Topic:"Project Schedule" in M11927

Document No: Please request from IM Hydropower Project Cost Estimate Input Checklist and Maturity Matrix Required fields: Estimate Classification Project Name: HYD Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment Maturity Level of Project Definition Deli...

AI summary This document outlines a checklist and maturity matrix for estimating the cost of the HYD Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment project, including project scope, location, requirements, technology selection, and planning considerations.

NSPI Response: Further explanation of the project and new footprint were provided during a conference call between NSPI and NSE on March 27th. A version of the drawings with explanatory notes was submitted via email to NSE on April 3rd. Th...

AI summary NSPI provided updates on project communication and construction planning, noting that the project has been postponed until 2021 due to potential impacts from COVID-19.

CI 50518 CA IR-5 Attachment 11 Page 5 of 34 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) Sheet Harbour Hydro System Ruth Falls Dam Sluice Gate Installation Project and Environmental Description a. Based on the information above, provide ECC...

AI summary The document discusses the Ruth Falls Dam Sluice Gate Installation Project, addressing concerns raised by ECC regarding scour observations, site access, construction plans for cofferdams, water management, ice action on temporary structures, and the elevation of the new uncontrolled spillway relative to the minimum operating level of the Ruth Falls Headpond.

REDACTED Request IR-3: Refer to N-1 ATO page 3 of 10, para 2. Extended Construction Timeline, in which the Company concluded that the extended timeline led to increased project costs, associated with Contracts and Consulting detailed on pa...

AI summary The document contains a request (IR-3) and response from Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) regarding increased project costs due to an extended timeline, delays in work, and additional work scope. NSPI refers to NSUARB IR-10 (b) (i) for details on contract cost variances and provides a table outlining consulting cost variances, including environmental permitting requirements.

5.1.1 NS Power Submission - The Project involves the refurbishment of the Ruth Falls Main Dam's water-retaining structures, with five - alternatives reviewed during the conceptual design phase: [45](#page-29-1) - 1. Option 1: Replace the e...

AI summary NS Power submitted a proposal for the refurbishment of the Ruth Falls Main Dam, presenting five design alternatives. Option 4 was selected due to its cost-effectiveness. NS Power argues that re-evaluation of the options was unnecessary because all would be similarly impacted by delays in the Fisheries Act Authorization and environmental permitting.

P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E – H Y D R O E L E C T R I C CRANBERRY CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT ( 2023 to present) – A run-of river project in British Columbia's interior. Asset condition assessment and capital investment pri...

AI summary The text outlines the professional experience of an individual in hydroelectric projects, including advisory roles in asset assessments, project optimization, and technical advisory services in regulatory proceedings across Canada and Sierra Leone.

Project Engineering Representative, Chalk River ON - Interacted with design participants, operations engineering, technical staff, and nuclear operators to obtain technical input as required to meet project and client requirements in an In...

AI summary The Project Engineering Representative at Chalk River ON is responsible for providing technical support throughout various project phases, ensuring quality, budget, and schedule adherence, and managing changes in design and scope through proper control processes.

I N D U S T R Y E X P E R I E N C E MIDGARD CONSULTING INC. 2021 - Present Consultant, Vancouver BC - Conducted comprehensive analyses of solar photovoltaic systems using PSS/E, assessing integration, performance, and grid impact, includin...

AI summary Midgard Consulting Inc. has been conducting analyses of solar photovoltaic systems, feasibility studies, and project management for renewable energy projects. They have also been involved in regulatory filings, audits of Feed-in Tariff contracts, and providing technical reports for consulting services.

Project Engineering Representative, Chalk River ON - Interacted with design participants, operations engineering, technical staff, and nuclear operators to obtain technical input as required to meet project and client requirements in an In...

AI summary The Project Engineering Representative at Chalk River ON is responsible for providing technical support across various project phases, including design, procurement, construction, and commissioning. They ensure quality assurance, manage project deliverables, and implement change control processes as needed.

CI 50518 – HYD – Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment ATO – Reply Evidence Redacted 1 2.0 MATERIAL COSTS 2 3 Midgard's analysis supports the assertion that there was significant inflationary escalation that 4 contributed to the increase in co...

AI summary Midgard's analysis highlights significant inflationary escalation in material costs for the Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment project, but notes discrepancies between NS Power's 2019 ACE Application and the ATO Application. It also points out inconsistencies in cost categorization and suggests that some cost increases may be due to changes in scope rather than extended timelines.

1.1 Project Background [5] In 2015, NS Power engaged Kleinschmidt as a consultant to assess the design adequacy of NS Power's Sheet Harbour Hydro System's water retaining structures. The assessment evaluated the structures' stability under...

