacements

AI summary The document outlines the 2026 Pennsylvania Breaker Replacements initiative, which involves replacing electrical breakers to ensure reliability and safety in the power grid. It discusses the need for these replacements in the context of aging infrastructure and the importance of aligning with the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

Request IR-126: - a) How did the utility determine that the fourteen circuit breakers currently in operation pose a manageable level of risk and safety, and that only four of them require replacement at this time? Please provide any suppor...

AI summary The document includes two requests, IR-126 and IR-127, related to circuit breaker replacements and vegetation management under the new distribution Rights-of-Way Program. IR-126 asks about risk assessments, replacement decisions, and historical data on circuit breakers, while IR-127 requests detailed vegetation management data, including outage causes and storm budgets.

Request IR-128: - Since 2016, for primary overhead distribution lines that have had vegetation management under - the Program, please provide the yearly data for the following in an Excel sheet, where applicable: - a) A breakdown of total...

AI summary Request IR-128 asks for detailed data on vegetation management for primary overhead distribution lines since 2016, including line breakdowns, outage causes, work-completion percentages based on risk classifications, and annual storm budget costs related to vegetation management.

Request IR-132: - Board staff analysis of Attachment 1 reveals that the utility worked on 71 feeders, totaling 753 km. - Out of these 71 feeders, 23 feeders, totaling 215 km, maintained, or worsened, their original - ranking even after veg...

AI summary The document requests information about the cost and effectiveness of 2024 vegetation management work on 21 feeders, including why some feeders' condition scores worsened and the impact on SAIDI and SAIDFI metrics.

Request IR-137: - a) Please explain if any analysis has been carried out to reduce the propagation of outages using modern automation technologies such as sectionalizers, automatic reclosers, or any other suitable devices. - b) In Matter M...

AI summary The document requests explanations regarding the use of automation technologies to reduce outage propagation, analysis of the effectiveness of a 10-year Vegetation Management Program, assessment of future vegetation management plans, and whether the Board should wait for the outcome of a reliability plan review before approving further investments.

D03: C0080612 57C-426H Melrose Reconductor and Line Extension Phase 1

AI summary The document outlines the Melrose Reconductor and Line Extension Phase 1 project, focusing on infrastructure upgrades for the electricity grid. It discusses the need for reconductoring and line extensions to enhance reliability and capacity, with considerations for cost, performance, and regulatory compliance.

General Plant Capital Investments

AI summary The section discusses General Plant Capital Investments, focusing on infrastructure and capital expenditures related to energy generation and distribution. It highlights the importance of strategic planning and investment in power generation facilities.

GP01 C0080111, 2026 RTU Deployment

AI summary The document discusses the 2026 RTU Deployment, focusing on the planning and implementation of remote terminal units in Nova Scotia's power grid. It involves considerations related to infrastructure planning, grid modernization, and the integration of advanced metering infrastructure.

GP02: C0080252, Intelligent Asset Data Capture & Integration Platform

AI summary The document outlines the submission for an Intelligent Asset Data Capture & Integration Platform under the proceeding GP02: C0080252. It involves the integration of asset data for better management and reliability, with potential implications for grid modernization and infrastructure planning.

Request IR-152: - Page 465 of the ACE Plan application provides the definition of "scope" as contained in the CEJC Summary Document as follows: " Scope: A project's stated goals (overall objectives the project aims to achieve), deliverable...

AI summary The document requests clarification on how NS Power's definition of project scope, as outlined in the CEJC Summary Document, aligns with industry-standard definitions such as those from PMBOK. It also asks for examples of project scope statements and an explanation of how the definition supports project management practices.

Request IR-156: Page 632: What is the forecast date for the next major refurbishment of the Big Fall Unit 6 generator?

AI summary The question asks about the forecast date for the next major refurbishment of the Big Fall Unit 6 generator, indicating a focus on infrastructure planning and maintenance schedules for power generation assets.

Appendix G 5 Year Reliability Plan pages 703 to 773

AI summary The document outlines the 5-Year Reliability Plan, focusing on ensuring the reliability of the electricity grid in Nova Scotia. It includes details on infrastructure planning, generation and grid resources, and regulatory processes to meet reliability standards.

Request IR-184: - Figure 3 at page 714 graphically depicts the Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (Tree - Contacts). The 2025 projected total and the 2020 actual total appear roughly equal at just over - 500,000 customer hours of interr...

AI summary The text raises concerns about the projected total of Annual Customer Hours of Interruption in 2025 being equal to the 2020 actual total, questioning the accuracy of the projection and the effectiveness of vegetation management over five years in reducing interruptions from Tree Contacts.

Request IR-187: - In reference to the Overview- Year One of Five Year Plan. The last bullet states "118 hazard tree - locations in addition to the 617 kilometers of corridor widening have been proactively identified - and addressed from be...

AI summary The document inquires about how hazard trees were proactively identified beyond cleared rights-of-way as part of the Year One of the Five Year Plan, involving coordination with customers and landowners for tree removal.

Request IR-188: - Page 716 highlights that trees have been cleared from about 617km of distribution line and about - 105kms of transmission line rights-of-way. - a) Please describe the planned maintenance schedule for right-of-way widening...

AI summary The text discusses the clearing of trees from distribution and transmission line rights-of-way and requests information on the planned maintenance schedule for right-of-way widening, including how it accounts for local vegetation, weather, and geographical attributes.

Request IR-190: - In reference to Storm Hardening-Vegetation Management on pages 723 to 724, NS Power discusses work restrictions imposed by the Department of Natural Resources because of drought and wildfire conditions, and their impact o...

AI summary NS Power discusses the impact of work restrictions imposed by the Department of Natural Resources due to drought and wildfire conditions on their 2025 vegetation management work plan, leading to a reduction in the number of kilometers managed. Questions are raised about whether the full 2025 vegetation management budget of $45M will still be spent in 2025 and if NS Power anticipates spending more than $45M on vegetation management in 2026.

Request IR-191: - Figure 19 on page 736 shows the 2025 Recloser Installation Plan and Progress. - a) How were these locations chosen? - b) Can the seven new reclosers be remotely operated? - Figure 20 on page 737 shows the 2025 Planned Tri...

AI summary The document includes questions about the 2025 Recloser Installation Plan and the 2025 Planned Trip Saver Installation, specifically regarding the selection of locations and the remote operability of the equipment.

Request IR-194: - Figure 38 on page 758 summarizes the 2026 Ongoing Maintenance Around Existing Power Lines - work plan. How were or will the locations be selected be selected?

AI summary The document raises a question regarding the selection process for locations of the 2026 Ongoing Maintenance Around Existing Power Lines work plan, as summarized in Figure 38 on page 758.

Request IR-195: - Figure 39 on page 759 summarizes the 2026 Build to Roadside Projects. How were these projects - selected?

AI summary The text asks how the 2026 Build to Roadside Projects were selected, referencing Figure 39 on page 759 of the document.

Request IR-196: - Figure 40 on page 760 summarizes the 2026 Distribution System Conductor Upgrades. How were - the locations selected?

AI summary The text references Figure 40 on page 760, which summarizes the 2026 Distribution System Conductor Upgrades and asks how the locations for these upgrades were selected.

Request IR-197: - Figure 41 on page 760 summarizes the 2026 Distribution System Underground Upgrades. How - were the locations selected?

AI summary The text references Figure 41 on page 760 of Request IR-197, which summarizes the 2026 Distribution System Underground Upgrades and raises a question about how the locations for these upgrades were selected.

Request IR-198: - Figure 42 on page 763 illustrates the 2026 Targeted Transmission Projects. How were the - locations selected?

AI summary The text references Figure 42 on page 763, which illustrates the 2026 Targeted Transmission Projects, and asks how the locations for these projects were selected.

Request IR-199: - Figure 43 on page 764 summarizes the 2026 Substation Upgrades and Replacements. How were - the locations selected?

AI summary The text references a request (IR-199) asking how locations for the 2026 Substation Upgrades and Replacements were selected, as summarized in Figure 43 on page 764 of the document.

Request IR-200: - Figure 44 on page 765 summarizes the 2025/2026 Planned Remote Terminal Unit Replacements. - How were the locations chosen?

AI summary The document discusses the 2025/2026 Planned Remote Terminal Unit Replacements, as summarized in Figure 44 on page 765, and raises a question regarding the selection of locations for these replacements.

Request IR-201: - Figure 45 on page 766 summarizes the 2025/2026 Planned Communications Path with Downline - Reclosers Installation. How were the locations selected?

AI summary The document references Figure 45 on page 766, which outlines the 2025/2026 Planned Communications Path with Downline Reclosers Installation. It raises a question about how the locations for the installation were selected.

Appendix I Completed Transmission Line Replacement and Upgrade Projects page 782

AI summary This section of the document provides an overview of completed transmission line replacement and upgrade projects in Nova Scotia. It outlines the progress made in modernizing the electricity grid to ensure reliability and efficiency.

Request IR-202: - In response to one of the 2025 ACE Plan Board directives, the utility provided a list of transmission - line replacement and upgrade projects that have been approved and completed since the 2021 - ACE Plan. If the cost of...

