Topic:"Regulatory Compliance" in M12394

Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing method used for a variety of reasons. 1 Insurance 2 3 Actual insurance costs for 2025 are expected to be $4.4 million, slightly lower than the 4 2025 approved Assessment of $4.6 milli...

AI summary The document discusses insurance and depreciation costs for NSPML, noting a slight decrease in 2025 insurance costs and a projected increase in 2026 O&M costs due to operational activities and inflation. The depreciation policy is based on a 35-year asset depreciation timeline tied to the NS Block transfer agreement.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR-26: 2 3 IR-2 to IR-31 Reference Exhibit N-1 Pages 4 -29 4 5 Page 23 6 NSPML states: "Another complexity that separates NSPML from more traditional 7 transmission owner/operators is the responsibility for manag...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board requests NSPML to provide current versions of key agreements with NLH and clarify NSPML's role in managing these agreements, comparing it to NS Power and the NS Power System Operator. The Board also asks whether the higher risk associated with these agreements would be borne by ratepayers.

4.1 Managers' Responsibilities Each Manager, with respect to the Transmission Assets for which it is responsible, shall: - (a) exercise final operational responsibility and control for the Transmission Asset, except as otherwise provided i...

AI summary This section outlines the responsibilities of managers regarding transmission assets, including operational control, compliance with regulatory requirements, adherence to maintenance plans, and ensuring qualified personnel are available to fulfill obligations.

9.6 Evidence of Insurance If requested by a Party, the procuring Party shall provide satisfactory evidence of insurance in the form of a certificate of insurance when obtained and thereafter annually upon renewal of such insurance.

AI summary The text outlines a requirement that if requested by a party, the procuring party must provide satisfactory evidence of insurance in the form of a certificate of insurance upon obtaining and annually upon renewal.

12.5 Insurer Approval In the event that any Claim arising hereunder is, or could potentially be determined to be, an insured Claim, neither the Indemnified Party nor the Indemnitor, as the case may be, shall negotiate, settle, retain couns...

AI summary The section outlines requirements for insurer approval in the event of an insured claim, stating that neither the indemnified party nor the indemnitor can negotiate, settle, or retain counsel without first obtaining approval from the insurer(s) providing coverage.

Schedule 1 - Scheduling Protocol Schedule 2 - Nalcor Master Agreement Schedule 3 - Nalcor Master Agreement Modifications Schedule 4 - Description of Nalcor Progress Report Schedule 5 - Form of Balancing Service Agreement Schedule 6 - Form...

AI summary This document outlines the schedules and key components of an Energy Access Agreement, effective April 13, 2015. It includes protocols, master agreements, progress reports, service agreements, and dispute resolution procedures.

- other fire or other cause of air pollution, an epidemic declared by an Authorized Authority having jurisdiction, explosion, earthquake or lightning; - (b) a war, revolution, terrorism, insurrection, riot, blockade, sabotage, civil distur...

AI summary The text defines 'Confidential Information' and outlines scenarios that qualify as Force Majeure events, including natural disasters, acts of war, strikes, and regulatory issues, while excluding certain events from Force Majeure consideration.

18.15 Waiver of Sovereign Immunity A Party that now or hereafter has a right to claim sovereign immunity for itself or any of its assets hereby waives any such immunity to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law. This waiver include...

AI summary This section waives sovereign immunity for parties involved, allowing for dispute resolution and enforcement of decisions without immunity claims. It clarifies that the rights and obligations under the agreement are commercial, not governmental.

D. The Parties agree to add the following sections to Article Three: Section 3.4 Public Power System's Deliveries. On the Effective Date and as a condition to the obligations of the other Party under this Agreement, Governmental Entity or...

AI summary The Parties agree to add new sections to Article Three of the Master Agreement, including provisions related to the Public Power System's deliveries, waiver of immunity claims, and security arrangements. These additions aim to ensure compliance, enforceability, and financial responsibility in the execution of the agreement.

11.3 Disclosures Required by Law - (a) Nalcor and its Affiliates are at all times subject to the provisions of NL legislation as such legislation may be amended or varied, including, but not limited to, the Access to Information and Protec...

AI summary This section outlines the legal disclosure requirements under NL legislation, specifically the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) and the Energy Corporation Act. It emphasizes that Nalcor must not disclose confidential information provided by Emera and its affiliates, even if required by law, and outlines the potential legal processes if such a disclosure challenge arises.

ction or inability to act causing material physical damage to, or materially impairing the operation of, or access to, any of the Defined Assets or the Island Interconnected System or any machinery or - equipment comprising part of or used...

