Topic:"Rates And Money" in M12588

DESCRIPTION: In 2013, the Provincial Government mandated the establishment of a new Electricity Market in Nova Scotia through the Electricity Reform Act . This enabled independent licensed retailers, who are licensed by the Nova Scotia Uti...

AI summary In 2013, the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia established a new Electricity Market through the Electricity Reform Act . This led to the creation of the Renewable to Retail (RtR) market, where licensed retailers can sell renewable electricity directly to customers. The Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) approved new tariffs and regulations to support this market, and the first LRS license was awarded to Renewall Energy Inc. The project involves implementing software and business process updates to support the RtR market.

Execution Year: 2023 - 2026 Description Unit Quantity Unit Estimate Total Estimate Cost Support Reference Completed Similar Projects (FP#'s) Regular Labour Customer Care PD 105 325 $ 34,125 CIS Specialists PD 50 425 $ 21,250 SMOC System An...

AI summary The document outlines a detailed cost estimate for various labor, consulting, and service contracts over the execution period of 2023 to 2026. It includes personnel roles, quantities, unit costs, and total estimates for different categories such as regular labor, term labor, consulting services, and project-specific contracts.

1 Request IR-1: 116 2.5 Set Up Loads on the Unmetered Services Rate, which includes (a) Street and Area Lighting, (b) Misc. Lighting, and (c) Misc. Small Loads, are eligible for the RTR Market. Item (a) has multiple offerings, each identif...

AI summary The document discusses the setup of loads on the Unmetered Services Rate, including Street and Area Lighting, Misc. Lighting, and Misc. Small Loads, and how these items can be identified in CIS/MDM for inclusion in the aggregation process. A report from CIS will provide the total Kwh quantity for all unmetered services per LRS monthly.

CI C0053699 Renewable to Retail Implementation (NSEB M12588) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-2: 26 NS Power had proceeded with its plan to replace its CIS on the timeline it had planned 27 to when it filed its prev...

AI summary NSPI responded to NSEB information requests regarding the implementation of Renewable to Retail (RtR) and the replacement of the Customer Information System (CIS). NSPI stated that CIS modifications were completed and are core functionality, and that these changes would carry through to any future CIS replacement project without incremental costs.

1 Request IR-3: 26 (d) The RtR Tariffs were first developed and approved as part of M06214. In the NSEB's 27 decision, the Board approved the deferral and amortization of the RtR Market 28 Implementation Costs. NS Power's compliance filing...

AI summary The document discusses the deferral and amortization of Renewable to Retail (RtR) Market Implementation Costs, approved as part of M06214. NS Power has incurred approximately $800,000 in implementation costs, including external consultant costs, stakeholder engagement, billing system development, and financing costs. These costs continue to be deferred, with financing costs incurred until recovery.

Interest to be compounded Ending Balance - prior to interest recovery 760,105 759,967 759,967 766,938 768,077 761,106 761,106 763,103 754,962 777,895 780,437 780,437 784,618 784,618 784,759 784,759 786,053 786,053 786,053 786,053 786,053 7...

AI summary The text presents a table showing the ending balance prior to interest recovery, compounded interest, and total including compounded interest for various periods. It includes numerical data related to financial calculations and interest recovery.

Plan 2 (GL October 2024)

AI summary The document presents Plan 2, which was proposed in October 2024, and includes a figure referenced as Figure 2 from page 35. The content appears to be related to a regulatory proceeding, potentially involving energy planning or cost structures.

- 6 As mentioned in part (b), NS Power does not have access to the original estimate details. 1 Request IR-12: 2 3 Reference: N-1, C0053699 Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, pages 2-3 of 6. 4 5 (a) Please break down the $581,816...

AI summary The text discusses a request for a breakdown of a financial variance related to the Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, including administrative overhead, data integration, and testing complexity. It also asks about schedule extension impacts and mitigation steps taken by NS Power. Further requests focus on software systems involved in the project and their cybersecurity-related cost impacts.

3.7 Security No data will be returned to the LRS via Salesforce or the form. Data will only be supplied to the LRS via SFTP and encryption key, with the previously provided site and account(s). NOVA SCOTIA POWER INC. Page 6 of 16

AI summary The document outlines the method by which data will be transferred to the Licensed Retail Supplier (LRS), specifying that it will be done via SFTP and encryption key, not through Salesforce or forms. Nova Scotia Power Inc. is mentioned in the context of the document.

5.1 Hidden # Section Name Description Data Type Format Example Required Hidden Date Stamp Each form shall have a date and time stamp to indicate when it was submitted. This should be generated by the system on input. Date YYYY-MM DD HHMMSS...