AI summary The document requests confirmation of the total actual cost of nine transmission line replacement and upgrade projects after excluding C0043010, along with details on the original commissioning dates, kilometers refurbished, and the utility's assessment of the effectiveness of these upgrades in reducing failure probability and cost per kilometer.

Condenser for 2026 to 2029. The values presented in the application are lower for 2026, 2028 and 2029, albeit higher for 2027 compared to the budget estimates presented in the 2025 ACE Plan in M12012. 1. In its 2025 ACE Plan application, N...

AI summary The text discusses capital spending estimates for the ECEI – Synchronous Condenser project from 2026 to 2029, noting an increase compared to the 2025 ACE Plan. It also requests explanations for the extension of the project timeline, spending changes, and IT-related cybersecurity projects. Additionally, it asks for deferred or cancelled projects with a criticality rating of 16 or higher from the 2025 ACE Plan.

acilities. Figure 17: Generation Carry-over Capital Spending Summary. Have there been any changes to the Final Date for any of the projects listed in Figure 17 since the 2026 ACE Plan has been filed? 1. Please identify each of these carry-...

AI summary The text consists of a series of questions directed at NS Power regarding capital spending, project timelines, and updates to hydro generation plans. It seeks clarification on budget overruns, project statuses, and changes in planning between the 2025 and 2026 Hydro Interval Plans.

2. If so, please explain how. Figure 22: Transmission Carry-over Capital Spending Summary. Have there been changes to the Final Date for any of the projects listed since the ACE Plan has been filed? 1. Please identify each of these carry-o...

AI summary The text requests explanations regarding changes to the final dates of transmission and distribution projects, identifies carry-over projects exceeding the Board approved amounts, and seeks justifications for negative subsequent spending and early capital commitments. It also asks for explanations of increased expenditures and projects advanced ahead of confirmed requirements.

not limited to: 2. New customer connections 3. Customer renovations 4. Load growth-driven projects. 5. Please provide the same detailed breakdown used for the 2026 forecast. D010 Provincial widening 1. Please provide more insight into the...

AI summary The text requests detailed information on customer connections, renovations, load growth-driven projects, and the 2026 D010 budget, including expenditures, project completions, and regional spending breakdowns. It also asks for data on tree-related outages and a comparison to other outage causes.

in how forecast volumes and costs were developed for each routine. Provide actual expenditure for projects that would be classified under each new routine for 2022-2025. D061 and D062 – New Customers 1. Please update the attachment provide...

AI summary The document requests updated financial and operational data for new customer routines, including actual expenditures and forecasts from 2022 to 2026, and a comparison of capital project funding sources and forecasting methodologies. It also asks for an explanation of budget variances and a table comparing IRP and ACE Plan spending per unit.

weather that is used by other utilities in harsher climates than Nova Scotia? 1. If so, what are the reasons for not seeking out those more resilient components or manufacturers? 2. If not, why not? Page 109 states “Despite the increased f...

AI summary The text raises questions about the resilience of infrastructure components used by Nova Scotia utilities, the reduction in customer impact from severe weather, and the details of outages and equipment failures in 2025. It requests data on outage causes, device failures, and transmission line outages, including their age, location, and frequency.

1. For those interruptions from Loss of Supply not a result of tree contacts, please explain when they occurred, how many of them occurred (by cause) and which areas of the province they occurred. T010 and D010 Report on page 117 to 118 pr...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions and requests related to transmission projects (T010 and D010), asset replacement ranges, and the CIS Replacement Project under NS Power’s ACE Plan. It also references a boiler refurbishment project (G01) and asks for details on progress, spending, and risk ratings.

to be replaced, can already purchased replacement parts be returned for no additional cost to the project? Please explain. 1. If not, why not? G03: C0021608 TUC Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishment 1. NS Power indicates that this investment o...

AI summary The text discusses the replacement of steel sheet pile structures at the Tufts Cove Generating Station, highlighting corrosion issues and the need for intervention to prevent structural risks. It also asks about the 50-year life of the investment and the planned maintenance schedule for the sloped rock revetment.

severe, and the remainder of the cells below the midtide zone where capacity is compromised. Without intervention, the continued deterioration poses serious risks to structural stability and safety.” 1. What are the net present value and t...

AI summary The text discusses concerns about the structural integrity of corroded steel sheet pile structures and requests for cost-benefit analyses, design drawings, RFP status, and permitting progress for a project. It highlights the need for economic assessments and regulatory engagement.

rom the regulatory authorities? 1. If not, does NS Power have an expected date by which all required permits will be approved? 2. If so, what is the expected start date for project construction? Page 154 states: “The contingency also cover...

AI summary The text raises questions about NS Power's permitting process, the inclusion of contingency costs, and the status of investigative work for a project. It also discusses the need for geotechnical investigations to reduce uncertainty in design assumptions and potential cost savings.

ls have sufficient load carrying capacity. If this analysis determines the existing SSP cells are inadequate, it will be necessary to reinforce the existing SSP cells prior to concrete encapsulation.” 1. Please provide the results of the d...

AI summary The document requests confirmation of the structural analysis of steel sheetpile (SSP) cells and the investigation of the buried portion of existing SSP walls. It also inquires about the feasibility and cost estimate of the Concrete Retaining Wall and Partial Cell Encapsulation option, as well as the geotechnical investigation for the Rock Revetment Option.

uired to confirm the geometry of the slope and if any dredging is required prior to installation. For the purposes of this study, we have assumed that the new material can be placed without dredging.” 1. Please confirm that a geotechnical...

AI summary The text requests confirmation of geotechnical investigations and coastal studies conducted as part of the detailed design process for a project, and how their findings were used to update assumptions and cost estimates. It also asks for clarification on the purpose of Attachment 2.

ned to be more cost effective to refurbish the existing engine rather than purchasing a previously owned engine.” Please provide the analysis/data to support that refurbishment is more cost effective. Please describe any work NS Power has...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions directed at Nova Scotia Power (NS Power) regarding the cost-effectiveness of refurbishing an existing engine, sourcing materials, capital and operational costs of the CT-BGT2 unit, and the basis for project estimates related to transmission upgrades.

eering process. 1. If not confirmed, please explain why. Please provide cost support references from similar projects recently completed and update the detailed project estimates for each project. Please provide specific details on the cri...

AI summary The text outlines a series of requests for detailed project cost estimates, asset replacement criteria, and specific project-related information. It includes questions about NS Power's transformer additions and replacements, as well as requests for supporting documentation and GIS maps.

the load on either 89W‑T1 or 70W‑T53? Please include a GIS map drawing to support the explanation. 6. Please submit the 2006 planning report. T03: C0080109 L7001 Replacements and Upgrades Phase 1 1. Please provide the inspection results an...

AI summary The text contains a series of requests for information related to infrastructure replacement and upgrades, including GIS maps, inspection results, cost estimates, and transformer replacement details. The focus is on verifying the need for replacements, incorporating LiDAR data, and comparing unit costs to previous plans.

l be upgraded outside of this project and filed by the Town of Mahone Bay. This transformer also experiences mild overloading during system peaks, which increases thermal stress and accelerates aging. On page 384, the application notes usi...

AI summary The text discusses the upgrade of a transformer in Mahone Bay, including concerns about overloading, future distribution system upgrades, and alternative options. It also includes a list of questions related to the transformer's installation, load growth, voltage requirements, cost differences, and project cost breakdowns.

lease provide a distribution study demonstrating that the proposed solution is the most effective option. If a study is not available, please explain why. T05: C0070586, L6536 Switch Replacements 1. Please provide the number and duration o...

AI summary The text requests information on outage data, procurement processes, transformer details, and environmental risk mitigation for various infrastructure projects. It includes specific questions about switch replacements, transformer replacement timelines, energy output, corrosion causes, and leak containment.

risks noted in the application? 9. Have there been any significant leaks that required regulatory reporting? If yes, please share the report. T07: C0068969, 2026 Pennsylvania Breaker Replacements 1. How did the utility determine that the f...

AI summary The text includes questions about risks in an application, leaks requiring regulatory reporting, and details about circuit breaker replacements and distribution capital investments. It also references a vegetation management program launched in 2016 following a 2014 storm review.

rk‑completion percentages based on risk classifications such as hazard trees, customer‑requested, and sustainability. 4. The annual storm budget cost specifically attributed to the vegetation portion. Since 2016, for primary overhead distr...

AI summary The text requests detailed data on vegetation management and outage statistics for primary overhead distribution lines from 2016 to 2024, including breakdowns by voltage, location, and risk classification, as well as metrics like SAIDI and SAIFI for targeted circuits.

e explain any discrepancy with this amount and the amount identified in NS Power’s capital application under Matter M11921. 3. What is the expected final unit cost per km for “contracts” for Phase 10? The estimated unit cost estimate for C...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions directed at NS Power regarding capital applications, cost estimates for distribution rights-of-way, long-term operational cost reductions, and the effectiveness of vegetation management and reliability plans. The questions seek clarification on discrepancies in costs, the use of automation technologies, and the Board's role in assessing future investments.

A project’s stated goals (overall objectives the project aims to achieve), deliverables (end result that will be produced for the asset), and boundaries (what the project will and will not achieve).” 1. Board staff notes that the “Project...

AI summary The text outlines definitions of project scope from the CEJC and PMBOK, and requests explanations on how NS Power’s definition aligns with these, as well as how it facilitates the development of project scope statements. It also requests examples of scope statements for capital projects.

