Topic:"Operating Expenses" in M12663

6 Table 1: Summary of OM&A Costs OM&A Cost Category Total OM&A Costs ($)(Millions) Transition Costs ($) (Millions) Ongoing O&MA Costs ($) (Millions) Employees (Administration) 4.44 0.00 4.44 Corporate Administrative 0.26 0.00 0.26 Governan...

AI summary Table 1 presents a breakdown of OM&A costs categorized into administrative, legal, procurement, and operational planning expenses. Total OM&A expenses amount to $14.85 million, with $1.77 million allocated to transition costs and $13.08 million designated for ongoing operations. All categories except 'Transition and Operational Planning' show zero transition costs.

- 8 IESO Nova Scotia developed its OM&A budget for 2026/2027 using a multi-faceted approach. - 9 Wherever possible, IESO Nova Scotia relied on historical actual spending information and focused - 10 this knowledge base to reflect the areas...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia developed its OM&A budget for 2026/2027 using historical data and bottom-up approaches. The budget includes ongoing OM&A costs of $13.08M and transition costs of $1.77M. The document also compares revenue requirements between the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 fiscal years.

2 - 3 The budget funding necessary for IESO Nova Scotia to carry out its statutory mandate for Phase - 4 I in the fiscal period ending March 31, 2027 is reflected in the following OM&A cost categories - 5 set out in Table 2 below. As noted...

AI summary The document outlines the budget funding required for IESO Nova Scotia to fulfill its statutory mandate for Phase I until March 31, 2027, detailing OM&A costs, which include both Transition and Ongoing expenses, as presented in Table 2.

7 Table 2: Summary of Ongoing OM&A Cost Categories Ongoing O&MA Costs Ongoing OM&A Cost Category10 ($) (Millions) Employees (Administration) 4.44 Corporate Administrative 0.26 Governance 0.49 Legal and Regulatory 1.15 Procurement 0.89 Faci...

AI summary Table 2 outlines the ongoing OM&A (Operating, Maintenance, and Administration) cost categories for IESO Nova Scotia, totaling $13.08 million for the fiscal period. The expenses are broken down into categories such as employees, corporate administrative, governance, legal and regulatory, procurement, facilities and technology, finance, and operations.

6 A. Employees (Administration) - 7 IESO Nova Scotia is budgeting $4.44M as part of the Employees (Administration) cost category, - 8 forming a part of the Ongoing OM&A Costs. This cost category consists of salaries and wages for - 9 IESO...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia is allocating $4.44M under the Employees (Administration) category, part of Ongoing OM&A Costs. This includes salaries for administrative and management staff, as well as recruiting expenses.

11 Table 3: OM&A Costs for Administration Salaries Cost Category Ongoing OM&A Cost Category Ongoing OM&A Costs ($) (Millions) Employees (Administration) 4.44M Compensation 4.34M Recruitment 0.10M - 13 As described in greater detail below,...

AI summary This section of the document outlines the ongoing OM&A costs for administration salaries, detailing costs for employees, compensation, and recruitment. The budget for these costs is based on the IESO Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator.

1 Table 4: OM&A Costs for the Corporate Administrative Cost Category Ongoing OM&A Budget Cost Category ($) Corporate Administration 0.26M Various Insurance Coverages 0.03M Communications 0.04M Stakeholder Engagement 0.03M Web Hosting 0.06M...

AI summary Table 4 outlines the ongoing OM&A budget for the Corporate Administrative Cost Category, including items such as Corporate Administration, Insurance, Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Web Hosting, and Office Costs. This provides insight into the administrative expenses allocated for ongoing operations.

Table 9: OM&A Costs for the Procurement Cost Category Cost Category Ongoing OM&A Budget ($) Procurement 0.89M Capacity Contract 0.07M Procurement Department Contractors 0.22M Capacity Procurements 0.60M 20

AI summary Table 9 outlines the OM&A (Operating, Maintenance, and Administration) costs for the Procurement Cost Category, including items such as Procurement, Capacity Contract, Procurement Department Contractors, and Capacity Procurements with corresponding budget figures.

8 Table 13: OM&A Costs for the Finance Cost Category $ ^{20} $ Referred to as "Cybersecurity and Monitoring" in the 25/26 application.

AI summary The text refers to OM&A costs for the Finance Cost Category, specifically noting that cybersecurity and monitoring costs are labeled as such in the 25/26 application.

& lt;sup>21 Referred to as "Other Facilities and Technology" in the 25/26 application. Ongoing OM&A Budget Cost Category ($) Finance 0.65M Financing Costs on Operating Line of 0.58M Credit/Loan from the Province of Nova Scotia External Fin...

AI summary The text provides a breakdown of ongoing OM&A budget costs, including finance, financing costs, external financial audit, and payroll and accounting subscription services, with specific figures listed in a table.