AI summary In 2015, NS Power commissioned Kleinschmidt to assess the Sheet Harbour Hydro System's water retaining structures, which led to a 2019 ACE Plan approval for a project addressing deficiencies in the Ruth Falls Dam. The current ATO application requests an increase from the originally approved amount due to increased environmental permitting, extended timelines, and archaeology and Mi'kmaq engagement costs.

[45] The Industrial Group stated that Viewing the evidence as a whole, NSPI acted imprudently by not including the costs of the FAA within its initial application. Either it made a deliberate decision to not include those costs thereby und...

AI summary The Industrial Group argues that NSPI acted imprudently by not including the costs of the FAA in its initial application. They also dispute NS Power's claim that environmental permitting affected all refurbishment options equally and emphasize the need for updated economic assessments due to potential increases in archaeological costs.

M11927 – Nova Scotia Power Incorporated – CI 50518 – HYD Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment – $14,839,116 (Amended ATO) On June 18, 2025, the Nova Scotia Energy Board (Board) issued a decision in Matter M11927 Nova Scotia Power Incorporated...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board has approved an amended Authorization to Overspend (ATO) for the Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment Project following receipt of the Fisheries Act Authorization. The amended ATO reduces the requested amount by $606,392 to $14,839,116. A Net Present Value analysis shows the refurbishment option is more favorable compared to decommissioning. Intervenors and consultants have submitted comments on the application.

that the reasons for the exact amount of the decrease are unclear, Midgard recommended that NS Power provide additional detail in its reply submissions on how it estimated the updated offsetting cost. Midgard expressed concerns about the s...

AI summary Midgard raised concerns about the unclear reasons for a cost decrease and the project's timeline risks due to winter months and FAA requirements. They recommended NS Power provide more details on cost estimation and construction progress in its reply submissions.

Board will not consider any requests for additional costs associated with not meeting the March 31, 2026, completion date resulting from claimed delays in receiving Board approval for the current ATO. Both the SBA and Industrial Group subm...

AI summary The Board will not consider additional costs due to delays in meeting the March 31, 2026, completion date caused by delays in receiving ATO approval. The SBA and Industrial Group recommend regular project updates from NS Power, while NS Power believes existing reporting tools are sufficient. The Board agrees that semiannual reporting would be beneficial given the project timeline and cost concerns.

- l) Please describe the scope of "Offsetting (West River Project)" costs and explain how the cost was developed. m) Please provide documentation from DFO confirming the scope of the required Offsetting work. n) What is the Class level and...

AI summary The document contains a series of requests related to the West River Project and the Ruth Falls project, including inquiries about cost estimation, documentation from DFO, changes in project scope, procurement processes, and response timelines to DFO's information requests.

31 1 Request IR-6: 2 Reference: Attachment 1, page 1, row 3. 3 4 5 July 8, 2021 - DFO indicated that due to a change in scope of the project, they will not be providing comments on NS Power's May 8, 2021 submission until an updated constru...

AI summary The text discusses delays in the Ruth Falls project due to a 2021 scope change, and clarifications regarding the project's details, including the replacement of a concrete deck with a steel walkway and increased discharge capacity. It references previous regulatory approvals and submissions.

- 3 Preamble: Midgard has quoted the DFO's letter from July 8, 2021 referencing NSPI's - 4 communication on July 6, 2021. - 5 (a) Has Midgard had an opportunity to review the communication noted from 6 NSPI to the DFO on July 6, 2021 confi...

AI summary The document references a communication from NSPI to the DFO on July 6, 2021, regarding a change in scope and timeline of a project. It asks whether Midgard had the opportunity to review this communication and whether NSPI should have applied to the Board under the CEJC due to the scope change.

Delivered by E-mail Crystal Henwood Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 3rd Floor, 1601 Lower Water Street PO Box 1692, Unit "M" Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Henwood: Re: M11927 - NSPI - CI 50518 – HYD Ruth...

AI summary The Industrial Group opposes the approval of NSPI's ATO for the Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment, citing a significant cost increase due to delays in environmental permitting and a lack of diligence in the original application. They argue that NSPI should resubmit with a more thorough analysis of alternatives or have the application placed in abeyance.

ne 2024, NSPI's Reply evidence indicates it only submitted the package to the DFO on February 28, 2025. 13 It is unclear why there was an eight month delay in responding to DFO's directions. Given the growing concerns, and age of the hydro...

AI summary The document states that NSPI has not provided sufficient evidence to justify the Ruth Falls refurbishment project, which has seen significant cost increases and is only 10% complete six years after approval. Concerns are raised about the economic justification and the need for more data.

s the project was still in the preliminary design phase. This approach is not uncommon, as these permits are typically obtained after preliminary engineering is complete for a selected project option. [11] In December 2019, NS Power submit...