Power project scope statements for two capital projects (greater in value than $1M) initiated by the Company in 2025. 3. Please explain how NS Power’s definition of project scope adequately serves as: A benchmark for measuring and controll...

AI summary The text discusses the scope definitions and management practices for capital projects by NS Power, including the alignment of the CEJC definition of scope change with PMBOK standards. It also requests information on sustaining capital spending for the Mersey hydro system in 2025 and compares it to forecasts from the 2025 ACE Plan.

s amount to what was forecast for 2025 in Attachment 1 of Appendix G of the 2025 ACE Plan. 2. Please describe the reasons for any significant differences between actual spending and forecast spending. Page 632: What are the forecast dates...

AI summary The document includes questions about spending discrepancies, forecast dates for turbine and generator refurbishments, the pause in Mersey redevelopment, and fish passage requirements under the Fisheries Act. It also references the Mersey NPV analysis based on MHS production data.

o Exhibit N-7, page 655 in matter M12415, Point Aconi will be retired on 12-2029. Is this the current date for Point Aconi’s retirement? If not, please provide the current expected date of retirement. 1. In total, how much will NS Power sp...

AI summary The document includes questions regarding the retirement date and 2026 costs for the Point Aconi generation plant, as well as inquiries about control system parameters for new inverter-based resources (IBRs) and project governance milestones. NS Power has outlined plans for capital projects and project sanction timelines.

er 2025. Advancement of the project through DG3 enables project sanction, with kickoff of the construction contract in Q1 2026.” The Board has been updated on DG3 after the filing of this application. 1. Please confirm, for the record in t...

AI summary The document discusses the advancement of a project through DG3, confirming its sanction and the anticipated kickoff of the construction contract in Q1 2026. It also addresses the transfer of NS Power employees to the IESO Nova Scotia and the impact on NS Power's advisory role.

during periods of net peak demand.” 1. What is the current estimated cost of the conversion of Lingan units 1, 3 and 4? 2. What is the current estimated cost of the Point Tupper unit 2 to natural gas Section 7.3 Green Hydrogen Projects, pa...

AI summary The text includes questions about the costs of converting Lingan and Point Tupper units to natural gas, the development of green hydrogen projects, and risk management related to supply chain and geopolitical factors. It also raises concerns about off-take agreements, grid access, and potential transmission impacts.

e describe the planned maintenance schedule for right-of-way widening. 2. Please describe how the planned maintenance schedule accounts for local vegetation, weather and other geographical attributes. In reference to Demonstrated Reliabili...

AI summary The text includes questions about NS Power's maintenance schedules, the impact of a $1.3B investment on reliability metrics like SAIDI, the use of the 2025 vegetation management budget, and the selection and remote operation of reclosers and trip savers. It also asks for a breakdown of 2025 investments.

e the locations for the Trip Saver Installations chosen? 2. Can the Trip Savers be operated remotely? Can NS Power provide a breakdown of the anticipated 2025 investments by the following categories: Recloser Installations Trip save Instal...

AI summary The text outlines a series of questions regarding NS Power's 2025 and 2026 investment plans, including the selection of locations for various infrastructure projects and the confirmation of the total actual cost of completed transmission line replacement and upgrade projects since 2021.

Request IR-8: - Please refer to the announcement of a presentation to be made by NS Power with Ampacimon at - the upcoming Distributech event scheduled for February 3, 2026, as described in this event link - below: - [https://www.ampacimon...

AI summary Request IR-8 seeks information regarding NS Power's upcoming presentation at Distributech, focusing on the DLR Deployment project, its benefits to customers, oversight post-management transition to IESO Nova Scotia, and a copy of the presentation.

Request IR-9: - Refer to the Application, Appendix G, Page 751 of 782, Lines 1-20, Section 6.0 Advanced Grid - Modernization Programs. - a) Please explain whether and how the investments in the Grid Modernization Programs, including FLISR,...

AI summary The document contains several regulatory requests (IR-9 through IR-12) related to grid modernization, capital spending, and energy storage projects by NS Power. The requests seek clarification on how investments impact grid capacity, the status of new ROW projects, the meaning of figures in capital spending summaries, and the approval status of a working group related to grid resiliency.

Request IR-17: - Please refer to the Application Page 99 of 782, Line 8-9, Metrics. - a) Did NS Power consider or evaluate the potential use of the following customer centric metrics: - i) Customers Experiencing Multiple Momentaries (CEMM)...

AI summary The document contains a series of requests (IR-17 to IR-28) directed at NS Power, focusing on outage metrics, event days, definitions, and governance milestones. It asks for clarifications on customer-centric metrics, outage causes, figures, and directives related to energy infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

classes, and specifically for the three classes represented by the SBA, are assumed to be planned for in this Application? 3. How did you calculate the change in number of customers for this table? Refer to the Application confirming that...

AI summary The text raises questions about the calculation of customer numbers and project risk assessments in NS Power's 2026 ACE Plan, including how risks are handled in contingency planning and whether projects were excluded or revised based on updated quality control steps in the Project Delivery Model.

plication, Page 68 of 782, Lines 9 – 26, Section 10.4, 2026 Routine Capital Spending Project Details, which refers to the status of NS Power’s Right-of-Way (ROW) transmission and distribution projects 1. Does any of the ROW widening projec...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions raised in a regulatory proceeding regarding NS Power's 2026 capital spending projects, including ROW widening, energy storage, grid resiliency, and the Country Harbour Cell Tower. It also references the Tusket project and its interaction with an ongoing overspend application.

plication Page 682 of 782, Lines 17-20. 1. Please provide a copy of the directive issued by the minister of DOE on January 16, 2024. Please refer to the Application Page 683 of 782, Lines 24 – 26. 1. What is the current status with respect...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions related to regulatory proceedings, including requests for directives, status updates on governance milestones, decisions on environmental impact assessments, definitions of terms like ‘Adverse Environment,’ and clarification on the definition and scope of ‘New Right-Of-Way.’ It also refers to figures and pages in the application document.

16 Request IR-18: 17 Reference: N-1, 2026 ACE Plan, page 96, lines 1-8, "Reliability Strategies". This approach is driven by and aligned with NS Power's asset management strategy for T&D assets and includes implementation by the Reliabilit...

AI summary The text discusses NS Power's Reliability team and its alignment with asset management strategies for transmission and distribution (T&D) assets. The team is responsible for reliability improvements and works with other teams such as Energy Delivery and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM). An organization chart for the Reliability Team is requested.

1 2 3 Given the noted additional scope items, and stated potential impact to the "direction" and "timeline" for this project, does NSPI anticipate filing a scope change application for the C0021835 - IT – CIS Replacement project? If so, wh...

AI summary The text includes regulatory requests related to a scope change application for a project and an affordability analysis for the 2026 ACE Plan. It references the Five-Year Reliability Plan Update and asks NSPI to provide details about projects, their budgets, and reliability enhancements.

26 (b) Please provide a summary table identifying all substantive changes 27 between the 2025 Reliability Plan and the Updated 2026 Reliability Plan

AI summary The request asks for a summary table that identifies all substantive changes between the 2025 Reliability Plan and the Updated 2026 Reliability Plan.

25 Year Reliability Plan for 2026. 1 2 organized by section, and including rationale for each change. Please identify changes to: 3 (i) Program design or scope; 4 (ii) Prioritization approach or criteria; 5 (iii) Assumptions (cost, timelin...

AI summary The document requests clarification on the 2026 25-Year Reliability Plan, including changes to program design, assumptions, and investment forecasts. It also asks for details on the retirement of Lingan 2 and the impact of IESO-NS procurement efforts on its timeline.

s and Replacements. Preamble: NSPI has confirmed that the forecasting for D008 - Provincial Storm Routine Spending is derived from a 5-year historical average, excluding “Extreme Event Day storms”. Please provide the 5-year historical data...

AI summary NSPI has used a 5-year historical average (excluding 'Extreme Event Day storms') to forecast D008 Provincial Storm spending for 2026. The request includes providing the dataset, identifying excluded storms, and the quantitative impact of exclusions. The Reliability Team's role in asset management and collaboration with other teams is also discussed.

E Plan, pages 112-113, “Update on storm performance and related capital investments”. Preamble: NSPI identifies capital programs for storm response/reactive work for 2026 including D008 and T001. 1. Please describe how NSPI allocates storm...

AI summary NSPI outlines capital programs for storm response in 2026, including D008 and T001, and discusses the allocation of storm-related costs between capital and operating expenses. The document also references the CIS Replacement project and its potential scope changes due to a ransomware attack and new tariff design requirements.

-Year Reliability Plan Update. Preamble: The Board directed NSPI to provide annual updates on the Five-Year Reliability Plan in each ACE Plan filing. NSPI states it has updated the Plan for 2026. 1. Please describe the process NSPI used to...

AI summary The document requests NSPI to provide updates on the Five-Year Reliability Plan for 2026, including the process used, changes from the 2025 Plan, and reasons for unchanged investment amounts. It also asks about the retirement date for Lingan 2, capital investments, related projects, and how IESO-NS procurement efforts influenced the decision.