AI summary The text defines Force Majeure events under the agreement, including physical damage, regulatory issues, inability to maintain permits, and curtailments required for system reliability. It also excludes certain events from being considered Force Majeure unless they align with the NS OATT definitions.

designed, engineered, constructed and sufficiently completed and commissioned using Good Utility Practice and in compliance with Applicable Law so as to be capable of delivering the Nova Scotia Block.

AI summary The text discusses the design, engineering, construction, and commissioning of the Muskrat Falls Plant and Labrador-Island Link, emphasizing compliance with Good Utility Practice and Applicable Law to ensure the Nova Scotia Block is delivered.

5.6 Placement of Required Insurance If Nalcor fails to obtain or maintain any insurance required to be maintained by it hereunder, Emera may place insurance on its behalf and all costs thereof or in relation thereto shall be for the sole a...

AI summary This section outlines the responsibility of Nalcor to maintain required insurance. If Nalcor fails to do so, Emera has the authority to place insurance on its behalf, with all related costs being borne solely by Nalcor.

7.1 Licences and Compliance with Law - (a) The Parties shall each be responsible for obtaining and maintaining any licences and permits as may be required for their respective performance of this Agreement. - (b) Each Party shall comply wi...

AI summary The Parties are responsible for obtaining and maintaining necessary licences and permits, and complying with applicable laws from authorized authorities as part of their performance under the Agreement.

3. Regulation Service Within 120 days after the A&R Effective Date, the Parties will negotiate to enter into an agreement whereby Nalcor will provide Regulation Service with respect to the Nova Scotia Block to Emera for the Initial Term. T...

AI summary The text outlines the terms for the Regulation Service agreement between Nalcor and Emera, specifying the scope of service, conditions for capacity use, fee structures, and liability limitations. It also addresses the process for approval by the NL Public Utilities Board and the handling of disputes.

6.7 No ex parte Communication No communication between the Independent Expert and either of the Parties shall be permitted from the Appointment Date until after delivery of the Independent Expert's final decision except: - (a) with the app...

AI summary Section 6.7 prohibits ex parte communication between the Independent Expert and the Parties during the proceedings, except with both Parties' approval, as provided in Section 6, or for strictly administrative matters. All communications must be in writing and copied to the other Party.

REGULATORY COMMISSION EXPERIENCE • Supervised financial analysts and accountants in the energy and telecommunications units of the Colorado Public Utilities Commission from 2004 to 2008. In this capacity, he was responsible for the financi...

AI summary The individual supervised financial analysts and accountants at the Colorado Public Utilities Commission from 2004 to 2008, handling financial analysis, audits, and expert testimony in rate cases and regulatory proceedings. They led investigations into regulatory violations and administered a high-cost support mechanism for rural telecommunications.

jurisprudence, of a legal right to a reasonable opportunity to earn a fair return on their prudently invested capital. As leading credit rating agencies have noted on more than one occasion, utilities under the Commission's jurisdiction fa...

AI summary The text discusses how Alberta utilities benefit from a favorable regulatory environment that reduces risks and allows for cost flow-through to customers. It highlights their robust financial performance despite pandemic-related disruptions and notes the absence of evidence for difficulties in raising capital since the 2018 GCOC proceeding.

7.5.2 Regulatory risk - 257. The utilities claim that regulatory risks in Alberta have increased since 2018. Among the risks they have identified are lower deemed equity ratios and lower approved ROEs than those awarded in other North Amer...

AI summary The utilities argue that regulatory risks in Alberta have increased since 2018 due to lower equity ratios, ROEs, and a credit rating change. However, the Commission refutes these claims, noting that Alberta utilities have low earnings volatility and operate in a supportive regulatory framework that encourages efficiency and cost reduction, leading to returns above approved ROEs.

DESCRIPTION: This project consisted of building a new transmission line (L6613) which replaced the adjacent line (L6513) for a designed operating temperature of 100˚C with a summer rating of 320 MVA and a winter rating of 363 MVAutilizing...

AI summary This project involved replacing an existing transmission line with a new one to support the Maritime Link project. The original submission was not approved in 2015, and NS Power is now resubmitting it as part of a General Rate Application.

e. Operating Risks 5 One of the most important operating risks for NSPI is weather-related service disruptions. The 6 Company's service territory is characterized by severe ice storms and wind conditions, including 7 tropical storms and hu...

AI summary NSPI faces operating risks from weather-related service disruptions and the Energy Reform (2024) Act. The Act may shift NSPI's control of the bulk power grid to the IESO and introduce competition in the wholesale power market, creating uncertainty for investors.

h. Regulatory Risk 2 There have been decisions by the UARB where operating and capital costs have been disallowed. 3 Cost disallowances are always within the scope of utility regulation, but in Concentric's 4 experience, significant disall...

