N-1-(i)Application Exhibits
6 passages
- 1 l. engage in activities related to settlements, payment under a contract entered into under 2 the authority of this Act and payments provided for under this Act, the Electricity Act or 3 the Public Utilities Act; - 4 m. conduct procure...
AI summary The NSIESO is mandated to perform functions including energy procurement, system planning, and transitioning responsibilities from NSPI, with a phased implementation starting in Q4 2025. Some statutory objectives remain pending, and the NSIESO will collect and publicize electricity demand and resource adequacy data.
14 3. Phased-Approach to Organizational Functions - 15 As a newly constituted organization, the NSIESO is in the early stages of setting up its internal - 16 capabilities to perform its executive, administrative and operational functions....
AI summary The NSIESO is implementing a phased transition of organizational functions from NSPI, starting with system planning and procurement in Q4 2025, followed by real-time dispatch in Q2 2027. Initial setup costs are fully funded by the Province, with a Transition Committee and consulting services aiding the process. Financial forecasts will increase due to the phased approach.
17 Table 6: FTE Positions under the Administration Salaries and Wages Cost Category Positions Description Policy/Regulatory Specialist This role ensures that the NSIESO complies with relevant laws, regulations, market rules and policies. T...
AI summary This section outlines two key roles within the NSIESO: the Policy/Regulatory Specialist, responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations and managing regulatory proceedings, and the Director, Market Operations, tasked with developing strategies for efficient energy market operations and stakeholder engagement.
15 Table 8: FTE Positions under the NSPI Transitioned Employees Cost Category Position No. of FTEs Director, System Planning and Grid Integration (1) 1 Sr. Engineering Specialist (3) 3 Engineering Specialist, Transmission Planning (1) 1 En...
AI summary Table 8 lists 23 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions under the NSPI Transitioned Employees Cost Category, including engineering, planning, and management roles. The footnote references Section 36 and 40(1)(b) of Schedule B of the More Access to Energy Act (SNS 2024, c 2). The data reflects staffing requirements for NSPI's transitioned operations under regulatory oversight.
- 5 Table 11: OM&A Expenses for the Legal and Regulatory Cost Category Cost Category Gross Ongoing OM&A Forecast ($) Legal and Regulatory 0.81M Regulatory Proceedings and Assessments 0.55M Legal and Compliance 0.26M 7 Further details regar...
AI summary Table 11 outlines the forecasted OM&A expenses for the Legal and Regulatory Cost Category, including Legal and Regulatory, Regulatory Proceedings and Assessments, and Legal and Compliance expenses. Further details on these expenses are provided in the text.
24 D. Operational Planning and Strategy ($0.30M) - 25 These costs are for planning for and executing the NSIESO's operational capabilities and the - 26 transition from NSPI, including system planning, interconnection, and regulatory interf...
AI summary This section outlines the costs associated with the NSIESO's operational planning and strategy, including system planning, interconnection, regulatory interface setup, NERC compliance, and control system strategy, as well as advisory services for the Board of Directors.
N-7NSIESO (NSEB) RIR 1 to 25
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NON-CONFIDENTIAL 22 o Generic office capabilities – Planned for November 1, 2025 23 o System Planning capabilities – Planned for December 1, 2025 24 NPCC and NERC transition and compliance preparedness – Planned for December 1, - 25 2025 2...
AI summary The document outlines planned timelines and activities related to the transition and compliance of the NSEB and NSIESO, including system planning, resource procurement, and the implementation of Phase 2 of real-time dispatch operations. It also mentions the production of stakeholder bulletins and a proposed monthly reporting structure.
1. Introduction This Terms of Reference ("ToR") outlines the framework for cooperation between the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator ("IESO Nova Scotia") and Nova Scotia Power Incorporated ("NS Power")(together the "Parties" a...
AI summary The Terms of Reference outline the transition of system operator functions from NS Power to IESO Nova Scotia under the More Access to Energy Act, establishing a Joint Transition Committee (JTC) with equal representation to oversee the process, review plans, resolve disputes, and engage experts.