5 Request IR-2: 6 7 With respect to Appendix D, p. 7 and p. 44, would a scope change be considered to have occurred 8 when a new asset is added to the project? For example, a project involving refurbishment of a dam 9 and dyke is revised t...

AI summary The text asks whether adding a new asset to a project, such as including civil work on an adjacent dyke, would constitute a scope change. It requests NS Power to provide proposed edits if they find revised language reasonable.

34 Request IR-15: 35 36 With respect to Appendix I, CIs for transmission replacement and upgrade projects C0080110 and 37 C0080109, and 2024 ACE Plan Rebuttal Evidence (p. 22): 38 39 (a) Please confirm that NS Power's policy remains, "In t...

AI summary The proceeding requests Nova Scotia Power to confirm its policy on risk registers for transmission projects, explain the absence of risk registers for projects over budget, and justify the use of contingency budgets over ATO filings. It also asks about the impact of increased replacement structures on procurement and the Board's concerns regarding contingency amounts.

1 Request IR-17: 2 3 With respect to project C0070586: 4 5 a) Please provide support and context for the assertions that "it is not always possible to take 6 an outage to L-6536" and that "Taking an outage to this line negatively impacts c...

AI summary The document includes a series of requests related to project C0070586, focusing on transmission line outages, switch capabilities, replacement plans, contingency amounts, and procurement processes. The requests aim to clarify technical and financial aspects of the project.

41 Request IR-18: 42 43 With respect to project C0068969 (Pennsylvania Breaker Replacements): 44 45 (a) Please provide the schedule for the replacement of the 14 remaining circuit breakers. 1 (b) Please explain why the circuit breaker and...

AI summary The document requests information regarding the schedule for replacing 14 remaining circuit breakers under project C0068969 and seeks an explanation for why the circuit breaker and BS&G contracts are not provided as cost support, along with justification for the procurement process and supporting documents.

4 Request IR-23: 5 6 With respect to Appendix G, Figure 1: 7 8 a) Please confirm that this figure is unchanged since the submission of the 2025-2029 Five-9 Year Reliability Plan (December 20, 2024). If not confirmed, please identify the 10...

AI summary The text requests confirmation of whether the figure in Appendix G, Figure 1, has changed since the submission of the 2025-2029 Five-Year Reliability Plan in December 2024 and asks for an explanation if no updates have been made to the reliability program forecast investment in the past 12 months.

13 Request IR-26: 14 15 With respect to Appendix G, Figures 5 and 7, and p. 21-22: 16 17 a) Please explain what is meant by the vegetation management team's "careful management 18 of resources" in the note to Figure 5. 19 20 b) Please reco...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions regarding vegetation management practices, budgeting, and cost implications under the vegetation management program, including how planned kilometers were exceeded, wildfire risk considerations, and the application of cost savings.

41 Request IR-27: 42 43 With respect to Appendix G, Section 5.1.2 and the referenced Appendix C: 44 45 a) Please confirm that of the five feeders identified in Appendix C, only feeder 85S-401 is 46 listed as one of the "Highest Priority Di...

AI summary The text outlines a series of questions regarding the prioritization of distribution feeders, compliance with standards for poles, and adherence to a Board directive on resilience improvements. It requests clarification on why certain feeders and poles are included or excluded from Appendix C and how NS Power plans to comply with the Board's direction on storm resilience.

21 Request IR-28: 22 23 With respect to Appendix G, Section 5.3 and Exhibit N-7, RIR-12 in M12012: 24 25 a) Is NS Power a member of Grid Assurance's sparing service program or any other program 26 to subscribe to that allows for immediate...

AI summary The document contains a regulatory inquiry requesting Nova Scotia Power to clarify its participation in Grid Assurance's sparing service program and similar programs that provide access to spare transmission equipment in emergencies.

3 6 9 13 17 1 whether system enhancements are possible or if the required data is better suited 2 for future system upgrade initiatives.

AI summary The text discusses whether system enhancements are feasible and whether the required data is better suited for future system upgrade initiatives.

- 4 i. Please identify any changes that have been made to the format of internal work 5 orders since January 1, 2025. - 7 ii. Please provide an update on NS Power's "continuous improvement initiative," 8 with any results or findings that h...

AI summary The document includes several requests directed at NS Power regarding changes in internal work orders, updates on a continuous improvement initiative, data accessibility, system upgrades, and future actions. These questions are part of a regulatory proceeding and focus on operational and technical aspects of NS Power's activities.

ng event that causes the activities described in (c) to occur, and 5. The reason for the difference in practice or process between the PDM element and the activity described in (c). Request IR-9: With respect to Figure 43, please provide t...

AI summary The text contains several regulatory requests related to meter procurement, outage statistics, project updates, and procurement processes. These requests aim to obtain detailed data, explanations, and documentation for transparency and oversight in the regulatory proceeding.

1. Please confirm that NS Power’s policy remains, “In the case of Transmission Replacement and Upgrade projects, the project risks and their potential impacts are well understood by the project team, therefore having a risk register for ea...

AI summary The text consists of a series of questions directed at NS Power regarding its risk management practices, budgeting mechanisms, and project management for transmission replacement and upgrade projects. Specific focus is on risk registers, contingency budgets, and the impact of changes in project scope on procurement and scheduling.

1. Please provide support and context for the assertions that “it is not always possible to take an outage to L-6536” and that “Taking an outage to this line negatively impacts customer reliability in the area.” In your response, please ex...

AI summary The text consists of a series of questions directed at NS Power regarding transmission line outages, switch capabilities, replacement planning, contingency amounts, and cost justifications. It focuses on reliability impacts, switch types, replacement timelines, and cost estimation practices.

ral funding agreement, e.g. through some failure of execution. 4. Please explain why the project is referenced as “ECC Renewable Dispatch Data on p. 4. Request IR-21: With respect to Appendix E: 1. Please provide a working copy of Appendix...

AI summary The text contains a series of requests for information related to a regulatory proceeding, focusing on financial agreements, project data, decommissioning plans, distribution system reliability, and reliability program forecasts. It involves Nova Scotia Power and requests clarification, updates, and detailed analysis.

. If part (a) is confirmed, please explain why there has been no update to the reliability program forecast investment in the past 12 months. Request IR-24: With respect to Appendix G, Figure 2: 1. Please explain the reasons for changes in...

AI summary The document contains a series of requests related to the reliability program forecast investment and the analysis of power interruption causes, specifically focusing on the impact of tree contacts and adverse weather. It asks for explanations regarding changes in figures, definitions of cause codes, and the collection and analysis of data on power interruptions.

ease elaborate on how execution of the plan is expected to reduce both outage events and customer hours of interruption. Request IR-26: With respect to Appendix G, Figures 5 and 7, and p. 21-22: 1. Please explain what is meant by the veget...

AI summary The text contains a series of requests for clarification regarding vegetation management practices, budget forecasts, and cost minimization actions related to a reliability program. Specific questions focus on reconciling planned and actual kilometers managed, wildfire risk, and the integration of vegetation management into project delivery models.

ening in the reliability program or reduce the cost of the forecast investment in the reliability program? Request IR-27: With respect to Appendix G, Section 5.1.2 and the referenced Appendix C: 1. Please confirm that of the five feeders i...

AI summary The document contains requests for clarification regarding the prioritization of pole replacement projects, compliance with CSA C22.3 standards, and adherence to the Board’s directions in M12012 concerning reliability and storm resilience. It also references specific appendices and exhibits for detailed information.

1. Please provide a list of all post-project reviews conducted over the past 18 months and identify any that have previously been filed (e.g., in an ATO or in the 2024 ACE Plan proceeding). Please provide a copy of a sample comprising at l...

AI summary The request asks for a list of post-project reviews conducted by NS Power over the past 18 months, with a focus on those not previously filed, and how these reviews have contributed to continuous improvement. It also asks for examples of actionable findings from the reviews, including insights into project coordination, risk management, and staff response to challenges.

CONTINUED DATE UND# DESCRIPTION REQUESTED OF FOR DUE DATE was in 2025, what's carrying forward to 2026, and the total spend for 2026 April 21, 2026 U-6 To provide examples of projects where the proposed new definition for a scope change wo...

AI summary The document contains a table with several requests directed to NSPI and its Board Counsel, including inquiries about project scope changes, reliability metrics, load growth forecasts, transformer outages, and inspection reports for specific projects. The requests are part of an ongoing regulatory proceeding and are due by May 6, 2026.

CONTINUED DATE UND# DESCRIPTION REQUESTED OF FOR DUE DATE April 21, 2026 U-11 To verify if an update is available to the response to NSEB IR-127(a), specifically the reference to the impacts of the cyber incidence NSPI Board Counsel May 6,...

AI summary The document outlines several requests related to a regulatory proceeding, including verifying updates to responses, providing vegetation management costs, explaining chart entries, and clarifying data discrepancies. These requests are directed to Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and the Board Counsel.

- are a main cause of outages, both as standalone events and under the cause code of 'adverse - weather', and that vegetation management is the best way to address this issue. - 3 In the hearing, Charlene MacMullin (Ms. MacMullin), on beha...

AI summary The document discusses the relationship between vegetation management and power outages, with NS Power clarifying how its data on tree contacts and outages is interpreted. The SBA argues that NS Power's system should be resilient to storms less severe than Major Event Days (MEDs).