4 H. Operations (System Planning) 23 - 5 IESO Nova Scotia is budgeting $3.64M in costs as part of the Operations (System Planning) cost - 6 category. These costs represent the portion of NS Power operational costs that will have - 7 transi...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia is budgeting $3.64M for Operations (System Planning) costs transitioning from NS Power by 2025/2026, with 2026/2027 as the first full fiscal year. Costs include internal labor and consulting fees for integrated resource planning.

1 Table 15: OM&A Costs for the Operations (System Planning) Cost Category Cost Category Ongoing OM&A Budget ($) Operations (System Planning) 3.64M Salaries and Wages for Technical Staff 3.71M Third Party Recoveries (1.07M) Integrated Resou...

AI summary Table 15 outlines the OM&A costs for the Operations (System Planning) cost category, including ongoing budget figures for salaries, technical staff, third-party recoveries, and consulting fees related to integrated resource planning.

2 (System Planning) Cost Category Cost Category 2025/2026 Budget ($) (Millions) 2025/2026 Annualized Expenditures ($) (Millions) (A) 2026/2027 Proposed Budget ($) (Millions) (B) Difference ($) (Millions) (increase)/decrease (A-B) Operation...

AI summary The System Planning Cost Category outlines budget and expenditure figures for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, showing slight decreases in annualized expenditures for Operations and Salaries/Wages, while Third Party Recoveries remain stable. The table includes categories like Integrated Resource Planning Consulting Fees and notes Phase II Transitional Costs.

13 A. Project Management ("PMO") Support - 14 PMO Support to deliver the Phase II work plan is budgeted at $0.57M and includes the following - 15 component costs: - 16 HR Transition Planning ($0.05M) As a new entity, IESO Nova Scotia is ha...

AI summary The document outlines the budget for Project Management Office (PMO) support for Phase II work, including HR transition planning, change management, and program and project management costs, totaling $0.57M. These costs are associated with IESO Nova Scotia's transition and preparation for Phase II operations.

1 Table 2: Comparison Chart Between 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Budgets for the OM&A

AI summary The document presents a comparison of OM&A budgets for fiscal years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, as part of a Nova Scotia regulatory proceeding. Key entities include Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) and Nova Scotia Power (NSPB).

NON-CONFIDENTIAL ii) NS Power shared employee compensation information with the IESO in order to facilitate the transfer of employees in accordance with the More Access to Energy Act . Otherwise, historical financial and operational inform...

AI summary NS Power shared employee compensation data with the IESO under the More Access to Energy Act to facilitate staff transfers. The IESO argues historical NSPSO financial data is irrelevant for budgeting due to distinct operational costs (e.g., office leases, IT software) and reliance on transferred employee salaries. OM&A costs are deemed stable post-Phase II Transitional Costs.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 79 budgeting going forward. Of course, any budgeting to actual variances will not only be 80 examined to improve budgeting, it will be transparently reported for stakeholder and NSEB 81 review in its annual revenue require...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia discusses budgeting transparency, the independence of the IESO, and decisions related to office space leasing and employee compensation in response to the Consumer Advocate's information requests. The IESO emphasizes its independence and compliance with the More Access to Energy Act.

REDACTED 2 Reference: Application, Exhibit B-2 3 (a) IESO NS indicates that for the purposes of preparing its budget, it has "assumed that the 4 23 employees responsible for functional management and administrative matters are fully 5 empl...

AI summary The document contains a request for clarification regarding IESO NS's budget assumptions, specifically concerning the employment status of 23 administrative positions and the use of expert consultants in determining compensation for non-CEO roles.

Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Consumer Advocate (CA) Information Requests 21 (f) On what basis did IESO NS assess the potential turnover rate of "2-3 employees"? 22 (g) Regarding Table 4: 23...

AI summary The document outlines information requests from the Nova Scotia Consumer Advocate (CA) to the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO NS), covering topics such as employee turnover assessments, stakeholder engagement plans, software licensing, governance costs, and role transitions from NS Power. Questions focus on procurement processes, cost justifications, and detailed breakdowns of operational expenses.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 10 2 Reference: Exhibit B-2 (page 14, lines 11-16, Employees administration) 3 IESO Nova Scotia states that "The 2026/2027 fiscal year assumes 23 administration employees 4 actively employed for the entire f...

AI summary The document outlines a request for information regarding the budgeting methodology for administration employee costs, supporting calculations for compensation, and explanations for discrepancies between fiscal years. It also asks whether the staffing level of 23 administration employees will remain consistent going forward.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL Specialists 3 7 Administration 1 3 Total FTEs 13 23 Total $ $1,449k $4,330k # of months 6.2 12 Annualized cost per employee $216k $188k As demonstrated in the table above, the administrative team increased by 10 additional...

