Topic:"Public Utilities Act Nova Scotia" in M12619

1 2.0 2026 ACE PLAN STRUCTURE 2 3 The following provides an overview of how the 2026 ACE Plan is organized. 4 5 • Section 3.0 – Introduction – This section provides a high-level summary of the overall 6 expenditures in the 2026 ACE Plan, i...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan is structured into sections that outline expenditures, follow-up on the 2025 ACE Plan, details of the 2026 capital expenditures, and categorization of projects by type such as generation and transmission. It includes information on approval processes and exemptions under the Public Utilities Act.

he U lity, the Company) file evidence rela ng to its 1995 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan by January 12, 1995, and set March 6, 1995 as the commencement date for a hearing. In an exchange of correspondence between the Company and the...

AI summary The document outlines the process for NS Power's Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, including the submission of evidence, the Board's oversight role, and the Capital Expenditure Justification Criteria (CEJC). It also discusses changes to the Public Utilities Act, which raised the capital item approval threshold for large-scale utilities to $1,000,000.

1 7.0 ADDITIONAL IRP ACTION PLAN AND ROAD MAP ITEMS 2 3 In addition to the items identified in the 2030 Resource Development Plan, there are other elements 4 of the broader IRP Action Plan which have specific and significant impacts on res...

AI summary EfficiencyOne (E1) received $173.1M for its 2023-2025 DSM Plan, targeting 412.7 GWh energy efficiency savings and 17.9 MW demand response capacity. Legislative amendments expanded 'demand-side management' to include strategic electrification and established the Nova Scotia Energy Board, emphasizing alignment with 2030 decarbonization goals.

Evergreen IRP, are increasingly important to achieving the 24 2030 decarbonization goals. 25 26 In March 2025, further amendments to the PUA 42 extended E1’s current 2023-2025 DSM Plan 27 term for an additional year with a prescribed total...

AI summary The 2025 update highlights the extension of E1’s DSM Plan until 2026 with a $63.75M investment, aligned with 2030 decarbonization goals. Legislative amendments to the Public Utilities Act (PUA) and Bill 228 introduced five-year DSM purchase agreements and portfolio-level evaluations. Bill 6 (March 2025) further shaped energy and natural resource policies.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-3: 2 3 With respect to Appendix D, p. 21, does NS Power view it as necessary or helpful to revise 4 the summary of the capital work budget thresholds to reflect the Board's decision in M12417 5 that, "NS Power...

AI summary NS Power is asked whether it should revise the summary of capital work budget thresholds in Appendix D to reflect the Board's decision in M12417, which requires approval for capital expenditures over $1 million. NS Power responds that the CEJC already aligns with the Public Utilities Act and does not see value in revising the language at this time.

2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (NSEB M12619) NSPI Responses to Consumer Advocate Information Requests

AI summary The 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (NSEB M12619) outlines NSPI's responses to information requests from the Consumer Advocate regarding the plan. This document is part of a regulatory proceeding under the Public Utilities Act.

2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (NSEB M12619) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-150: 27 (b) NS Power recognizes this alternative as an option; however, increasing the threshold is a 28 simpler alternative...

AI summary NS Power discusses its approach to handling capital expenditure projects, emphasizing the benefits of increasing the threshold for project approvals and aligning with the Public Utilities Act to avoid unnecessary Final Cost applications.

Q: What concerns do you have with this remaining ambiguity? A: In my opinion, this ambiguity has the potential to undermine the intent of Section 35 of the Public Utilities Act . The Act requires each capital item in excess of $1 million t...

AI summary The ambiguity in the capital project approval process may undermine Section 35 of the Public Utilities Act, which requires approval for capital items over $1 million. The process aims to reduce the need for retrospective reviews but shifts oversight from proactive to retrospective proceedings, raising concerns about regulatory risk and stakeholder input.

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 Nova Scotia Power Inc. for Approval of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (M12619)

AI summary This document pertains to an application by Nova Scotia Power Inc. for approval of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan under the Public Utilities Act. The matter number is M12619.

1 BEFORE THE 2 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 3 4 5 IN THE MATTER OF Section 35A of the Public Utilities Act, RSNS 1989, c 380, as amended 6 -and - 7 8 IN THE MATTER OF an Application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for Approval of...

AI summary This document is the opening statement in a proceeding before the Nova Scotia Energy Board regarding Nova Scotia Power Incorporated's application for approval of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan). The proceeding is under Section 35A of the Public Utilities Act.

Natural Resources and Renewables Office of the Minister PO Box 698, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 2T9 • Telephone 902-424-4037 • Fax 902-424-0594 • novascotia,ca October 9, 2024 Judith Ferguson Nova Scotia Power 1223 Lower Water Street...

AI summary The Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables directs Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSP) to ensure stability, reliability, and power quality of the transmission system for wind generation facilities prescribed under the regulations. NSP may set minimum technical requirements for wind turbines, and owners of prescribed facilities must make a one-time payment to NSP, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index, unless exceptions apply.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF an Application by NOVA SCOTIA POWER INCORPORATED (NS Power) for approval of its Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) for 2026 (M12619)

AI summary This document pertains to an application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for approval of its Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) for 2026 under the Public Utilities Act.

6.2 Regulatory Compact [179] Any analysis of what affordability means in the public utility context starts with the regulatory compact enshrined in the Public Utilities Act . In essence, in return for fulfilling an obligation to provide re...

AI summary The regulatory compact under the Public Utilities Act establishes that public utilities must provide safe, reliable service and can recover prudently incurred costs and a reasonable return on equity. Affordability in this context relates to selecting the least costly option to meet service requirements, as outlined in cost of service and rate of return frameworks.

