Topic:"Rate Design" in M12588

NSEB APPROVAL SHEET Project Title: Renewable to Retail Implementation CI Number: C0053699 Date: December 1, 2025 Expenditure Profile Type of Filing Year Budget Amount Project Estimate Capital Project Authorization X Unforeseen and Unbudget...

AI summary The document outlines the expenditure profile for the Renewable to Retail Implementation project, including budget amounts, project estimates, and authorization types for various years. Nova Scotia Power Incorporated and the Nova Scotia Energy Board are involved in the approval process.

1 Request IR-1: 93 3.5 Set Up If the operational or consumption characteristics of the RtR Customer change, such that the RtR Customer, in NS Power's determination, no longer qualifies for its current rate class, NS Power shall apply a Dis...

AI summary The text outlines procedures for transitioning RtR customers to different rate classes based on changes in consumption characteristics and specifies that new NS Power customers must be onboarded during the construction phase before transitioning to RtR post-construction.

Request IR-4: Has the current RtR licensee been involved in the development of this project, in particular the increase in the budget estimate (p. 2)? If so, please provide a general overview of that engagement, including a timeline of whe...

AI summary NS Power has been in communication with the Licensed Retail Supplier (LRS) and Renewall Energy Inc. (REI) throughout the implementation of the RtR project. The project's budget increase and scope changes were managed through a DR/CR process, with regular meetings to align on project delivery and technology implementation. Meetings were reduced to monthly in April 2025 after completing necessary setup work.

CI C0053699 Renewable to Retail Implementation (NSEB M12588) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-2: 3 NS Power states, 4 5 "The project involves modifying the CIS as well as developing online forms for 6 7 onboarding a...

AI summary NS Power is modernizing its aging Customer Information System (CIS) to support new tariff designs and programs like Green Choice. The project was delayed due to a strategic shift to prioritize reliability initiatives and stakeholder readiness. The document requests an explanation of how the proposed CIS modifications will be impacted by the replacement of the system.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 interim and manual business processes to achieve a state of readiness which would support 2 REI in its plan to initiate small-scale operations through the purchase of third-party 3 renewable energy outside of their own i...

AI summary NS Power paused technical work on a project to support REI's small-scale renewable energy operations and shifted focus to scalable business processes and technology solutions. A capital application was delayed due to evolving project scope and ongoing efforts to address cost recovery mechanisms for NS Power's expenditures, including a related regulatory proceeding (Matter M11874).

Active Submissions Total A - Technical Evaluation A-1 - Adherence to RFP requirements A-2 - Ongoing support availability and service levels A-3 - Speed and efficiency of implementation (or project) plan, availability, and delivery the indu...

AI summary The text outlines the structure of an evaluation matrix for submissions, focusing on technical evaluation criteria such as adherence to RFP requirements, ongoing support, implementation speed, and industry expertise. It also includes sections related to corporate risk, including cybersecurity, insurance, and third-party attestation.

1 Request IR-3: 2 3 Reference: N-1, C0053699 Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, page 1 of 6. 4 5 Cost recovery for capital expenditures and operating costs associated with the 6 initial setup and ongoing operation will be recovere...

AI summary The document outlines a request for information regarding the cost recovery framework for the Renewable to Retail (RTR) Implementation Project, specifically focusing on capital expenditures and operating costs associated with the project, and how these costs will be recovered from Licensed Retail Suppliers (LRSs) through the Annually Adjusted Rates (AAR) process starting in 2026.

Interest to be compounded 23 (b) As described in NSEB IR-5 and NSEB IR-7 (a-c), the new software systems and 24 enhancements to existing software described were implemented solely to support the RtR 25 market. No benefits accrue to other N...

AI summary The document discusses the implementation of new software systems and enhancements to existing ones, exclusively for the Renewable to Retail (RtR) market, with no benefits to other NS Power customers. All project spend is described as new or incremental, solely for supporting the RtR market.