AI summary The administrative team at IESO Nova Scotia expanded by 10 FTEs between 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, with a notable increase in Specialists. The expansion included more support roles at lower annual costs, as shown in the provided table.

60 61 (d) The 23 administration employees forecasted to be actively employed from April 1, 2026 62 to March 31, 2027 is expected to increase by 1 FTE going forward. Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Response...

AI summary The document discusses the anticipated increase in administration employees from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, and mentions the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator responding to information requests from Doane Grant Thornton LLP.

CONFIDENTIAL (Attachment Only) 57 referenced market information, correspondence from discussions surrounding 58 estimates, etc.34 59 The Board went on to direct as follows: 60 The Board directs that all future revenue requirement applicati...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board has directed that all future revenue requirement applications include formal support for significant assumptions and expenditures, such as quotes, market information, and correspondence. The IESO's largest cost category is salaries and wages, with references to various submissions and board orders for further support.

IESO Nova ScotiaFinancial Forecast - Summary April 1 2026 - March 31, 2027 Apr -26 Ma y-2 6 Jun -26 Jul- 26 Aug -26 Sep -26 Oct -26 No v-2 6 Dec -26 Jan -27 Feb -27 Ma r-27 202 7 Sub-t otal 70 70 134,6 134,6 70 134,6 70 134,6 70 134,6 70 1...

AI summary The document presents a financial forecast for IESO Nova Scotia covering the period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. It outlines projected costs for payroll, accounting subscriptions, external financial audits, credit financing costs, and transition and operational planning.

13 of $5.31M. 2025/2026 Prorated Variance Budget 2025/26 2025/2026 (A – B) OM&A Cost Category Total Budget at Actual Costs at ($) OM&A December December 31, (Millions) Costs ($) 31, 2025 ($) 2025 ($) (Millions) (Millions) (Millions) A B Em...

AI summary The text presents a table detailing OM&A costs for 2025/2026, including budgeted and actual costs, and highlights variances. It also references Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) responses to information requests from the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB).

NON-CONFIDENTIAL Procurement 1.00M 0.75M 0.58M 0.17M Facilities and Technology 1.00M 0.71M 1.53M (0.82)M Finance 0.16M 0.07M 0.01M 0.06M Transition and Operational Planning 1.02M 0.74M 1.02M (0.28)M Operations (System Planning) 1.61M 1.08M...

AI summary The text presents a table showing procurement and operational expenses across various categories, including Facilities and Technology, Finance, Transition and Operational Planning, and Operations (System Planning), with figures varying across different years.

15 Explanation of variances at December 31, 2025: 16 17 • Employees (administration) costs to December 31, 2025 are $0.16M (18%) less than the 18 prorated budget amount due to employee start dates later in the period than planned, 19 reduc...

AI summary The document explains variances in administrative and corporate costs as of December 31, 2025, including lower employee costs due to delayed hiring but higher recruitment expenses, increased communication costs, and higher governance costs due to increased work in the first year of operation.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL IT Support Desk Specialists x Operational Oversight 6 $ 1,543 4 CEO VP System Planning & Grid Integration x Director, Procurement x Director, Operational Policy and Market Operations x Market Rules & Services Specialist x...

AI summary The text provides a table listing various positions and their associated costs within an organization, including roles such as IT Support Desk Specialists, Operational Oversight, and various directors and executives. The table includes totals for the number of positions and associated costs.

29 (b) Yes. The CEO is included in the Operational Oversight categorical function. Please also 30 refer to part (e). 31 32 (c) Confirmed. The IESO continues to hire for the roles noted on page 12 of the Application, 33 which is expected to...

AI summary The IESO Nova Scotia confirms the CEO's inclusion in the Operational Oversight function and outlines hiring status for roles noted in the Application. The 2025/2026 budget included 13 FTEs, with one position outsourced and two roles delayed due to financial considerations.

Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Small Business Advocate (SBA) Information Requests 1 Request IR - 1 2 Refer to M12663, Exhibit N-1-(i), IESO-NS application for an order made pursuant to Sectio...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia is seeking approval for its 2026/2027 OM&A costs budget of $14.85M, including $13.08M for ongoing operations and $1.77M for transitional costs. The application overlaps with the ongoing review of the 2025/2026 application, and IESO-NS acknowledges that elements of this application may change following the Board's review of the 2025/2026 application.

6 OM&A Cost Category Notes Employees (Administration) • Employee extended benefits – 5 quotes Corporate Administrative • Communications – 3 quotes • Stakeholder Engagement – 6 quotes • Web Hosting – 4 quotes Facilities and Technology • Off...