6.3 Affordability as a consideration under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act [181] Affordability wording was introduced into the PUA by 2014 amendments about demand side management. The Board had to consider affordability when assessing...

AI summary The text discusses affordability considerations under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act, noting that affordability provisions related to demand side management plans were repealed. It also highlights the Board's responsibility to ensure capital projects provide safe, reliable, and economical energy, while still meeting environmental and performance standards.

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 Nova Scotia Power Inc. for approval of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering an application by Nova Scotia Power Inc. for approval of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan under the Public Utilities Act.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT -and- IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by Nova Scotia Power Inc. for approval of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering an application by Nova Scotia Power Inc. for approval of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan under the Public Utilities Act.

IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF an Application by NOVA SCOTIA POWER INCORPORATED (NS Power) for approval of its Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) for 2026 (M12619)

AI summary This document pertains to an application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for approval of its Annual Capital Expenditure Plan (ACE Plan) for 2026 under the Public Utilities Act.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF: IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by NOVA SCOTIA POWER INCORPORATED for Approval of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan - $284 million

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. has applied for approval of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which includes $284 million in capital spending. The application is being considered under the Public Utilities Act.

1 M12619 2 3 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 4 5 IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act, R.S.N.S. 1989, c.380, as amended 6 7 8 9 10 11 IN THE MATTER OF: An application by NOVA SCOTIA POWER INCORPORATED (NS Power) for approval of approximatel...

AI summary This document is an information request from the Small Business Advocate to Nova Scotia Power, Inc. (NS Power), regarding its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which totals $702.1 million. The request is part of a regulatory proceeding under the Public Utilities Act.

2025 M12619 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for approval of approximately $284.0 million of its Annual Capital Expenditure (A...

AI summary This document outlines an application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for approval of approximately $284.0 million of its Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan for 2026, which totals $702.1 million under the Public Utilities Act.

2025 M12619 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for approval of approximately $284.0 million of its Annual Capital Expenditure (A...

AI summary This document pertains to an application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated (NS Power) for approval of approximately $284.0 million of its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which totals $702.1 million, under the Public Utilities Act.

CEJC Mr. Wilson's report addresses a number of issues concerning the Capital Expenditure Justification Criteria (CEJC). In this regard, Mr. Wilson recommends the following: - Accept NS Power's clarification to the definition of "scope chan...

AI summary The document discusses recommendations for revising the Capital Expenditure Justification Criteria (CEJC), including clarifying 'scope change' and applying the $1 million threshold regardless of funding source. NS Power agrees with some revisions but opposes others, citing existing legislation. The Consumer Advocate supports the recommendations, arguing they align with the Board's prior decisions.

Standard of Review - Under Section 35A of the Public Utilities Act , the legal burden of proof rests with the public utility. - NS Power is required to establish that its proposed expenditures are prudent, necessary, and - aligned with Lea...

AI summary The standard of review under the Public Utilities Act places the burden of proof on NS Power to justify expenditures as prudent, necessary, and aligned with Least-Cost Utility Planning. The Board must apply heightened scrutiny due to affordability concerns, ensuring investments are justified with verifiable evidence and avoid cost overruns.

14 Audit of the Fixed Asset Register 5 13 Pursuant to the Board's mandate under the Public Utilities Act to exercise general supervision over public utilities, and its responsibility to ensure that the approved rate base reflects assets th...

AI summary The Department recommends an independent audit of NSPI's Fixed Asset Register to ensure alignment between financial records and physical assets, under the Public Utilities Act . This follows concerns about discrepancies between capital investment growth and system indicators, and to ensure rate base accuracy and prudence of expenditures.

2.0 CAPITAL PLANNING NS Power employs a centralized capital planning governance structure that reviews and approves project proposals to ensure all ACE Plan investments are fully justified, strategically aligned, and deliver maximum custom...

AI summary NS Power uses a centralized capital planning process to ensure ACE Plan investments are justified and aligned with customer needs. The 2026 ACE Plan is developed using a risk-based approach, guided by the NSEB-approved Capital Expenditure Justification Criteria (CEJC), which evaluates projects based on asset criticality and condition to determine investment priorities.

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 Nova Scotia Power Inc. for Approval of the 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan (M12619)...

AI summary This document is a non-confidential reply by Nova Scotia Power Inc. to closing submissions regarding its 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which is under review by the Nova Scotia Energy Board under the Public Utilities Act.

5.0 REPLY TO NS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SUBMISSIONS NS Power notes that the Department of Energy's (DOE, Department) closing submissions contain a number of broad assertions that are not fully supported on the evidentiary record regarding the...

AI summary NS Power responds to the Department of Energy's closing submissions, noting that the assertions made are not supported by the evidentiary record. The Board's findings must be grounded in evidence and tested through the hearing process. The Department did not file evidence in this proceeding, and NS Power explains why certain assumptions about capital spending and governance are not supported.

6.3 Affordability as a consideration under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act [181] Affordability wording was introduced into the PUA by 2014 amendments about demand side management. The Board had to consider affordability when assessing...

AI summary The Energy and Regulatory Boards Act requires the Board to consider affordability in the approval of demand side management plans. This requirement was recently repealed, but the Board's approach to affordability has not fundamentally changed. Section 6(2) of the Act emphasizes the need for safe, secure, reliable, and economical energy, reinforcing the use of least cost alternatives for capital projects while ensuring compliance with environmental and performance standards.