Date Filed: March 3, 2026 NSPI (REI) IR-13 Page 3 of 3 1 Request IR-14: D.27 Business Process & Procedure Development Team has finalized process and procedure documentation from a Role Based perspective. Business Leads have all signed off...

AI summary The document outlines several tasks related to the final stages of a project, including the completion of business process documentation, technical development, and testing. These tasks are currently at various stages of completion, with some already finalized and others not yet started.

1.1 Project Overview Renewable to Retail (RtR) is a new electricity market in Nova Scotia. It was created through the Electricity Reform Act (2013) to enable independent licensed retailers, who are licensed by the Utility and Review Board...

AI summary The Renewable to Retail (RtR) market in Nova Scotia was established through the Electricity Reform Act (2013) to allow independent licensed retailers to sell renewable electricity directly to NS Power's retail customers. The Act aimed to promote competition and local investment in renewable energy, with NS Power required to file new tariffs and procedures with the Board for approval. This document outlines a web form solution to support customer interactions under the new market framework.

3.2 RCTRA Information Options The RtR Customer Transaction Request Application is required for the following Customer transactions: - TC Transfer Customer to RtR LRS - RC Release Customer from RtR LRS - CIR Customer Information Request fro...

AI summary The RtR Customer Transaction Request Application is required for specific customer transactions involving transferring to or releasing from an RtR LRS, as well as for requesting and updating customer information between NS Power and LRS. The CIR form is essential for data sharing consent before an LRS becomes operational.

5.4 PDF Attachment # Section Name Description Data Type Format Example Required 2 3 (a) M12619, N-1, page 133, lines 12-20 stands alone as a factual statement. The changes to 4 the Customer Information System (CIS) to support the RtR imple...

AI summary The document discusses the implementation of the Renewable to Retail (RtR) project, noting that changes to the Customer Information System (CIS) are of low complexity and do not significantly affect the risk profile. It also references a prior letter of credit proceeding and highlights a significant increase in AFUDC costs from $96,024 to $653,657.

1 was approved by the LRS in May 2025. NS Power has continued to maintain a monthly 5 6 (a) Will the recovery period align with the 10-year depreciation life? If not, please explain 7 why. 8 9 (b) Considering the prospect for future growth...

AI summary The text outlines questions and responses related to the recovery period for costs in the Renewable to Retail (RtR) market, alignment with depreciation life, and risk mitigation strategies for customer termination before capital recovery. NS Power responds that the recovery period has not been determined and that cost recovery will consider market development factors and potential collection methods from Licensed Retail Suppliers (LRSs).

[84] NS Power went on to say: Statements regarding the scope and sizing of this implementation were intended to provide assurance that the functionality was appropriately scaled to support [renewable to retail] operations without creating...

AI summary NS Power emphasized the importance of appropriately scaling the implementation to support renewable to retail operations without unnecessary cost exposure. It also argued that establishing a formal protocol for future costs related to additional licensed retail suppliers was premature and should be addressed through the regulatory process if needed.

3.4.1 Findings [104] The issues relating to cost recovery are matters for a future Board proceeding. As NS Power noted in this matter, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board initially contemplated these issues would be addressed in Annua...

AI summary The Board notes that cost recovery for the renewable to retail market should be addressed in a future proceeding. While the Annually Adjusted Rates process was initially considered, the Board is concerned about its appropriateness due to the complexity of the issues involved. If new mechanisms or tariff language are needed, a separate process may be required.

Commercial Information Items 1-2: Partial confidentiality was applied to costs associated with materials, contracts, consulting, first nations commitments, and freight details provided in the capital work order(s). To protect value for cus...

AI summary NS Power seeks to keep certain costs and supplier terms confidential to protect customer interests and maintain competitive bidding. Full disclosure could lead to higher prices and reduced competition, which would ultimately harm customers. The request for confidentiality is justified by the need to preserve competitive advantage and ensure cost-based rates for customers.