5 Tree Contacts and Outages - 6 When asked about the increase in the Customer Hours of Interrupts (CHI) in 2025 from 2024 due - 7 to tree contacts (27.7% to 42.6%) 6 , Ms. MacMullin suggested that there is an expectation of - 8 increases i...

AI summary The SBA questions the increase in Customer Hours of Interrupts (CHI) due to tree contacts in 2025, noting that NS Power's claim of a 19-20% reduction in outages is not supported by the data provided. The SBA is concerned that vegetation management practices may lead to recurring increases in outages and seeks clarity on the figures cited by NS Power.

Summary - 15 Ratepayers are facing significant financial hardships, both from electricity cost increases and - 16 general inflation as well as external pressures. The SBA respectfully submits that all of NS - 17 Power's expenditures should...

AI summary The SBA highlights the financial hardships faced by ratepayers due to rising electricity costs and inflation, urging NS Power to ensure cost savings through efficient management. It notes that a matter before the Board reviewing NS Power's 5-year Reliability Plan may assist in evaluating improvements.

Capital Escalation Trends Across the Portfolio - The evidence demonstrates that material project escalation is not limited to isolated projects or - unique operational circumstances but instead reflects a broader and recurring pattern acro...

AI summary The analysis highlights systemic capital project cost escalations across Nova Scotia Power's portfolio, exceeding normal inflation and supply-chain impacts. These increases are attributed to expanded project scopes, evolving definitions, and immature cost estimates, raising prudence concerns about governance, cost estimation, and the value of incremental spending.

Portfolio-Wide Findings - A review covering indicative projects with escalation levels of 50% or greater relative to prior approved or historical project values reveals several recurring themes: - Systemic Escalation: Cost growth is system...

AI summary A review of projects with cost escalations of 50% or more reveals systemic cost growth across Distribution, Generation, Transmission, Hydro, and General Plant portfolios. Projects show divergence from baseline cost drivers and have evolved into broader resiliency and modernization programs. Software and technology initiatives, along with large capital projects, require closer scrutiny.

Distribution The Distribution portfolio demonstrates some of the most significant cumulative escalation levels within the reviewed sample. Of particular concern is the extent to which routine and recurring - programs have expanded into ver...

AI summary The Distribution portfolio shows significant capital expenditure increases without clear justification related to customer growth or reliability outcomes. Items such as Provincial Distribution ROW and New Customers Residential Routine have seen massive escalations, raising concerns about prudence, forecasting assumptions, and the classification of expenses as capital versus operating costs.

Transmission Projects - The Transmission portfolio reflects a pattern of increasing project scope tied to substation modernization, system reinforcement, and right-of-way expansion. - 138KV-25KV Substation Stellarton: Increased from approx...

AI summary The Transmission portfolio has seen significant cost escalations for various projects, including substation modernization and right-of-way expansion, indicating broader scope and complexity than initially planned.

1. Five-Year Reliability Plan: Year 2 Updates Within the last ACE Plan proceeding, the Board directed NSPI to provide annual updates on the progress of its Reliability Plan[.](#page-1-0) 4 Accordingly, NSPI has filed its Reliability Plan -...

AI summary The document discusses the lack of updates or changes to NSPI's Five-Year Reliability Plan, despite the Board's directive for annual progress reports. NSPI claims no new information necessitated changes, but critics argue that no robust evaluation was conducted to assess the Plan's effectiveness or justify its static investment approach.

Meaning of "Scope" and "Scope Change" Quite simply, the Industrial Group states that NSPI ought to be guided by the project scope definition or scope statement created at the beginning of a project, to determine when or if a Scope Change a...

AI summary The Industrial Group argues that NSPI should use the initial project scope definition to determine if a Scope Change application is needed. The document references the PMBOK definition of project scope and notes that NSPI has historically included asset quantity in its scope definition, which differs from the PMBOK approach. NSPI, however, uses PMBOK as a guide for project management and cost minimization.

s that the proposed framework diminishes the Board's ability to exercise effective regulatory oversight at the stage where it is most impactful, thereby weakening both accountability and transparency. Mr. Wilson raised similar concerns reg...

AI summary The proposed definition of scope change is criticized for reducing the Board's ability to provide effective regulatory oversight. Concerns are raised that it shifts oversight from proactive capital project approval to retrospective ATO applications. A materiality threshold or percentage-based trigger is suggested as a more appropriate approach.

The Definition Should Be Consistent with NSPI's Established Practice The Industrial Group submits that an artificial definition and application of "scope" and "scope change" should be avoided. The CEJC should be reflective of the overall p...

AI summary The Industrial Group argues that the definition of 'scope' and 'scope change' in the CEJC should align with NSPI's current project management practices. They reference examples from the ACE Plan and CI applications, including the Point Aconi Boiler Refurbishment 2026, to demonstrate NSPI's established approach to project scope descriptions.

The Risk of Duplication and Misalignment If IESO-NS is now leading, or expected to lead, system planning through the IRP process, capital planning decisions should logically depend on those system planning outcomes. Without consultation or...

AI summary The text highlights concerns about duplication and misalignment in capital planning between NSPI and IESO-NS, especially regarding the 2026 ACE Plan and the Synchronous Condensers project. It emphasizes the need for coordination and integrated planning to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure alignment with updated IRP outcomes.

- Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power, Company) seeks approval from the Nova Scotia - Energy Board (NSEB, Board) of the Company's 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan - filed with the Board on December 12, 2025 pursuant to secti...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) is seeking approval from the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) for its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which includes investments of $284 million to improve grid reliability and reduce outages through vegetation management, infrastructure upgrades, and storm hardening.

3.0 CAPITAL PROJECTS NS Power wishes to address the following specific topics / projects directly that generated important discussion at the hearing: 1. Maximo Salesforce and WAM Reporting; 2. CI C0021608 TUC Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishm...

AI summary NS Power is addressing several capital projects, including the Maximo Salesforce and WAM reporting, and the Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheetpile Refurbishment. The WAM project was approved with requirements for annual reporting, and NS Power has submitted its first report. The Tufts Cove project involves refurbishing a deteriorated sheetpile structure to prevent coastal erosion and protect the shoreline.

Condition Assessment and Engineering Review A condition assessment conducted by CBCL in October 2022 confirmed that remediation was required to maintain the structural integrity of the shoreline sheetpile. CBCL recommended that remediation...

AI summary A condition assessment by CBCL in 2022 identified the need for remediation of a shoreline sheetpile to prevent structural failure and environmental incidents. Three options were evaluated, with the rock revetment ranked highest due to its simplicity, cost, and long service life. NS Power confirmed the viability of the combi-wall and rock revetment options, ruling out the concrete retaining wall approach due to its limited structural capacity.

3.3 CI C0080135 – CT-BGT2 Engine Refurbishment The Role of BGT2 in NS Power's System - NS Power's existing diesel combustion turbine (CT) fleet including BGT2 is required to maintain - grid reliability today and is foundational within the...

AI summary NS Power emphasizes the critical role of the BGT2 diesel combustion turbine in maintaining grid reliability and supporting the clean energy transition. The turbine provides essential fast-start capacity and system stability, and its refurbishment cannot be delayed pending the outcome of the IESO-NS-led IRP, as its role is considered essential for the Clean Power Plan and environmental targets.

3.4 CI C0080266 New Distribution Right of Way Phase 11 The New Distribution Right of Way program establishes new rights-of-way, providing 6 meters of clearance, wherever feasible, for distribution feeders where rights-of-way had not previo...

AI summary The New Distribution Right of Way program establishes new rights-of-way with 6 meters of clearance for distribution feeders where they previously did not exist, targeting circuits with ineffective vegetation management. Once established, these rights-of-way become long-lived assets managed through ongoing tree-trimming programs. The classification of this work as capital has been reviewed and aligns with standard accounting practices.

Transcript, April 21, 2026, pages 99-103 (PDF pages 107-111 of 370). Exhibit N-12, NS Power Rebuttal Evidence, page 14; 2026 ACE Plan Hearing Transcript, April 21, 2026, page (PDF page 113 of 370). related outage contribution across cause...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's performance in reducing tree contact outages despite increasing wind gusts. It highlights a 19% reduction in outages and the lowest customer hours interrupted since 2020, attributing these results to effective vegetation management. NS Power expects continued improvements through right-of-way clearing and other vegetation management activities.

tes - The IG submits that there is a need for a more robust annual update of the Five-Year-Reliability - Plan on the basis that there have been no changes to the investment amount, criteria, scope, reliability metrics, or the 2029 targets....

AI summary The Intervenor Group (IG) argues that the Five-Year Reliability Plan requires more frequent updates due to unchanged investment criteria and reliability metrics. NS Power counters that the lack of changes reflects the Plan's stability and long-term strategy, with no material revisions needed at this early stage. NS Power also highlights that the Plan is under review by Synapse, and that reliability improvements are measured through indices like SAIDI and SAIFI.

2.1.1 Actual 2025 Spend The IG points to Undertaking U-5 and submits that there is a contradiction to the claim that NS Power invested $206 million in Year 1, as actual expenditures were approximately $179.4 million, about $26.6 million be...