AI summary The text discusses regulatory risks faced by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI), including past instances where the UARB disallowed certain operating and capital costs. These disallowances affect NSPI's return on equity and include examples such as the treatment of executive compensation, Hurricane Fiona-related costs, and compliance with annual performance standards under the Public Utilities Act.

5. Risk Analysis Conclusions 4 Based on the results of the financial and business risk analyses discussed throughout this report, 5 Concentric concludes that: - NSPI's generation ownership distinguishes the Company from other investor-owne...

AI summary Concentric concludes that NSPI's business risk remains elevated, particularly due to environmental compliance requirements and regulatory challenges. NSPI faces higher risks compared to other Canadian and U.S. utilities, including regulatory lag and lack of protection against volumetric risk. The company also failed to achieve its authorized ROE in recent years.

Specific Items Monitored OEB staff agreed with LEI and Dr. Cleary that consistent with the OEB's existing policy, the OEB should continue to monitor the cost of capital parameters and test their reasonableness in the context of prevailing...

AI summary The OEB staff agrees with LEI and Dr. Cleary on the need to monitor cost of capital parameters annually but disagrees with quarterly reporting. Ratepayer groups and SEC support public disclosure of reports. The OEA and others debate the need for tracking debt and equity issuances and credit rating reports, with differing views on administrative burden and utility transparency.

PARTIALLY CONFIDENTIAL (Attachments Only) 1 Undertaking U-11: Other Consulting 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.1 0.6 0.9 0.5 3=1 ( - ) Maintenance and Inspection 6.6 7.7 6.8 6.9 8.5 6.6 6.8 8.9 8.4 9.5 8.6 8.7 9.3 8.3 3 7.4 5.5 5.8 Conve...

AI summary The document presents a table with various operational and maintenance costs across different categories, including maintenance and inspection, insurance, and environmental assessment, with numerical values for each period. The data reflects costs associated with infrastructure, fleet vehicles, and other operational activities.

HEARING ORDER NSP Maritime Link Incorporated (NSPML) applied to the Nova Scotia Energy Board on July 18, 2025, for approval of its 2026 revenue requirement and a cost assessment from Nova Scotia Power Inc. continuing January 1, 2026. The B...

AI summary NSP Maritime Link Incorporated (NSPML) has applied for approval of its 2026 revenue requirement and a cost assessment from Nova Scotia Power Inc. The Nova Scotia Energy Board has scheduled a public hearing for December 15–18, 2025, and outlined a timetable for interventions and information requests.

Schedule "A" - 1. NSP Maritime Link Inc. ("NSPML") will provide Designated Confidential Information, as defined herein, to the Designated Recipients as defined below. - 2. Designated Confidential Information shall consist of material, whet...

AI summary Schedule 'A' outlines the conditions under which NSP Maritime Link Inc. will provide Designated Confidential Information to specific recipients, emphasizing confidentiality and restricted access to such information.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING _____________________________________________________________________________ NSP MARITIME LINK INCORPORATED (NSPML) applied to the Board for approval of its 2026 revenue requirement and a cost assessment pursuant...

AI summary NSP Maritime Link Inc. has applied for approval of its 2026 revenue requirement and cost assessment of $198.7 million, to be recovered from customers. The application includes proposals for return on equity, capital structure, and flexibility in capital structure. A public hearing is scheduled for December 15, 2025.

September 4, 2025 [email protected] Ms. Crystal Henwood Regulatory Affairs Clerk/Officer Nova Scotia Energy Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3P6 Dear Ms. Henwood: RE: NSP Maritime Link Inc. (NSP...

AI summary NSP Maritime Link Inc. (NSPML) requests a one-week extension to file responses to Information Requests (M12394) due to a potential operational improvement opportunity requiring timely review. They also propose shortening the timeline for evidence submission to maintain the December hearing schedule.

10.0 COMPLIANCE WITH BOARD DIRECTIVES [227] The Consumer Advocate asked the Board to caution NSPML about its failure to follow Board directives, citing the examples of NSPML's failure to file the LTAMP and a return on equity review over th...

AI summary The Board criticizes NSPML for repeatedly failing to comply with directives, such as not filing the LTAMP and a return on equity review. This non-compliance has led to inefficiencies, delays, and increased regulatory costs. The Board warns that future non-compliance may result in disallowing regulatory costs.

From: [Nielsen, Sharleen](mailto:[email protected]) To: [Henwood, Crystal D](mailto:[email protected]); [Alissa Whalen](mailto:[email protected]); [[email protected];](mailto:[email protected]) [Brianne E. Ru...

AI summary This email is from Sharleen Nielsen of Emera to multiple recipients regarding the refile of a compliance filing for M12394 - NSP Maritime Link Inc. 2026 Assessment Application. The attachment includes a PDF of the refiled compliance filing.