AI summary The document outlines various OM&A cost categories, including administrative, corporate administrative, facilities and technology, and finance, with details on the number of quotes obtained for different expenses. It also references responses from the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator to information requests from the Small Business Advocate.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 10 2 Refer to the Application and Exhibit B-1 – Ongoing OM&A Cost Category Detail, page 14 lines 3 7-9: 4 (a) How did IESO-NS arrive at the estimated turnover of 2-3 employees? 5 (b) Have any employees who h...

AI summary The document contains a request and response regarding employee turnover and associated costs for IESO-NS. The request seeks clarification on estimated employee turnover, employee departures, and whether these costs are incurred only if employees leave. The response indicates that the costs apply only when employees leave and confirms no employees have left since IESO-NS began hiring.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 15 2 Refer to the Application and Exhibit B-2 – Ongoing OM&A cost category detail, Table 3: 3 Comparison Chart Between 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Budgets for the Employees 4 (Administration) Category, page:15 5...

AI summary The document contains a request and response related to confirming the number of employees covered in the Employees (Administration) cost category, which is part of the ongoing OM&A cost category detail in Exhibit B-2. The response refers to NSEB-IR11 (a).

Categories of Spend Jan-26 Feb-26 Mar-26 Apr-26 Employees (Administration) ($135,355) ($301,001) ($258,000) ($414,854) Corporate Administrative ($60,443) ($75,833) ($30,000) ($30,000) Governance $0 ($447,000) ($49,833) ($44,333) Legal and...

AI summary The table outlines spending categories for the period from January to April 2026, showing expenditures on administrative, legal, procurement, and operational activities, with notable variations across months.

- 4 Figure 1 Summary of findings, observations and conclusions # Report section Findings, observations, and conclusions 2. Good utility practice We reviewed the Application in the context of Good Utility Practice ("GUP"). Where practices d...

AI summary The document summarizes findings related to good utility practice, revenue requirements, and operating, maintenance, and administration costs for IESO Nova Scotia. The analysis highlights variances in budgeting practices and the need for clarification on IESO Nova Scotia's methodology.

- 17 Figure 2 GUP guiding principles Theme Description Safety Safety is a foundational element of GUP. Utilities are expected to implement and maintain rigorous safety protocols to protect employees, customers, and the public. This include...

AI summary The document outlines the General Utility Principles (GUP) with a focus on safety, reliability, efficiency, regulatory compliance, cost-effectiveness, and transparency. These principles guide utility operations and regulatory decision-making in Nova Scotia.

2 3.1 Scope - 3 Per Section 29 of the More Access to Energy Act (the "Act"), IESO Nova Scotia is required to submit its proposed - 4 expenditure and revenue requirements for the fiscal year and the fees it proposed to charge during the fis...

AI summary Under Section 29 of the More Access to Energy Act, IESO Nova Scotia must submit its proposed expenditure and revenue requirements, including operating costs and Phase II transitional costs, to the Board for approval. The Application outlines these financial details for review.

4. Operating, maintenance & administration costs

AI summary The section titled '4. Operating, maintenance & administration costs' outlines the regulatory proceeding's focus on costs related to operations, maintenance, and administration. Key entities involved include Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB), Independent Energy System Operator (IESO), and Nova Scotia Power Board (NSPB).

4.1 Scope - Conduct a review of operating, maintenance & administration costs for the 2026/2027 proposed budget. Include an analytical reporting on trends, including comparison with 2025/2026 budget and 2025/2026 annualized expenditures, -...

AI summary The scope includes reviewing operating, maintenance, and administration costs for the 2026/2027 budget, analyzing trends compared to 2025/2026, and addressing variances. IESO Nova Scotia calculates annualized results by adjusting costs for standardized values.

4.2 Procedures - Our procedures with respect to OM&A costs included the following: - Summarized expenses by category above including 2025/2026 budget, 2025/2026 annualized budgeted expenditures, and 2026/2027 proposed budget. - Performed a...

AI summary The procedures detail analysis of OM&A costs, including budget comparisons, trend analysis, and review of IESO Nova Scotia's budgeting methodologies. Variances were investigated through requests for explanations and reasonableness assessments. Actual 2025/2026 expenses were compared to the budget approved in M12412.

7 Figure 4 - Actual 2025/2026 OM&A costs

AI summary Figure 4 references actual 2025/2026 OM&A costs, though specific data details are not included in the provided text. The figure is part of a regulatory proceeding involving Nova Scotia energy organizations.

2026/2027 Revenue Requirement Application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator - Note 1: 2025/2026B provided by NSEB in this table is the total OM&A costs from M12412, which included one-time transitional costs. - Note 2:...

AI summary The 2026/2027 Revenue Requirement Application by IESO Nova Scotia outlines variances in actual costs compared to the prorated budget for 2025/2026. Key variances include lower employee and finance costs, higher corporate administrative and legal costs, and significantly higher facilities and technology costs due to unanticipated expenses.