AI summary The Intervenor Group (IG) challenges NS Power's claim that $206 million was invested in 2025, citing actual expenditures of $179.4 million. NS Power explains the discrepancy by pointing to project delays, unplanned work, and regulatory changes, arguing that adjustments are normal and necessary for effective asset management and reliability planning.

Transcript, page 95. 1 3.5 Reliability-Related Projects 2 3 The CA raises concerns regarding vegetation management effectiveness, tree contact metrics, and 4 the use of estimated attribution factors for adverse weather. It also supports fu...

AI summary The CA raises concerns about the effectiveness of vegetation management and the use of estimated attribution factors for adverse weather. NS Power maintains that the ongoing third-party review is the appropriate forum for assessing these issues. The CA also recommends examining NS Power's spare equipment strategy and pooling arrangements, while NS Power asserts its current risk-based strategy is appropriate and cost-effective.

4.0 REPLY TO SBA SUBMISSIONS The SBA submits that, despite increasing vegetation management spending, tree contacts remain a significant and, in some cases, growing contributor to outages, with the evidence not clearly demonstrating sustai...

AI summary The SBA argues that increased vegetation management spending has not clearly improved reliability outcomes, with tree contacts remaining a significant cause of outages. NS Power responds that vegetation management is an ongoing effort and that improvements in reliability metrics have been observed. The SBA's concerns are being addressed through a third-party review of the Five-Year Reliability Plan.

- [1] Each year, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated files an Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan outlining its proposed capital expenditures for the upcoming year. In accordance with ss. 35, 35A and 35AA of the Public Utilities Act, RSNS 198...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Incorporated submitted its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan for approval, seeking authorization for projects totaling $76.7 million and routine expenditures of $207.3 million. The Board approved the plan, except for the RTU Deployment project, which was deferred pending the final report from Synapse Energy Economics Consultants in Matter M12558. The Board also addressed several general issues related to capital spending and project approvals.

d hours, and maintenance practices. Used engines also typically require additional depot work after purchase to return them to a serviceable condition. When this additional work is taken into account, the total cost of a used engine can ap...

AI summary NS Power is considering replacing the Burnside #2 Combustion Turbine (CT-BGT2) engine, but the Board has raised concerns about the cost and timing of the project. NS Power suggests that used engines may be more expensive than refurbishing the existing unit and that delays could be considered until the 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is completed. The Board questions the lack of price quotes and the feasibility of delaying the project.

Storm Hardening with Targeted Equipment Replacements and Upgrades [124] This involves replacing aging equipment, rebuilding lines, modernizing substations, strengthening transmission infrastructure and installing advanced protective device...

AI summary The text discusses storm hardening efforts involving the replacement of aging equipment, rebuilding of lines, modernization of substations, strengthening of transmission infrastructure, and installation of advanced protective devices such as reclosers.

[126] NS Power forecasted the following spending over the five-year period in its original plan. This was again provided in the Company's 2026 update. Reliability Program 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 Total Plan Storm Hardening - Targeted Equip...

AI summary NS Power provided a five-year spending forecast for its reliability programs, including Storm Hardening, Vegetation Management, and Advanced Grid Modernization, with total planned expenditures reaching $1,259.3 million.

4.1 Findings [150] The Board agrees that vegetation management, system hardening and grid modernization are recognized tools for reliability improvements. It is on this basis, and an assessment of the individual merits of each project subm...

AI summary The Board has substantially approved the Five-Year Reliability Plan projects in the 2026 ACE Plan but expresses concerns about the value for ratepayers from significant vegetation management spending and the lack of measurable improvements in reliability despite increased expenditures. The Board emphasizes the need for a clearer connection between spending and improved reliability outcomes.

program. That may well be true for the 2026 ACE Plan, but at a more general level, the assurance is somewhat difficult to reconcile with what occurred in relation to the Synchronous Condenser Project. [206] If NS Power no longer pursues th...

AI summary The document discusses coordination between NS Power and the IESO Nova Scotia regarding The Path to 2030 and the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). It notes that the IESO Nova Scotia is working on an IRP that may impact The Path to 2030 , with a final report expected by December 10, 2026. The timing of the IRP's completion may affect the 2027 ACE Plan application.

8.1 Impacts on Capital Planning [209] On April 25, 2025, NS Power discovered a cybersecurity breach which impacted certain parts of its information technology network resulting in an inability to access certain systems and data. The Board...

AI summary NS Power experienced a cybersecurity breach in April 2025, leading to system and data access issues. This has caused delays in capital project filings and increased reliance on the GIS database for data gaps. The Board is reviewing the incident in two proceedings, with a specific focus on capital planning impacts.

ject. As such, NS Power is continuing conversations with Department of Fisheries and Oceans in order to understand requirements associated with fish passage that may not have been in place previously. [227] Mersey Redevelopment Project cap...

AI summary NS Power is deferring Mersey Redevelopment Project activities until the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) provides clarity on the long-term approach for the Mersey Hydro System. In the interim, NS Power is implementing incremental sustaining investments through the Hydro Investment Plan (HIP) to ensure safe and reliable operation of the MHS.

10.1 Findings [237] The Board accepts NS Power's Mersey Hydro System Update as filed with the 2026 ACE Plan application. [238] The Board directs NS Power to provide another comprehensive update on the Mersey Redevelopment Project in the 20...

AI summary The Board accepts NS Power's Mersey Hydro System Update as part of the 2026 ACE Plan application and requires a more comprehensive update on the Mersey Redevelopment Project for the 2027 ACE Plan, including capital sustaining costs, NPV analysis, and updates related to the Mersey Hydro System modelling from the 2026 IRP.

hould require enhanced justification where a Routine experiences significant year-over-year expenditure growth or materially evolves in its work categories, standards, objectives or system capability. - 8. Upon identifying a change to proj...

AI summary The text outlines procedures for NS Power to notify the Board of significant project changes and budget increases, and emphasizes coordination with the IESO Nova Scotia regarding the 2027 ACE Plan. It also highlights the need for enhanced justification for expenditure growth and changes in project scope.

I N D E X O F P R O C E E D I N G S April 21, 2026 PAGE NO. U-10 To provide the inspection reports for the one-year period starting before August 2024 for Project C0053234, and provide the two site assessment reports, dated October 2024 an...

AI summary The document outlines a hearing schedule and proceedings related to various regulatory matters, including inspection reports, vegetation management costs, and data discrepancies, taking place on April 21, 2026, with Richard Melanson as the Chair of the Nova Scotia Energy Board.

OPENING STATEMENT 25 NS DEPT. OF ENERGY 1 issue must remain outstanding until IESO NS can complete a 2 review and lead a competitive procurement process. 3 More widely, NSPI's continued high 4 level transmission spending must not risk dupl...

AI summary The Department of Energy highlights concerns with NSPI's transmission spending, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and project management practices. A major cybersecurity breach in 2025 affected customer data, leading to a loss of public trust. NSPI has budgeted for CIS replacement and cybersecurity upgrades but faces scrutiny over potential double recovery from ratepayers. The ACE Plan is criticized for lacking accountability in project management and cost overruns.

NS POWER PANEL 43 In-ch, (Power) 1 integrity programs. Since then, I've held several roles 9 our proposed capital spending totals $702 million, 10 slightly higher than the 692 million in 2025. Within that 11 total, we are seeking approval...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power is proposing a capital spending plan of $702 million, focusing on improving grid reliability, safety, and environmental compliance. Investments include vegetation management, infrastructure upgrades, and storm hardening, with increased annual tree trimming budgets. A third-party review of the Reliability Plan is underway.

OPENING STATEMENT 51 NOVA SCOTIA POWER 1 periods of high demand, such as the extreme cold snap Nova 2 Scotia experienced at the end of January. 3 The Wasoqonatl Transmission 4 Incorporated is a unique partnership between Nova Scotia 5 Powe...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power discusses ongoing transmission projects, including a new tie between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and efforts to transition to renewable energy in line with the Province's Clean Power Plan. The creation of the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) is highlighted as part of the Path to 2030 Update.

NS POWER PANEL 145 Cr-ex, (Powell) far out that we should just leave it? A. (MacIntosh) Our expectation is that it would not be in the position to be filed as part of this proceeding, but we would take the position that we could file it in...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the Vegetation Management Program and the increase in tree-related outages in 2025, attributing it to the short-term impact of tree removal work, which exposes new edges and leads to a temporary rise in outages due to tree growth patterns.

NS POWER PANEL 149 Cr-ex, (Powell) 1 So, again, stats are valuable for 2 understanding, but when we're looking at the overall 3 results of the program, we are absolutely seeing a 4 significant improvement in the reduction of outages due to...

AI summary The discussion highlights improvements in reducing outages due to trees as a result of investments in the Vegetation Management Program. However, the speaker notes that the data reflects a subset of feeders targeted for vegetation work, which are those with a history of outages. The timing of work completion also affects the realization of benefits in the same calendar year.

NS POWER PANEL 185 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 was the 9th of October. Similar directive. 9 satisfies the IG for now. 10 THE CHAIR: Ms. Rudderham. 11 MS. RUDDERHAM: I wasn't looking 12 specifics for the contract. I was trying to follow up on 13 w...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the transfer of the Condenser Project to the IESO, with a lack of clarity on how the transfer would proceed. There is no confirmation of discussions with the Province or the IESO regarding the transfer, and the Chair expresses concerns about the lack of information available at this stage.