Request IR-4: - NS Power states, "The project involves modifying the CIS as well as developing online forms for - onboarding and offboarding customers to incorporate the changes anticipated with the activation - of the RtR market." In Matt...

AI summary NS Power is seeking to modify its outdated Customer Information System (CIS) to support new tariff designs and programs like Green Choice. However, the project has been delayed due to a strategic shift in capital investment priorities. The request asks how the proposed modifications will be impacted by replacing the CIS with a modern system and whether these expenses would have been necessary if the CIS replacement had proceeded as originally planned.

Request IR-5: Please identify all aspects of the proposed updates and enhancements to existing software solutions, the development of new and enhanced business processes and procedures, and enhancements to technology solutions such as the...

AI summary The document requests the identification of aspects related to software updates, new business processes, and technology enhancements, such as the CIS and MDMS, that could benefit NS Power's customers. It highlights considerations like decarbonization, electrification, and innovative rate designs, referencing the recent general rate application (M12451).

Request IR-7: - NS Power explained that changes to existing software are necessary for customer billing, metering, interval data collection and aggregation, tariff maintenance, etc. Please explain how these software capabilities are differ...

AI summary NS Power is asked to explain the necessity of software changes for customer billing, metering, and tariff maintenance, particularly for the Renewable to Retail (RtR) market, and to detail the updates and their implementation timeline.

4 million estimate for the total required for renewable to retail market development, inclusive of costs to date, forecasted costs, and deferred amounts in Matter M11874 (Letter of Credit proceeding). Please advise whether any work done to...

AI summary The document discusses the estimated $4 million required for renewable to retail market development, including costs to date, forecasted costs, and deferred amounts in Matter M11874. It also raises concerns about whether NS Power's cybersecurity breach affected work done to implement the Renewable to Retail (RtR) market and if redoing affected work has been included in the project amount. NS Power mentions that its Customer Information System (CIS) is outdated and requires modernization to support new tariff designs and programs.

ation due to “a strategic shift to prioritize capital investment in reliability initiatives and considerations such as operational, resource, and technical readiness as well as stakeholder readiness.” 1. Please explain in detail how the pr...

AI summary The document discusses the replacement of NS Power’s outdated Customer Information System (CIS) with a modern system, and the impact of this replacement on proposed modifications to the CIS. It also asks about the necessity of these modifications if the CIS had been replaced on the previously planned timeline. The text requests details on how the updates to the CIS and related systems could benefit customers and when the new systems will be operational.

1 2026 M12588 2 3 NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 4 IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act 5 6 7 IN THE MATTER OF: An Application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated for approval of CI C0053699 Renewable to Retail Implementation $5,644,468 8 9...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is handling an application by Nova Scotia Power Incorporated for approval of a Renewable to Retail Implementation Project. Renewall Energy Inc. has submitted information requests regarding the project team, detailed requirements, customer transition mechanisms, and cost recovery processes.

d validation rules supporting each transition; and 4. Customer communication and notification protocols. Reference: N-1, C0053699 Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, page 1 of 6 . Cost recovery for capital expenditures and operatin...

AI summary The document discusses cost recovery for the Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, including the recovery of capital and operating costs through the Annually Adjusted Rates (AAR) process starting in 2026. Questions are raised regarding the scope of cost recovery, legacy costs, and the framework for allocating costs to LRSs.

project cost might be avoided or reduced if NSPI had a modern, cloud-native CIS platform, and if so, please provide that analysis. Reference: M11874, N-4, NSPI (NSUARB) IR 1 Attachment 1, page 4; And Reference: N-1, C0053699 Renewable to R...

AI summary The text raises questions about the increase in AFUDC for NSPI and the methodology used, as well as the scope and processes for change requests in the Renewable to Retail Implementation Project. It also references a Board Order requiring NS Power to engage with interested parties and file an application for new tariffs by April 1, 2026.

a) Conditions Precedent to Recovery Approval should be conditioned on data-readiness milestones being satisfied — including AMI restoration, MDMS aggregation capability, and file delivery test completion —before market golive and first inv...