4.3.2 2026/2027 Budget analysis 1 The following table illustrates the OM&A costs for 2025/2026B, 2025/2026A, and 2026/2027B.

AI summary The document presents a table comparing OM&A costs for the 2025/2026A, 2025/2026B, and 2026/2027B fiscal years, facilitating budget analysis for Nova Scotia's energy sector.

2 Figure 6 – Summary of budget OM&A costs ($ millions) 2025/2026B 2025/2026A 2026/2027B 2025/2026A vs 2025/2026B % change 2026/2027B vs 2025/2026B % change 2026/2027B vs 2025/2026A % change Employees (administration) 1.57 4.33 4.44 2.76 17...

AI summary The text presents a table summarizing budget OM&A (Operation and Maintenance) costs for various categories from 2025/2026 to 2026/2027, highlighting percentage changes and variances in expenses across different departments and functions.

est salary in that band was applied to the number of - 5 roles in that band/level. This approach was taken to ensure the ability to secure the skill sets and experience - sought.[13](#page-16-0) 6 21 - 7 In the Application, IESO Nova Scoti...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia outlines staffing and compensation assumptions for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, including 23 roles with 15% fringe benefits covering insurance, pensions, and professional development. Nine of 23 positions are filled, with vacancies expected to be addressed by March/April 2026. A $4.34M compensation breakdown is referenced, assuming full staffing for budgeting purposes.

3 ($ millions) 2025/2026B 2025/2026A 2026/2027B 2025/2026A vs 2025/2026B % change 2026/2027B vs 2025/2026B % change 2026/2027B vs 2025/2026A % change PMO support 0.72 1.29 0.57 0.57 79% (0.15) -21% (0.72) -56% 4 Per IESO Nova Scotia, 2026/...

AI summary The document outlines PMO support costs for IESO Nova Scotia across multiple fiscal years, detailing the breakdown of these costs into HR transition planning, change management, and program and project management. The costs are explained in the context of supporting organizational transitions and preparations for Phase II operations.

- (b) No, the scope of our review did not include assessing whether overlap existed between internal hires and external advisors. 1 Request IR-8 2 3 4 Reference: At pdf page 20, with respect to governance costs, DGT states that "Given the...

AI summary The document discusses a response from DGT regarding governance costs and effectiveness, clarifying that cost stability alone is not sufficient to assess governance effectiveness and that no assessments were conducted on governance structures or practices.

The Application Before the Board The Application before you seeks approval of a total revenue requirement of $14.85 million for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. This amount comprises $13.08 million in ongoing operating, maintenance, and administ...

AI summary The application seeks approval of a $14.85 million revenue requirement for IESO Nova Scotia's 2026/2027 fiscal year, comprising ongoing and transitional costs. The applicant argues the amount is prudent and appropriate, reflecting a carefully developed budget aligned with the organization's statutory mandate and the realities of a phased transition. The filing occurred while the 2025/2026 proceeding was ongoing, limiting the opportunity to incorporate prior feedback.

IESO Nova ScotiaMarch 31, 2026 DRAFT 20 25 /26 Re e A lica tio ve nu pp n Bu dg et Ma rch 31 20 26 , Ac tua l Ac tua l-B ud t ge ( Un de r) /Ov er Dif f % ( Un de r) / Ov Bu dg et er Ad mi nis tra tio n S ala rie nd W s a ag es $ 1, 57 2,...

AI summary The document presents a budget comparison for the IESO Nova Scotia as of March 31, 2026. Actual spending is compared against the budget for various categories, highlighting significant under-spending in administration salaries and wages, facility and technology, and over-spending in corporate administration and legal and regulatory expenses.

Presentation and Disclosure Employee benefit expenses are presented within operating expenses in the statement of profit or loss. Liabilities for accrued employee benefits are classified as current liabilities unless settlement is not expe...

AI summary Employee benefit expenses are reported within operating expenses in the statement of profit or loss. Liabilities for accrued employee benefits are classified as current liabilities unless settlement is expected beyond twelve months. Disclosures follow IAS 19 and IAS 1 to ensure transparency about the nature and financial impact of employee benefits.

IN THE MATTER OF THE MORE ACCESS TO ENERGY ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by the NOVA SCOTIA INDEPENDENT ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator seeks approval for its expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31, 2027, under the More Access to Energy Act. The proceeding is presided over by Stephen T. McGrath, Roland A. Deveau, and Jennifer L. Nicholson.