The initial members of the JTC are: IESO Nova Scotia NS Power Core Team Lead - Peter Doig Lead - Lia MacDonald Carm Marcelo Caroline Blair-Smith Jason Cooke Jennifer Power Danielle Comeau - Project Manager Marney Steeves -Project Manager A...
AI summary The Joint Task Committee (JTC) has been established with initial members from IESO Nova Scotia and NS Power, including core team leads and project managers. The JTC will meet bi-weekly for check-in meetings and may convene as needed to address unresolved topics.
Response IR - 11 - a) The nature and scope of a prudence review in respect of any costs is the consideration of - the reasonableness of the NSIESO's expenditure decision consistent with its statutory - objects and purposes based on the inf...
AI summary The prudence review of NSIESO's expenditures must assess the reasonableness of decisions based on information available at the time, without hindsight, as determined by the Energy Board.
NON-CONFIDENTIAL b) No, upon having approved a forecast revenue requirement, any incremental actual cost over the approved revenue requirement would be the subject of a prudence review. This will ultimately be reflected in the balance in t...
AI summary The NSIESO (NSEB) states that incremental costs exceeding the approved revenue requirement will undergo prudence review, with variances recorded in the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account. One-time transition costs are expected to exceed $1.23 million, with further costs anticipated post-March 2026. An update on forecast expenses will be provided in the 2026/27 revenue requirement application, to be filed in Q4 2025.
NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 Request IR - 14 42 NSIESO during the screening and interview processes. KBRS was retained to conduct Date filed: October 7, 2025 NSIESO (NSEB) IR - 14 43 the search for the President & CEO of NSIESO. Please refer to Resp...
AI summary The document references a request (IR -14) related to the NSIESO's hiring process for the President & CEO position, including peer comparison and market information. KBRS was retained for the search, and a response to DGT-IR7 is referenced.
N-10Evidence of Doane Grant Thornton
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Nova Scotia Energy Board Review of an application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31, 2026 Board Matter M12412 Report dat...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is reviewing an application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator for approval of its proposed expenditure and revenue requirement for the test year ending March 31, 2026. The matter is designated as Board Matter M12412, with a report date of October 28, 2025.
- 4 Figure 1 Summary of findings, observations and conclusions # Section title Findings, observations, and conclusions 6. Organizational structure While our review has not covered a detailed analysis at the organizational Full-Time Equival...
AI summary The NSIESO's proposed organizational structure is comparable to other Canadian ISOs in terms of executive functions and governance. The structure appears reasonable and aligns with budgeted needs and expenses.
2 2.1 Good Utility Practice overview - 3 Good Utility Practice ("GUP") serves as a foundational framework, including commonly accepted techniques, - 4 processes, and standards used across the utility industry to ensure effective, safe, and...
AI summary Good Utility Practice (GUP) is a foundational framework ensuring safe, reliable utility operations across electricity, water, and natural gas sectors. It guides decision-making, system planning, asset management, and emergency response, emphasizing adherence to regulations and operational excellence to minimize risks and maintain public trust.
19 Figure 2 – GUP guiding principles Theme Description Safety Safety is a foundational element of GUP. Utilities are expected to implement and maintain rigorous safety protocols to protect employees, customers, and the public. This include...
AI summary The document outlines the guiding principles of Good Utility Practice (GUP), emphasizing safety, reliability, efficiency, regulatory compliance, cost-effectiveness, and transparency. These principles are essential for ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient utility services while promoting compliance with regulations and transparency in the regulatory process.
1 4.3.1.3.2 Midcontinent Independent System Operator – Manitoba - 2 Per their 2024 annual report, the MISO's actual general and administrative expenses are summarized below for 2023 3 and 2024:
AI summary The text references the Midcontinent Independent System Operator's (MISO) 2024 annual report, which includes actual general and administrative expenses for 2023 and 2024.
24 Figure 25 – NSIESO administration salaries and wages assumptions Compensation component NSIESO assumption Further benchmarking detail provided by the NSIESO upon inquiry Compensation NSIESO assumption Further benchmarking detail provide...
AI summary This section discusses the NSIESO's assumptions regarding administration salaries and wages, with additional benchmarking details available upon inquiry. The table outlines compensation components and assumptions made by the NSIESO.