- break, probably. 1 Regardless, Mr. Pickles, as it relates 17 A. (MacMullin) That's correct. 18 Q. Okay. And the total for the 19 five-year plan is $1.3 billion, give or take; correct? INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER...

AI summary The text discusses the process taken by NSPI to update the Five-Year Reliability Plan for 2026, referring to the asset management approach in response to information gathering requests. The total cost of the five-year plan is mentioned as approximately $1.3 billion.

NS POWER PANEL 201 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 to me that that would be considered in context of the 2 variables that the overhead system would have operated 3 under in that year. So we are looking for demonstratable 4 evidence that our investmen...

AI summary The discussion centers on NS Power's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and its implementation, specifically addressing whether there have been substantive changes to the plan after one year. The focus is on the plan's core principles, such as storm hardening and grid modernization, and the lack of changes to key criteria and targets, including SAIDI and SAIFI metrics.

NS POWER PANEL 203 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 this question." 2 Do you see the response there? 3 A. (MacMullin) I do. 4 Q. So it's fair to say that the 5 update you provided provides no changes to investments, 6 totals, criteria, the scope of th...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the lack of changes to investment amounts, totals, criteria, and project scope in the Integrated Resource Plan (IR-24). The response confirms that these elements remain unchanged, and the continued use of the Asset Management Mechanism for investment prioritization is highlighted.

NS POWER PANEL 211 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 Q. And then the second one or the 2 third one down is the Suzy Lake Substation addition. See 3 that there? 4 (MacMullin) Yes. A. 5 Q. And then the next one down is the 6 Stellarton Substation; correc...

AI summary The text discusses a proceeding related to NS Power's substation projects, including the Suzy Lake Substation addition, Stellarton Substation, and the new Bridgewater Substation, with references to budget figures and their inclusion in the Reliability Plan.

NS POWER PANEL 217 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) appropriately for approval. Q. Thanks for that explanation. I take your point that what we're seeing here is that there were preliminary assessments, you've now done more work, and the numbers are upda...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the Reliability Plan and the reasons behind not updating investment amounts as more information becomes available. The response highlights that project timelines and costs can change due to variability, which may affect the initial estimates.

normal part of managing a program of this magnitude. 1 And so we would anticipate, within a 2 program, within last year's program and within this year's 3 program within Year 2, that puts and takes such as the 4 three specific items that h...

AI summary The discussion addresses the management of a program, highlighting concerns about budget envelopes and how shifting project costs may lead to filling the budget with other projects, regardless of actual needs. The Five-Year Reliability Plan is referenced as part of the discussion.

NS POWER PANEL 223 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) projects from 2025 with what was actually spent or was actually completed with what was forecasted in the original plan, just to confirm that $206 million spent in 2025. A. (MacMullin) So we will under...

AI summary The discussion focuses on updating a list of projects completed in 2025 under Year 1 of a plan, including substituted projects, and whether to add a column for 2026 projections. The chair emphasizes ensuring clarity in the final wording.

NS POWER PANEL 225 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 BY MS. RUDDERHAM: 2 Yeah. And in that chart I Q. 3 know that the table that was provided in this year's 4 Application for the projects that's in response to one of 5 the Board IRs. Are you able to in...

AI summary Ms. Rudderham is requesting an updated table from the 2025 actual projects with total spend, budget comparisons, and 2026 projections. The discussion involves updating a table from an IR response related to the ACE Plan and ensuring clarity in the instructions for the update.

NS POWER PANEL 233 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 think about the exposure of that many kilometres of line 2 to things such as wind, snow, ice, trees, motor vehicle, 3 all of it, that we understand that there is variability in 4 any given year to ho...

AI summary The discussion focuses on NSP's investment plan to reduce outage duration and frequency, considering system variability and environmental factors. The question raised challenges the need for increased investment in Year 2, given the results from Year 1 and the context of system performance.

NS POWER PANEL 277 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 And it's also important that a large 18 Yeah, and I see the examples are Q. 19 it would be a refurbishment but instead you have to INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 replace, bu...

AI summary The text discusses a regulatory proceeding involving NSPI (Nova Scotia Power Inc.) and includes a reference to an undertaking (U-6) to check for past projects where a new scope change definition might apply. It also mentions a transition to IESO Nova Scotia and references an exhibit and an IR (Information Gathering) request.

NS POWER PANEL 307 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 really looking at the dollars per avoided customer hour of 15 that could be different metrics, 16 depending on what type of asset 17 you're dealing with 18 MR. MacINTOSH: Yes. 1 MR. MAHODY: Thank you. 2...

AI summary The discussion centers on Project C0053214, a transformer replacement at Mahone Bay Substation, and references load growth anticipated by Mahone Bay. The Town of Mahone Bay is noted as the entity managing load growth and distribution data, with inquiries about whether this information was shared with Nova Scotia Power.

NS POWER PANEL 311 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 (MacIntosh) Mr. Mahody, we can A. 18 And if we just looked at the lagging 19 performance of transformers or feeders in the investment INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 plan to loo...

AI summary The document discusses a regulatory proceeding involving NS Power, focusing on transformer performance, proactive investments, and undertakings related to outage history and feeder load values. The discussion includes questions from the Chair and Mr. Mahody, as well as responses from Mr. Norwood.

NS POWER PANEL 317 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 live-line do not have line-line functionality, then we 2 have the inherent need to take an outage in order to 3 operate them. So when current is flowing through them, 4 they're not operable so you have...

AI summary The text discusses the operational differences between live-line and non-live-line switches, emphasizing the benefits of live-line switches in reducing outages and maintenance time. It also references a transformer replacement project at Ruth Falls Hydro Generating Station due to corrosion and oil leaks.

NS POWER PANEL 331 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 2 requirements. 16 management costs for the lines listed at Attachment 1 on a 17 per-line basis. 18 THE CHAIR: Okay. And that's U-12, I 19 believe. Yeah, U-12. 1 UNDERTAKING U-12 - To provide the 2 vege...

AI summary The text discusses a proceeding related to NS Power's vegetation management costs for 174 lines, with data available for approximately 90 of them. The discussion includes references to an undertaking (U-12) and interactions between Mr. Mahody and Mr. Beaton regarding the data and its presentation.

1 of extent required to completely remove the risk of fall 2 ins. 3 Q. Okay. And so back to our just 4 previous conversation, are you able to take an undertaking 5 to provide an explanation as to the meaning of the N/A on 6 this chart? 7 (...

AI summary The discussion centers on Nova Scotia Power's vegetation management on transmission lines, noting that a quarter of lines have less than 30% of their length managed. The explanation given is that it's not necessary to reach 100% and some lines are in urban areas where widening is not feasible.

NS POWER PANEL 345 Cr-ex, (Mahody) 1 THE CHAIR: Right. So we're talking 2 about tree contacts on the 69kV lines prior to. So what 3 timeframe; five years prior to the start of the 2016 4 vegetation management? 5 MR. BEATON: I think it's pa...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the Vegetation Management Program and the need for data on tree contacts on 69kV lines prior to and after the program's start, with a mention of RTU deployment and project numbers. The chair and Mr. Mahody are engaged in procedural dialogue.

I N D E X O F P R O C E E D I N G S PAGE NO. April 21, 2026 U-7 To provide a list of the options that were considered before landing on the RCE method, understanding that that could be different metrics, depending on what type of asset you...

AI summary The document provides an index of proceedings with various questions and requests related to utility operations, including load forecasts, outage history, inspection reports, and vegetation management costs, among other topics.

NS POWER PANEL 383 Questions, (Murphy) 1 order to be comparable at this particular scoring your 18 related to these options done on a pro-rated basis rather 19 than the way it was presented by CBCL? If it was done on INTERNATIONAL REPORTIN...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the scoring of two infrastructure options — retaining wall and rock revetment — with the latter being preferred due to meeting design criteria. The scoring discrepancy is attributed to the method of cost allocation, with a pro-rated basis potentially reducing the spread between the two options.

NS POWER PANEL 393 Questions, (Murphy) 1 align. And if there were changes to the timeline of the 7 Analysis Report. And right there, it's the Section 3. 8 It's the second paragraph. I'm going to read it. It 9 says: 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17...

AI summary The text discusses the limited availability of geotechnical, bathymetric, and environmental data at a project site, which has influenced design assumptions for a rock revetment option. Nova Scotia Power confirmed that it completed the necessary work for the preferred option and a coastal study was conducted to support detailed design.

1 geotechnical work that was completed for to assess the 2 preferred option, that work would have been the same, 3 would it not, regardless of the options? If you had done 4 it at the predesign stage, the work you would have done at 5 pred...

AI summary The discussion revolves around the necessity and cost of geotechnical and bathymetry work for assessing different project options, with the argument that the work would have been similar regardless of the preferred option, though early uncertainty may have influenced the scope of the study.

NS POWER PANEL 405 Questions, (Murphy) 1 complete elimination of that option without doing 2 additional work. 3 However, I will loop back to the 4 feasibility of that option, based on both internal and 5 external subject matter experts, is...

AI summary The text discusses the elimination of an option due to concerns about structural stability, citing the advanced degradation of an existing sheet pile shoreline and the challenges of building on it. The decision was made confidently after evaluations and expert input.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 this particular engine may or may not be required. I 2 don't know. But did Nova Scotia Power give any thought to 3 perhaps delaying this project until that IRP is completed 4 to conf...