IN THE MATTER of the MORE ACCESS TO ENERGY ACT – and – IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by the NOVA SCOTIA INDEPENDENT ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator seeks approval for its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31, 2027, under the More Access to Energy Act. The proceeding is before a regulatory panel chaired by Stephen T. McGrath, with Roland A. Deveau and Jennifer L. Nicholson as members.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act , R.S.N.S. 1989, c. 380 as amended -and- IN THE MATTER OF: AN APPLICATION by the NOVA SCOTIA INDEPENDENT ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR for approval of its proposed expenditure an...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering an application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31, 2027, under the Public Utilities Act.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: MORE ACCESS TO ENERGY ACT -and- IN THE MATTER OF: AN APPLICATION by the NOVA SCOTIA INDEPENDENT ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering an application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator under the More Access to Energy Act for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirements for the test year ending March 31, 2027.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: More Access to Energy Act – and – IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the te...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is addressing two matters: the More Access to Energy Act and an application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31, 2027.

1 Request IR-16: - 2 Reference: N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.15-16 and p.32-33 which compares 2025/26 3 annualized to 2026/27 for administrative and operations categories.

AI summary The document references specific pages in Exhibit B-2, comparing annualized administrative and operations categories from 2025/26 to 2026/27, as part of a regulatory proceeding.

1 Request IR-19: - 2 Reference: N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.21-23 indicates procurement OPEX is expected to

AI summary The document references procurement OPEX expectations as indicated in N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.21-23. It discusses operational expenditures related to procurement.

- 3 million and managed IT services $0.21 million and states this is needed for Phase I and - 4 foundation for Phase II. - 5 (a) Provide a line-inventory of software (product name, function, price, 6 term/renewal, termination rights) and s...

AI summary The text outlines several requests related to IT services and software licensing for Phase I and Phase II of a project, including inventory details, duplication identification, plans for eliminating duplication, and potential cost savings if Phase II is delayed.

dentify any changes in role counts or scope. 2. Please identify any roles that were expected in 2025/26 but were not transferred/hired or were re-scoped for 2026/27 and quantify the variance impact. Reference: N-1(i), Exhibit B-2, pdf p.16...

AI summary The text requests information on changes in role counts and scope, capitalization policy for technology and website spend, regulatory proceedings breakdown, and standard RFP clauses for reimbursement. It references specific exhibits and pages in the document.

INFORMATION REQUESTS To: Nova Scotia Independent System Operator ("IESO Nova Scotia") From: Port Hawkesbury Paper LP Responses Due: March 10, 2026 Contact Person: David MacDougall McInnes Cooper Purdy's Wharf Tower II 1300 – 1969 Upper Wat...

AI summary Port Hawkesbury Paper LP requests IESO Nova Scotia to reconcile actual vs. proposed 2025/2026 Revenue Requirement for April 2025–January 2026, broken down by OM&A costs categories from Table 1, page 9 of the Application.

Request IR-5: Reference: Application Page 19, "Table 7: OM&A Costs for the Legal and Regulatory Cost Category"

AI summary The document references Table 7 on Application Page 19, which details Operation and Maintenance (OM&A) costs under the Legal and Regulatory Cost Category. This information is part of a regulatory proceeding in Nova Scotia, though no explicit arguments or claims are presented in the provided text.

- iii. The budgeted cost for all such employees. 1 This information is understood to be subject to change but IESO Nova Scotia's best 2 current view is being requested by this Information Request. 3 f) At this time is IESO Nova Scotia curr...

AI summary The text discusses the budgeted cost for employees transitioning from NS Power to IESO Nova Scotia, specifically 21 roles that were transitioned on December 1, 2025. It also inquires about potential costs related to leasing or acquiring NS Power's Ragged Lake control centre or relocating Phase II employees.

1 Request IR-1: 2 1. Reference: Application page 5, “IESO Nova Scotia notes that actual expenditures for fiscal year 2. 2025/2026 are materially tracking against its proposed 2025/2026 Revenue Requirement”. 5 1. Question: Please provide a...

AI summary The document requests a reconciliation between IESO Nova Scotia’s actual and proposed 2025/2026 Revenue Requirement for the 10-month period April 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, broken down by OM&A cost categories.

Request IR-9: - Reference: Exhibit B-1 (page 9, Table 1) - Please provide year to date actual results for all the OM&A cost categories detailed in Table 1. In - your response, provide explanations for any variances from the 2025/2026 budge...

AI summary Request IR-9 seeks year-to-date actual results for OM&A cost categories in Exhibit B-1 (page 9, Table 1), requiring explanations for variances from the 2025/2026 budget. The request focuses on operational and maintenance costs and their alignment with projected figures.

Request IR-10: - Reference: Exhibit B-2 (page 14, lines 11-16, Employees administration) - IESO Nova Scotia states that " The 2026/2027 fiscal year assumes 23 administration employees - actively employed for the entire fiscal year- from Ap...