5.4 Conclusion - Based upon our review of administration salaries and wages, we can provide the following conclusions and recommendations: - Nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the proposed salaries and wages are unreasonable...
AI summary The proposed salaries and wages by NSIESO are deemed reasonable, aligned with industry benchmarks and comparable organizations. However, the absence of supporting data from KBRS and HUB International limits full evaluation of underlying salary calculations.
5 Figure 28 – Summary of employee positions Position Number of positions Category CEO 1 Administration Vice President of Finance, Corporate Services & Market Services 1 Administration Vice President of Operations, Planning, Reliability & P...
AI summary The document outlines the summary of employee positions within the organization, including roles in administration, engineering, and technical fields. It notes that some positions are transitioning from NSPI to NSIESO, with administrative roles generally not being transferred due to potential duplication.
4 Role Responsibilities President & CEO Leads the IESO and oversees strategic direction, reliability, innovation, and stakeholder engagement. Chief Operating Officer & EVP, Markets & Reliability Real-time system operations, market administ...
AI summary The document outlines the executive team structure of the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), including roles and responsibilities. It also references a section on the governance of the IESO, specifically the board of directors.
- 2 The IESO is governed by an independent board of directors that oversees its business and affairs. The IESO Board - 3 also approves the Market Rules, policies and guidelines that govern the IESO-administered markets. There are - 4 curre...
AI summary The text describes the governance structure of the IESO, including its independent board of directors, committees, and the current executive team at the AESO.
13 Position Reports To Key Functional Areas President & CEO AESO Board VP, Information Technology President & CEO Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, Applications VP, Operations President & CEO System Operations, Reliability Coordination VP, Ma...
AI summary This section outlines the organizational structure and key functional areas of the AESO, including roles such as President & CEO, VP of Information Technology, and VP of Regulatory Affairs. It also discusses the governance structure, specifically the board of directors.
7.3.1.2.1 Purpose and functionality
AI summary The section '7.3.1.2.1 Purpose and functionality' outlines the objectives and operational roles of entities involved in Nova Scotia's energy regulation. Key stakeholders include the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) and Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO), with references to broader energy infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
DAR - The purpose of the DAR is to reconcile actual costs incurred by the AESO to the actual revenues recovered through - rates. It is implemented to ensure no profit or loss results from AESO's transmission operations (as required by the...
AI summary The DAR reconciles the Alberta Electric System Operator's (AESO) actual costs with revenues from rates, ensuring no profit or loss in transmission operations and promoting intergenerational equity. It is filed annually with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) by Q2, with settlements occurring by Q3 after approval, covering up to five years of data.
7.3.1.3 New Brunswick Power - New Brunswick no longer has a separate ISO as its operations have been folded back under New Brunswick Power ("NB Power"). NB Power has two deferral accounts: - The Energy Supply Cost Variance Account ("ESCVA"...
AI summary New Brunswick Power (NB Power) has integrated its former Independent System Operator (ISO) functions back into its operations, maintaining two deferral accounts: the Energy Supply Cost Variance Account (ESCVA) and the Electricity Sales and Margin Variance Account (ESMVA), which are not specifically tied to independent system operations.
7.3.1.4.1 US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("US GAAP") – ASC 980 - ASC 980 applies to entities whose rates are established or approved by an independent regulator and allows for the - deferral of costs or revenues that will be r...
AI summary ASC 980 applies to entities with rates set by independent regulators, allowing deferral of costs/revenues recoverable via future rates. Key policies include recognizing regulatory assets/liabilities when recovery/refund is probable, amortizing deferred amounts over recovery periods, and annual reasonableness reviews.
7.3.2.3.2 Review of shortfalls - Per the Application, the NSIESO notes that any one-time transition costs during the test period exceeding the - Provincial funding will be recorded as a shortfall in the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Accou...
AI summary The NSIESO notes that one-time transition costs exceeding provincial funding during the test period will be recorded as shortfalls in the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account, recoverable via future applications after prudence review. Clarifications were provided in response to NSEB-IR-11.
Amounts subject to prudence review - Upon having approved a forecast revenue requirement, only any incremental actual cost over the approved revenue - requirement would be the subject of a prudence review, not all actual costs incurred by...