AI summary The document outlines form requirements for a regulatory proceeding, including hidden fields, licensed retail supplier information, and legal details. It specifies data formats, examples, and required fields for submission.

5.4 PDF Attachment # Section Name Description Data Type Format Example Required 7 8 9 enhancements required to serve the RtR Market. Minimal change has been required to the Customer Information System for this purpose. 10 11 Reference: M12...

AI summary The text discusses the need for enhancements to the Customer Information System (CIS) to support the Renewable to Retail (RtR) Market. It highlights the aging CIS, its lack of vendor support, and the associated technology risks. Questions are raised regarding consistency of statements, technical integration, and cost allocation to LRS customers, as well as the potential cost savings from a modern cloud-native CIS platform.

- [1] On December 1, 2025, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated asked the Nova Scotia Energy Board to approve a capital project to develop and implement updates and enhancements to existing software solutions to facilitate the "renewable to reta...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Incorporated requested approval for a capital project to update software and business processes to support the renewable to retail market. The project, costing $5.6 million, was deemed necessary by the Board despite concerns about cost recovery and transparency. Renewall Energy Inc. raised some concerns, but the Board found them speculative and approved the project.

3.1 Project Justification [41] As already noted, NS Power must take steps to facilitate the development of the renewable to retail market and this project is required to do that. As noted in its application, NS Power worked with Renewall t...

AI summary NS Power must implement a project to support the renewable to retail market. While no intervenor disputed the project's justification, Renewall criticized the lack of alternative analysis, cost-minimizing sequencing, and evaluation of lower-cost vendor services or existing configurations.

3.2.5.1 Findings [86] While building unnecessary capacity through this project would be inappropriate, the Board expects NS Power's work in developing system enhancements to facilitate the commencement of operations in the renewable to ret...

AI summary The Board acknowledges NS Power's efforts to avoid unnecessary capacity build-up in the project, particularly in light of Renewall's involvement. It also notes that while Renewall is interested in addressing incremental costs from new retail suppliers, the Board agrees with NS Power that this issue should not be pre-determined and should be addressed when the circumstances arise.

3.2.6 Customer Information System Replacement Project [88] Renewall noted that NS Power plans to replace its Customer Information System and expressed concern about the potential for rework associated with any of the development undertaken...

AI summary Renewall expressed concern about potential rework in NS Power's Customer Information System replacement project, suggesting that future applications should include an attestation that no renewable to retail functionality is rebuilt. NS Power stated that it considers renewable to retail development as core functionality and does not anticipate needing to rebuild it, though any associated costs would be addressed through regulatory processes.

3.2.7.1 Findings [93] The Board understands Renewall's concern to be, if IESO Nova Scotia takes over the administration of the renewable to retail market, Renewall may be left in a position where it must repay NS Power for the costs associ...

AI summary The Board acknowledges Renewall's concern that transitioning the administration of the renewable to retail market from NS Power to IESO Nova Scotia could lead to financial burdens on Renewall, including repaying NS Power and paying IESO Nova Scotia for similar projects. However, the Board believes the matter should be addressed when more information is available.

3.3.1.1 Findings [97] The Board does not agree that its approval of this project should be conditional on the requirements Renewall identified. As NS Power noted, meeting these requirements would be expected as part of NS Power's normal pr...

AI summary The Board rejects the suggestion that its approval of the project should be conditional on Renewall's requirements, stating that NS Power would normally meet such requirements. The Board encourages Renewall to initiate a proceeding if unanticipated issues arise due to NS Power's lack of readiness.

NOTICE OF INTERVENTION OF RENEWALL ENERGY INC. TAKE NOTICE that Renewall Energy Inc. (" REI ") requests to intervene in this matter. REI is presently the only Licensed Retail Supplier in Nova Scotia and is directly affected by NSPI's claim...

AI summary Renewall Energy Inc. (REI) requests to intervene in the proceeding, as it is the only licensed retail supplier in Nova Scotia and is directly affected by NSPI's claimed implementation costs. REI intends to participate in both paper and oral hearings.

NOTICE OF INTERVENTION OF: CONSUMER ADVOCATE TAKE NOTICE that the Consumer Advocate hereby intervenes in the above Application and proceeding. The Consumer Advocate represents the interests of residential ratepayers, who may be impacted by...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate intervenes in a regulatory proceeding, representing residential ratepayers who may be affected by the application. They will address issues raised by the Energy Board and any other relevant matters during the proceeding. Legal representation is provided by Pink Larkin and Grid Strategies, LLC.

Request IR-8: - Please identify the enhancements to existing software. - a) Please explain how each enhancement is unique to the RtR market. - b) Please explain why the need to manage metering interval data is unique to the RtR market, suc...