AI summary Request IR-10 seeks details on IESO Nova Scotia's budgeting for administration employees, including methodology, compensation increases, and staffing levels. The 2026/2027 budget includes additional IT and compliance roles to meet cybersecurity and regulatory standards.

e OM&A cost categories detailed in Table 1. In your response, provide explanations for any variances from the 2025/2026 budget. Reference: Exhibit B-2 (page 14, lines 11-16, Employees administration) IESO Nova Scotia states that " The 2026...

AI summary The document requests explanations for variances in OM&A cost categories, particularly focusing on employee administration costs between fiscal years 2025/2026 and 2026/2027. The IESO Nova Scotia indicates additional employees, especially in IT and compliance, to meet cybersecurity and regulatory standards.

Request IR-27: - The application in Matter M12412 described a Provincial grant of $2.68 million to cover transition - costs. IESO Nova Scotia projected to use $1.23 million of that amount to pay for transition costs - in fiscal 2025/2026....

AI summary The application in Matter M12412 involves a Provincial grant of $2.68 million for transition costs. IESO Nova Scotia projects using $1.23 million in fiscal 2025/2026 and applying $1.44 million to Ongoing OM&A costs. Questions ask about allocation by March 31, 2026, and offsetting costs in the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account.

cation, please provide a version adding a column for actual 2025/2026 to date. Regarding Table 14 on page 29 of the application, please provide a version adding a column for actual 2025/2026 to date. Regarding Table 15 on page 30 of the ap...

AI summary The text requests additional data for several tables in an application, including actual 2025/2026 figures, employee breakdowns, compensation details, and third-party recovery forecasts, highlighting concerns around staffing, compensation, and cost recovery.

- 43 i. Lease arrangements and use of facilities (including, for example, whether 44 IESO NS and NS Power discussed the possibility of IESO NS leasing 45 space at any properties owned by NS Power) 1 2 3 4 ii. Employee compensation (includi...

AI summary The text outlines several topics under consideration, including lease arrangements between IESO NS and NS Power, employee compensation details, historical financial and operational information, software licence transitions, and the transition of office resources and equipment.

1. IESO NS indicates that for the purposes of preparing its budget, it has “assumed that the 23 employees responsible for functional management and administrative matters are fully employed during the 26/27 fiscal year.” Please confirm whe...

AI summary The text outlines a series of questions directed at IESO NS regarding its budget assumptions, staffing, compensation, fringe benefits, salary increases, turnover rates, stakeholder engagement, procurement processes, office costs, and governance expenses for the 26/27 fiscal year.

(i.e. what are the specific “office administrative fees and resources”). 11. Please provide a breakdown of the governance costs noted at pages 18-19. 12. With respect to Table 11, the budget includes the costs of purchase or licensing of s...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions regarding governance costs, software licenses, hardware, and staffing transitions related to the IESO Nova Scotia. It requests detailed information on administrative fees, software transfers, hardware requirements, and the status of vacant positions.

Request IR-16: Refer to the Application and Exhibit B-2 – Ongoing OM&A cost category detail , Table 15: OM&A Costs for the Operations (System Planning) Cost Category, page 30: - a) Please confirm the number of employees that are covered in...

AI summary Request IR-16 asks for confirmation and detailed information about employee costs in the Operations (System Planning) cost category, specifically regarding the number of employees, absence of other employee costs, and total employee costs forecast during the test year.

Scotia in the amount of $1.77M (Transitional Costs), for a total of $14.85M (Total OM&A Costs). This 2026/2027 Revenue Requirement application seeks approval of the entirety of these Total OM&A Costs. This OM&A budget must be viewed in the...

AI summary The document outlines the 2026/2027 Revenue Requirement application for IESO Nova Scotia, requesting approval of Total OM&A Costs of $14.85M, including $1.77M in Transitional Costs. The application overlaps with the pending approval of the 2025/2026 application (M12412), and potential changes may occur after the Board’s review of the latter.

there be an audit of the Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism? Request IR-7: Refer to the Application and Exhibit A-1 – Introduction, which states at page 5, Lines 14 – 19: IESO Nova Scotia notes that actual expenditures...

AI summary The text includes several requests for clarification regarding the Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism, employee turnover estimates, vendor quotes, and budget comparisons. These requests aim to understand the implications of variances, the timeline for transferring responsibilities, and the assumptions behind cost estimates.

Refer to the Application and Exhibit B-1 – Ongoing OM&A Cost Category Detail, page 15, Table 3: Comparison Chart Between 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 Budgets for the Employees (Administration) Category: 1. How was the annualized amount for the...

AI summary The document contains several requests for information regarding the calculation of revenue requirements, the breakdown of office costs, and the financial relief mechanism for IESO Nova Scotia. It focuses on OM&A costs, administrative expenses, and the assumptions made about fee collection and cost recovery.

iate Temporary Financial Relief, requested in Exhibit D-1, and do not refer to the as yet to be developed cost recovery mechanism for IESO NS’s costs in fiscal 2025, 2026 and 2027. Request IR-15: Refer to the Application and Exhibit B-2 –...