AI summary The discussion questions whether Nova Scotia Power should delay a project until the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is completed to determine if a particular engine is required, noting that a leased engine option is available as an alternative.

NS POWER PANEL 423 Questions, (Murphy) 1 to rely on that fast-acting generation that would be 2 supported by the Burnside units. So that's been 3 demonstrated in our previous IRPs as well, as I mentioned, 4 the 10-year system outlook to su...

AI summary The discussion centers on the continued operation of diesel combustion turbines (CTs) in support of wind integration, referencing past Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs) and the Clean Power Plan. The speaker expresses confidence that these CTs will remain necessary for system reliability and fast-acting response, even as coal is phased out.

NS POWER PANEL 435 Questions, (Murphy) in a second. [10:50:03] MEMBER MURPHY: But if you scroll down to the response, Rob, the next page down? BY MEMBER MURPHY: Q. The feeders that are listed there appear to me to be actual targeted feeder...

AI summary Member Murphy is questioning the distinction between feeders listed in Attachment 1 and those listed in Exhibit N-1, noting discrepancies in numbers and seeking clarification on whether the response to the CA's IR should include information on all feeders in Attachment 1. The response clarifies that the feeders in Exhibit N-1 refer to those with work completed in 2024.

NS POWER PANEL 455 Questions, (Murphy) 1 (Beaton) Just for a point of A. INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 number of customer hours 2 interruption for each year from 3 2020 to 2025 on the lines on 4 which vegetation...

AI summary The document contains questions from a regulatory proceeding regarding NS Power's vegetation management work on 21 feeders from 2020 to 2025, including the cost of work performed in 2024. The discussion centers on the effectiveness of vegetation management and its impact on customer interruptions.

NS POWER PANEL 467 Questions, (Murphy) 1 where we experienced two large hurricanes. So when we 2 have catastrophic events that hit the system like 3 Hurricane like Hurricane Fiona, we have hangover 4 impacts. So it absolutely in the months...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of catastrophic events like Hurricane Fiona on infrastructure, emphasizing the long-term effects on tree conditions and the need for investments to counteract these effects. The discussion also touches on the evaluation of investments under varying operating conditions.

NS POWER PANEL 489 Questions, (Murphy) 1 but we won't I don't think we'll quibble over the 2 difference there. 3 So your target is 4.08 by 2029. The 4 current standard is 4.29. The performance standard is 5 4.29. So when you look at those...

AI summary The discussion centers on Nova Scotia Power's target for reducing SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) by 12.6 minutes by 2029, with a focus on the justification for spending $97 million on infrastructure improvements. The plan aims for an overall hour reduction in SAIDI by 2029 and includes monitoring and potential revisions based on system performance.

NS POWER PANEL 491 Questions, (Murphy) 1 that I feel is going to get us there within that, 2 absolutely looking at in terms of the real actual 3 result response of the system to those investments and 4 what are we actually getting, in term...

AI summary The discussion focuses on Nova Scotia Power's SAIDI performance and the effectiveness of investments in grid improvements, including right-of-way widening and vegetation management. Concerns are raised about whether these expenditures are delivering the expected improvements in system reliability.

NS POWER PANEL 497 Questions, (Murphy) 1 Q. Okay. Thank you. 16 Station is decommissioned, is that project still required? 17 (Drover) Yes, that project would A. 18 still be required. The decommissioning is associated with 19 the powerhous...

AI summary The text discusses questions raised during a regulatory proceeding involving NS Power, focusing on the decommissioning of a station, the continued requirement of a dam project, and the exclusion of a Wreck Cove Tunnel T-2 remediation project from the current five-year projection. The response highlights updated strategies and inspections influencing project decisions.

1 finish your questions and move on with Mr. Wilson, if 14 from forecast over the forecast for 20 for the 15 previous year of 9.3. And so it says: 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 The increase in forecast spend for 2026 is primarily driven by incre...

AI summary The text discusses an increase in forecast spend for 2026 driven by investments in system reliability initiatives, including pole upgrades. It also addresses the use of field information in risk-based assessments and how that data is transferred to decision-makers.

NS POWER PANEL 515 Questions, (Chair) 1 decisions. 2 Q. Okay, okay. Stronger poles. 3 THE CHAIR: Can you just go back to 4 the IR response? Just scroll back up to (a). 5 BY THE CHAIR: 6 Q. It discusses stronger poles, but 7 is stronger pol...

AI summary The discussion centers on the cost drivers for infrastructure upgrades, with a focus on whether stronger poles are a key factor. The response indicates that while stronger poles contribute to increased costs, the main driver is the overall increase in the number of work units completed, primarily for replacing deteriorated assets with more robust infrastructure.

NS POWER PANEL 517 Questions, (Chair) 1 Q. If we can is there sort of a 2 reflexivity between D005, which is the planned, and the 3 D055 which is planned and D005, which is the unplanned? 4 Is there reflexivity between the two? In other wo...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the relationship between planned (D005) and unplanned outages, noting that increasing planned replacements could reduce unplanned ones over time. It also highlights potential increased operational costs from reactive responses to unplanned outages, such as overtime labor.

NS POWER PANEL 521 Questions, (Chair) 1 that are reflected in this routine. It's also there is 13 Could we just hold on for one Q. 14 second? 15 (SHORT PAUSE) 16 Never mind. My apologies. THE CHAIR: 17 BY THE CHAIR: 18 Okay. I'm going to t...

AI summary The Chair of the NS Power Panel 521 is discussing the reasonableness of costs associated with transmission line replacement and upgrade projects approved since the 2021 ACE Plan. The Chair notes that while cost data is available, there is a need for a benchmark to assess whether these costs are reasonable.

NS POWER PANEL 525 Questions, (Chair) 1 stay similar. It's always going to vary due to a 2 multitude of variables. But a simple benchmark on a 3 project like this that is always going to be replacing 4 different levels and different types...

AI summary The discussion addresses the challenges of benchmarking replacement costs for transmission line projects due to varying asset types and components. It also touches on inspection cycles for transmission lines, which are determined by newer components and LIDAR data rather than a fixed schedule.

NS POWER PANEL 533 Questions, (Chair) 1 the significant federal funding that we were able to 2 procure for this to get this level of information for what 3 was a relatively low capital cost. We think there's great 4 value in that. 5 Q. Oka...

AI summary The discussion focuses on the procurement of federal funding for a project with low capital costs and references the Path to 2030, including discussions on N-1, Appendix F, Figure 1, and the status of a project involving synchronous condensers.

INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 most of these projects are not Nova Scotia Power projects, 2 to perhaps having a joint panel, or asking the IESO if 3 they want to join you on a panel to discuss the Path to 4 2030?...

AI summary The discussion involves the possibility of forming a joint panel or involving the IESO in discussions about the Path to 2030, with reference to the Integrated Resource Plan being developed. The speaker acknowledges the idea as novel and suggests that the outcomes of the plan may assist in decision-making.

NS POWER PANEL 545 Questions, (Chair) 1 approve the 2026 ACE Plan, is that sort of a "No-regrets" 2 approval? In other words, would that amount be needed, in 3 any event, no matter what the review of the plan turns up? 4 And why, if that's...

AI summary The discussion centers on the approval of the 2026 ACE Plan, with emphasis on its foundational role in maintaining the safe, reliable, and effective operation of the power system. The plan includes investments in infrastructure such as tree cutting, pole replacement, and conductor upgrades, which are deemed necessary regardless of ongoing reviews by Synapse.

Cr-ex, (Kayter) INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS question. If I could move to the next question by referring you to PDF page 15 of Exhibit N-9. Number 5, Reliability Related Projects. The question is this. You've note...

AI summary The discussion centers on the accuracy of Nova Scotia Power's 40% estimate for tree contact outages during adverse weather, raising concerns about the effectiveness of investments in vegetation management and the ability to track improvements in reliability.

or the issue of these other aspects. THE CHAIR: The purpose of these cross-examinations, of pre-filing evidence and of dealing with evidence that's been pre-filed is that the expert opinions that are expressed are generally the ones that a...

AI summary The discussion focuses on cross-examination of expert testimony, addressing concerns about over-investment in capital replacements versus cost-effective solutions like vegetation management, and the need for a third-party review of the Reliability Plan.

6 Five-Year Reliability Plan to develop additional 17 recommendations. 18 And I think there's a number of 19 capital projects that are underway that I think will lead WILSON Cr-ex, (Kayter) INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPO...

AI summary The discussion centers on cost minimization opportunities in IT and grid-enhancing technologies, including the Work Asset Management Program and projects identified through the IRP. These initiatives are seen as important for reducing transmission expansion costs and system congestion.

t use out of generation assets, so that would be the synchronous condensers or, you know, whatever solution is approved in the forthcoming proceeding on that topic. So you've got a Cr-ex, (Kayter) lot of technology up there that Nova Scoti...

AI summary The discussion addresses concerns about increasing costs due to third-party vendors and supply chain issues, with the speaker noting that these are widespread challenges. The speaker also references ongoing projects and technologies being implemented by Nova Scotia Power to mitigate costs and avoid unnecessary expenses.