AI summary Request IR-8 seeks clarification on enhancements to existing software, specifically how they are unique to the RtR market, the need for managing metering interval data, and the planned implementation dates for these enhancements.

Request IR-11: On page 2, NS Power states that it "conducted detailed requirements gathering and scoping based on areas of impact and mechanisms that will need to be in place to facilitate the transition of customers and the onboarding of...

AI summary NS Power is asked to describe best practice examples scoped under 'impact and mechanisms' for transitioning customers and onboarding the first LRS in the RtR Market, and how these differ from the process used for existing customers terminating their service.

Request IR-15: - In reference to the Capital Project Detailed Estimate on page 4 of 6: - a) What is the role of the Finance Business Analyst to the RtR Project Implementation team? And explain their involvement in the updates and enhanceme...

AI summary Request IR-15 seeks clarification on various roles and responsibilities within the RtR Project Implementation team, including the Finance Business Analyst, Tariff Forecasting and Billing SME, and other key personnel, as well as the rationale for contracting external consultants for specific functions.

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.

rval data that is unique to RtR. 2. Please confirm that these configurations and integrations have been reviewed and agreed to with the Licensed Retail Supplier (LRS). 1. If not confirmed, why not? NS Power explained that changes to existi...

AI summary The document requests clarification on NS Power's software changes for the RtR market, including scalability, costs, and the establishment of a dedicated project team. It also inquires about the timeline and justification for these changes.

ct Implementation team before the LRS was granted its interconnection requests? 1. Please explain the start date of February 2023 1. Why was an application not brought forward for approval sooner? On page 2, NS Power states that it “conduc...

AI summary The text contains a series of questions directed at NS Power regarding the implementation of the RtR Market, including the start date of February 2023, the use of existing tools for reporting, stakeholder requirements, and the competitive procurement process for the project.

ment process. 2. Please provide copies of the RFP submission from each respondent complete with the detailed pricing submissions. In reference to the Capital Project Detailed Estimate on page 4 of 6: 1. What is the role of the Finance Busi...

AI summary The text requests detailed information about the roles and responsibilities of various team members involved in the RtR Project Implementation, including the Finance Business Analyst, Tariff Forecasting and Billing SME, and others. It also inquires about the necessity of hiring external consultants and the distinction between roles and services.

30 (a) Please confirm whether NSPI intends to recover all the RtR Implementation 31 Project costs incurred under capital application C0053699 through the AAR 1 process. 15 (ii) Scalability testing plans and results; 16 (iii) An estimate of...

AI summary The document requests confirmation on whether NSPI intends to recover all costs related to the RtR Implementation Project through the AAR, and includes questions regarding scalability testing, incremental costs, and the prudence of funding future market growth capabilities.

23 Please confirm whether NSPI is seeking recovery of its own regulatory hearing costs (internal and 24 external legal, consulting, expert witness costs) associated with this RtR capital application and 25 other RtR applications? 1 RtR imp...

AI summary The text includes questions regarding the recovery of regulatory hearing costs by NSPI for the RtR capital application and other RtR applications, as well as inquiries about the impact of a 2025 cybersecurity incident on the RtR implementation project's cost and scope.

ts of this project will impact several teams across NS Power and necessitate enhancements to technology solutions such as the Customer Information System (CIS) and Meter Data Management System (MDMS). And : N-1, C0053699 Renewable to Retai...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of the Renewable to Retail (RtR) implementation project on NS Power's Customer Information System (CIS) and related systems. It outlines the need for CIS enhancements and asks specific questions about the project's timeline, scope, and coordination with the CIS Replacement project.

n needs and provide supporting documentation showing the technical requirement changes and their cost impacts. Reference : N-1, C0053699 Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, pages 2-3 of 6. 1. Please reconcile the total Administrati...

AI summary The text requests clarification on the increase in Administrative Overhead costs for the Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, asking for reconciliation, a variance bridge, and confirmation of changes in rates or allocation bases affecting the project.

g, while adhering to the requirements of s. 22(2). 2. The Board directs NS Power to file an application for the approval of the necessary tariffs, procedures or standards of conduct by April 1, 2026. 1. Please outline what specific steps h...

AI summary The Board has directed NS Power to file an application for the approval of necessary tariffs, procedures, or standards of conduct by April 1, 2026. The questions posed seek details on steps taken by NSPI, cost forecasts, and clarification on cost recovery from LRS related to M12339.

22 Request IR-3: 23 24 Please explain how (a) expenses and (b) future capital expenditures related to the management of 25 metering interval data, billing functions, tariff maintenance, etc. will be allocated and recovered in 26 rates (p....