AI summary The document contains several requests for clarification regarding employee costs in the IESO-NS Application, including the number of employees in specific cost categories and total employee costs for the test year. It also references the application and exhibits related to ongoing OM&A costs.

INTERIM ORDER The Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) applied to the Nova Scotia Energy Board on January 20, 2026, under s. 29 of the More Access to Energy Act , for approval of its proposed expenditure and re...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia applied to the Nova Scotia Energy Board on January 20, 2026, under the More Access to Energy Act, seeking interim financial relief for fiscal year 2026-2027 to meet liabilities. The Board approved the request on February 25, 2026, granting partial interim relief.

5 Background 6 7 On January 20, 2026, IESO NS filed its second revenue requirement application with the Board. 8 The Application requested approval for IESO NS's ongoing operational, maintenance and 9 administrative ("OM&A") costs budgeted...

AI summary On January 20, 2026, IESO NS submitted a revenue requirement application to the Board, requesting approval for OM&A costs of $13.08M and transitional and operational planning costs of $1.77M for fiscal year 2026/2027, totaling $14.85M.

OM&A Cost Category Total OM&A Costs ($)(Millions) Transition Costs ($) (Millions) Ongoing O&MA Costs ($) (Millions) Employees (Administration) 4.44 0.00 4.44 Corporate Administrative 0.26 0.00 0.26 Governance 0.49 0.00 0.49 Legal and Regul...

AI summary The table presents a breakdown of OM&A costs, distinguishing between transition and ongoing expenses. All categories, except for 'Transition and Operational Planning,' have no transition costs, with total OM&A expenses amounting to $14.85 million, of which $1.77 million is attributed to transition costs.

Ongoing OM&A Cost Category Ongoing OM&A Costs ($) (Millions) Employees (Administration) 4.44M Compensation 4.34M Recruitment 0.10M 6

AI summary The table outlines ongoing OM&A costs, including employee administration, compensation, and recruitment, with total costs amounting to approximately $8.88 million. These figures provide insight into administrative expenses related to operations and maintenance.

5 ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. v. Alberta (Utilities Commission) 2015 SCC 45 ("ATCO 2015"), para 38. 119 IESO Nova Scotia submits that, in its decision approving its 2025/26 Revenue Requirements (2026 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 Giv...

AI summary The IESO Nova Scotia explains that most of its OM&A costs are tied to employee salaries and compensation, particularly for Operations and Administration categories. It notes that Operations salaries are based on NS Power employees transferred to IESO Nova Scotia, and Administration salaries are expected to remain stable. However, the timing of employee hires and the reasonableness of compensation require further clarification.

s Application. Administration employees' salaries are 409 reasonable based on the best information and market research made available to IESO Nova Scotia 410 through its compensation consultants. 411 With respect to budgeting, IESO Nova Sc...

AI summary The application's employee salary figures are deemed reasonable by IESO Nova Scotia, based on market research and compensation consultants. The 50th percentile salary was used at the top of each band to simplify budgeting and account for indirect costs like travel and training, due to a lack of historical data.

19 More Access to Energy Act, 2025, c. 18, Sch., s. 44; 2026, c. 5, s. 6, Section 30(1). 20 M12633 Transcript, June 25, 2026, pages 383 - 226. ongoing administration cost, which would appear to be included in section 30 in the way that rea...

AI summary The document references the More Access to Energy Act and discusses the submission by IESO Nova Scotia for the approval of an updated Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism (DVM) under section 29 of the MAEA. It also highlights ongoing administrative costs and the evolution of documentation related to the IESO's operations.

33 M12633 Transcript, June 25, 2026, pages 483 - 484. 682 stakeholders regarding IESO Nova Scotia's full expected expenditures, inclusive of both OM&A 710 account? 711 A. (Johnston) So I think the view of the IESO that we've tried to come...

AI summary The IESO Nova Scotia acknowledges uncertainty in forecasting expenditures, particularly OM&A costs, due to unforeseen events. They mention the absence of hard caps on over-expenditures, referencing reports from DGT under M12412, which detail deferral and variance mechanisms in Ontario and Alberta.

1 7 CONCLUSION 2 For the reasons set out in this Reply to Closing Submission, IESO Nova Scotia respectfully submits 3 that the Application should be approved as submitted. 4 5 The intervenor closing submissions raise a number of issues reg...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia submits that its application should be approved as submitted, emphasizing the need for funding to continue its operations during the 2026/2027 fiscal year. It acknowledges the importance of future transparency and improvements but argues that the current application is reasonable and necessary, and that proposed adjustments to staffing-related costs should not be adopted.