AI summary Approval of the project should be conditioned on NSPI meeting specific data-readiness milestones, such as restoring smart meter readings and achieving interval data aggregation capabilities, before market go-live and first invoice issuance to REI. These milestones should be formalized as conditions of approval, not just projections.

Cost Recovery The CA notes that the Application identifies a cost variance of $581,816, which NS Power attributes primarily to the need to ramp up project resources a second time as a result of changes to the Licensed Retail Supplier's (LR...

AI summary The CA notes a cost variance of $581,816 attributed to actions by the LRS, including changes to COD and increased costs. The CA is concerned about the risk of incomplete cost recovery if the LRS fails. The Board's decision in M11874 supports recovery through RtR tariffs, with NS Power planning to implement this in the 2027 AAR filing.

MDMS Scalability and Cost Allocation REI notes NS Power's evidence that scalability costs under this project are immaterial and not included to support future LRSs and that any future scalability requirements would be addressed and allocat...

AI summary REI argues that NS Power's claims about MDMS scalability costs being immaterial lack supporting evidence and recommends disallowing certain costs unless NS Power provides documentation. NS Power counters that the project's scope was appropriately scaled to support RtR operations without unnecessary cost exposure and that any future scalability needs would be addressed in a regulatory proceeding.

Cost Recovery Methodology for RtR Implementation REI submits that NS Power has not yet provided clarity on the RtR cost recovery approach, including the recovery mechanism, allocation to future LRSs, which implementation costs would appear...

AI summary REI argues that NS Power has not provided sufficient clarity on the cost recovery approach for the RtR implementation, including how costs will be allocated to future LRSs and recovered through future AAR filings. REI also highlights the need to avoid redundant or stranded costs due to potential market structure changes. NS Power acknowledges uncertainty but asserts that the final recovery mechanism will be determined in the 2027 AAR proceedings.

esses, including system testing, training, business readiness confirmation, and internal approvals prior to proceeding to go-live. NS Power anticipates following these same processes for this project. As outlined in REI IR-16 and REI IR-21...

AI summary NS Power is following established processes for project implementation, including collaboration with REI and LRS. Demonstrations, testing, and training have been conducted to ensure readiness. NS Power asserts that existing mechanisms address prudence, incrementality, and cost segregation, making additional certifications unnecessary.

3.2.4.1 Findings [80] It is not apparent to the Board that the scope of the reporting and business intelligence development work has changed through the project. The Board is satisfied with the information provided by NS Power that this wo...

AI summary The Board finds no evidence that the scope of the reporting and business intelligence development work has changed and confirms that NS Power's explanation of the project's necessity is satisfactory. The Board also notes that Renewall's involvement over the years should have prompted earlier and more specific concerns if any existed.

3.2.5 Scalability and Future Market Costs [81] Renewall expressed concern that the project included costs for potential future requirements if the renewable to retail market expands, rather than being limited to the immediate market develo...

AI summary Renewall raised concerns about NS Power's inclusion of scalability costs for future market expansion in its project, arguing that no specific evidence was provided to support these claims. Renewall suggested that NS Power should file a Scalability Costing Protocol to address future market entrants. NS Power countered that its work was limited to initial renewable to retail operations and did not expand system capacity.

[84] NS Power went on to say: Statements regarding the scope and sizing of this implementation were intended to provide assurance that the functionality was appropriately scaled to support [renewable to retail] operations without creating...

AI summary NS Power emphasized that the implementation's scope and sizing were designed to support renewable to retail operations without unnecessary cost exposure, ensuring scalability for future licensed retail suppliers. It also argued that establishing a formal protocol for future costs related to additional suppliers was premature and would be addressed through the regulatory process if needed.