AI summary The request seeks an explanation of how expenses and future capital expenditures related to metering interval data, billing functions, and tariff maintenance will be allocated and recovered in rates.

28 Request IR-4: 29 30 Has the current RtR licensee been involved in the development of this project, in particular the 31 increase in the budget estimate (p. 2)? If so, please provide a general overview of that engagement, 32 including a...

AI summary The document requests information about the involvement of the RtR licensee in the development of a project, specifically regarding the increase in the budget estimate and the timeline of their engagement with changes in requirements.

se to part (b). 5. If the RtR market does not begin service at any time, please explain how the assets created by the proposed projects would meet the test of being used and useful. Request IR-3: Please explain how (a) expenses and (b) fut...

AI summary The text includes requests for explanations regarding the allocation and recovery of expenses and capital expenditures related to metering and billing functions, as well as the involvement of the current RtR licensee in the development of the project and the reasons for the budget increase.

Cost Recovery Approach NS Power indicates a number of items that are yet to be determined including the recovery period, which NS Power states will depend on the number of Licensed Retail Supplier (LRS) entrants and overall RtR market deve...

AI summary NS Power outlines a cost recovery approach for the Renewable to Retail (RtR) program, noting that key elements such as the recovery period and methodology are yet to be determined. The SBA raises concerns about the lack of clarity on safeguards and recovery mechanisms, particularly if an LRS exits the program. The Board will need to assess these details when NS Power submits its tariff application.

Background Nova Scotia Power Inc. ("NS Power") has applied for approval of its Renewable to Retail Implementation Project. The Renewable to Retail (RtR) program allows independent licensed retailersto sell renewable, low-impact electricity...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Inc. has applied for approval of its Renewable to Retail Implementation Project, which involves updating software and business processes to support the RtR program. The program allows licensed retailers to sell renewable electricity directly to NS Power's customers, with costs recovered through applicable tariffs. Full cost recovery is expected to be achieved through an Annually Adjusted Rates process starting in 2026.

BACKGROUND The RtR framework was established through legislation and Board-approved tariff provisions to enable Licensed Retail Suppliers (" LRSs ") to compete in the retail electricity market in Nova Scotia. The governing statutory constr...

AI summary The RtR framework allows Licensed Retail Suppliers (LRSs) to compete in Nova Scotia's retail electricity market, with REI being the sole LRS. REI must ensure that capital project costs approved are prudent, incremental, and directly tied to RtR implementation, with recovery aligned to market development rather than asset service life.

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.

- [1] On December 1, 2025, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated asked the Nova Scotia Energy Board to approve a capital project to develop and implement updates and enhancements to existing software solutions to facilitate the "renewable to reta...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power Incorporated requested approval for a capital project to update software solutions for the 'renewable to retail' market. The project, which began in 2023, is necessary to comply with statutory obligations. While no intervenors argued the project was unnecessary, concerns were raised about cost transparency and recovery. The Board approved the project, directing NS Power to ensure costs are not leveraged outside the renewable to retail market.

2.2.3 The Project Pause [38] NS Power, by way of this project, is taking steps to ensure that its systems and processes are ready for the renewable to retail market when needed by Renewall. But this date is a moving target and, at this poi...

AI summary NS Power paused a project due to delays in Renewall's commercial operation date, which impacted project management and costs. NS Power proposed a pause to avoid retaining expensive resources, and Renewall agreed. The project will resume seven months before Renewall's first sales date to ensure readiness.

3.2.5.1 Findings [86] While building unnecessary capacity through this project would be inappropriate, the Board expects NS Power's work in developing system enhancements to facilitate the commencement of operations in the renewable to ret...

AI summary The Board acknowledges NS Power's efforts to avoid unnecessary capacity in the project, given Renewall's involvement. It also agrees with NS Power that the disposition of incremental costs from new retail suppliers should not be predetermined and should be addressed when the circumstances arise.

3.2.6.1 Findings [90] Once again, the Board believes it would be inappropriate to predetermine this issue. If rework is needed, despite NS Power's assurances, whether the costs for that should be borne by the renewable to retail market, NS...

AI summary The Board does not wish to predetermine the issue of rework costs, emphasizing that the responsibility for these costs should be determined based on the specific circumstances when they arise, rather than being decided in advance.

3.2.7.1 Findings [93] The Board understands Renewall's concern to be, if IESO Nova Scotia takes over the administration of the renewable to retail market, Renewall may be left in a position where it must repay NS Power for the costs associ...

AI summary The Board acknowledges Renewall's concern that transitioning the administration of the renewable to retail market from NS Power to IESO Nova Scotia may result in financial burdens for Renewall. However, the Board believes it is premature to make a decision on this matter without a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding such a transition.