AI summary NS Power submitted a request for a Fish Habitat Assessment (FAA) for the Ruth Falls main dam refurbishment project in 2020, following new requirements under the modernized Fisheries Act. NS Power faced multiple requests for additional information from DFO, leading to delays and unforeseen costs not accounted for in the original 2019 ACE plan.

asonable given the expected scope of archaeological work at the time. The Company submitted that the costs outlined in the ATO application reflect an updated approach, incorporating revised estimates. [58] In considering the Industrial Gro...

AI summary NS Power addressed concerns from the Industrial Group and SBA regarding the ATO application, stating that updated costs reflect revised estimates and that DFO's requirements have been addressed. NS Power also committed to future decommissioning cost reporting and project plan updates.

4.1 Updated Information - As discussed in Section [2](#page-5-1), the Project's FAA sets strict limits on the construction window for the Project. In - particular, NS Power may only decrease the headpond level from July 21, 2025 through Ma...

AI summary NS Power must complete construction of the Project between July 21, 2025, and March 31, 2026, as per the FAA. Delaying the project would lead to cost escalations and require an amendment to the FAA, which would be subject to the same regulatory timelines as a new application.

4.2 Midgard Analysis - NS Power presents a concerning picture of the schedule status of the Project, in that it now has just over - eight months (many of which are winter months) to complete all of the in-stream works for the Project, and...

AI summary NS Power highlights the tight schedule for the Project, with concerns about meeting deadlines and potential cost increases if delayed. Midgard agrees that schedule is critical but notes that an FAA amendment may be less onerous than the original process. NS Power has not addressed one of the two construction windows established by the FAA.

CONCLUSIONS 1 Based on its review, Midgard has arrived at the following overall conclusions: 2 3 • The issuance of an FAA to the Project removes a significant area of risk and has reduced the estimated cost to complete. 4 5 6 • The timelin...

AI summary Midgard concludes that obtaining an FAA reduces risk and cost for the Project, but timelines imposed by the FAA remain a risk. The economic analysis supports refurbishment, though NS Power's decommissioning cost estimate is significantly higher than previous estimates and lacks supporting information.

Fisheries Act Authorization Midgard indicates that the issuance of an FAA for the Ruth Falls project removes a significant area of risk to the project and has reduced the estimated cost to complete the project. Midgard also indicates that...

AI summary Midgard indicates that the issuance of an FAA for the Ruth Falls project reduces risk and cost, but also notes that external factors could affect the project's timeline. Deferring construction would introduce additional costs and not mitigate the challenges of the construction window.

Project Progress Reporting: NS Power agrees to provide the detailed construction schedule and monthly progress reports as submitted to DFO to the Board and Interested Parties, should the Board deem it necessary. However, these reports do n...

AI summary NS Power agrees to provide detailed construction schedules and monthly progress reports to the Board and interested parties, but not financial information. The company argues that quarterly or bi-annual spending reports are unnecessary given the eight-month construction timeline and existing tools for monitoring spending against approved cost ranges.

CONCLUSION The Company would like to reiterate, as indicated in its letter dated July 4, 2025, that the construction schedule for the Ruth Falls project is confined by the dates as set forth in the Company's FAA. This requires all in strea...

AI summary The Company reiterates that the Ruth Falls project's construction is constrained by the FAA's timeline, with in-stream work required between July 21, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Deferring construction would lead to cost escalations, and the Company maintains that refurbishing the Ruth Falls Main Dam is the lowest-cost option. The Company requests expedited approval of the ATO with an amended cost of $14,839,116.

that the reasons for the exact amount of the decrease are unclear, Midgard recommended that NS Power provide additional detail in its reply submissions on how it estimated the updated offsetting cost. Midgard expressed concerns about the s...

AI summary Midgard recommended that NS Power provide additional details on the updated offsetting cost and the status of construction work related to the FAA. Concerns were raised about the project's timeline and the risk of not meeting FAA conditions.

Board will not consider any requests for additional costs associated with not meeting the March 31, 2026, completion date resulting from claimed delays in receiving Board approval for the current ATO. Both the SBA and Industrial Group subm...

AI summary The Board will not consider additional costs from delays in meeting the March 31, 2026, completion date due to delays in receiving ATO approval. Both the SBA and Industrial Group recommended regular project updates from NS Power, while NS Power believes existing reporting tools are sufficient. The Board agrees that semiannual reporting would be beneficial without creating a regulatory burden.

February 12, 2026 Crystal Henwood Regulatory AffairsOfficer/Clerk Nova Scotia Energy Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 1692, Unit "M" Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Re: M11927 – CI 50518 - HYD – Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment – App...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board directed NS Power to submit project update and contingency reports for the Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment, following its July 2025 decision. Reports must include spending updates, contingency use, and scope variations, in the format used for the Tusket Main Dam Matter.