AI summary The NSIESO's prudence review applies only to incremental costs exceeding approved revenue requirements, not all actual costs. Budget overruns in specific categories require full prudence reviews to identify causes, with the NSIESO urged to establish clear processes for cost efficiency and transparency.
Appendix C – Documents referenced Number corresponding to footnote Document 17 Alberta Electric System Operator – Deferral Account Reconciliation Methodology - Deferral Account Reconciliation Methodology. Accessed October 17th, 2025. 18 Al...
AI summary This appendix lists documents referenced in the proceeding, primarily related to deferral account reconciliation methodologies and regulatory accounting standards, including those from the Alberta Electric System Operator, EY, and the International Financial Reporting Standards.
N-11-(i)Exhibit 1 - Fagan Resume
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ansmission issues, and resource planning in Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri; in particular in relation to alternatives to newly proposed coal-fired power plants in MN, IA and IN. - Analysis of need for newly proposed transmission in...
AI summary The text outlines analyses of transmission planning, merger impacts, renewable energy integration, and regulatory reviews across multiple jurisdictions. Key areas include evaluating transmission needs, assessing merger effects on ratepayers, analyzing wind energy firming, and reviewing open access tariffs and DSM resource transfers.
REPORTS AND PAPERS Shenstone-Harris, S., C. Mattioda, A. Fuzaylov, W. Dejeanlouis, B. Fagan. 2025. Drivers of PJM's Capacity Market Price Surge and its Impacts on Electricity Consumers in the District of Columbia. Synapse Energy Economics...
AI summary The document lists multiple energy economics reports by Synapse Energy Economics, focusing on utility reviews, resource planning, and grid operations. Key topics include PJM capacity market impacts, Nova Scotia Power interconnection processes, renewable energy targets, and ERCOT grid reliability. Reports are commissioned by regulatory bodies and organizations across multiple jurisdictions.
y efficiency installations by Efficiency Maine before in support of an Act to Encourage Energy Efficiency. On behalf of the Maine Natural Resources Council and Environmental Defense. February 9, 2006. Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board :...
AI summary Testimonies on emission control technology, merger approvals, and regulatory settlements in Nova Scotia, Maine, New Jersey, and Indiana. Involves Nova Scotia Power, Maine Natural Resources Council, and Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, addressing environmental compliance, merger reviews, and utility agreements.
N-12DGT (IG) RIR 1 to 7
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Request IR-1: Reference: Exhibit N-10 Evidence of Doane Grant Thornton, page 7. "We reviewed the Application the context of GUP. Where practices differ from GUP or standard industry practice, we have noted those differences throughout." Pl...
AI summary The document references Exhibit N-10 from Doane Grant Thornton (DGT) and requests a cross-reference to specific sections where practices differ from GUP or standard industry practice. DGT's review of the Application in the context of GUP highlights such discrepancies, prompting a need to identify and cite these differences explicitly.
Response – IR-1: GUP was considered as the basis for all recommendations throughout our report. However, the specific areas in which we provided recommendations to address differences from GUP are as follows:
AI summary The response outlines that GUP was the foundational basis for all recommendations in the report, with specific areas identified to address differences from GUP. However, the text does not detail these areas further.
Request IR-6: - Reference: Page 51, lines 15-23. - Preamble: DGT states that all cost categories that exceed budget should be subject to a prudence review of all costs within that category. - (a) Considering this recommendation, should the...
AI summary Request IR-6 seeks clarification on prudence reviews for cost categories exceeding budget and the process for OM&A reviews. DGT recommends prudence reviews for all such costs, prompting questions about removing 'net' from DVR and the methodology for OM&A reviews.
Response – IR-6: (a) Assuming the term "DVR" is in reference to the Net OM&A Variance Deferral Account, we do not believe the removal of "net" is necessary because the account itself is still responsible for tracking the net variance betwe...
AI summary The response argues that the term 'net' in the Net OM&A Variance Deferral Account is necessary to reflect net variance tracking. It defines prudence as per the Illinois Commerce Commission, emphasizing reasonable decision-making without hindsight. A prudence review process is outlined, involving application filing, data requests, benchmarking, and regulatory decisions on cost allowance.
101053Board Decision
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Proposed expenditure and revenue requirements - 29 (1) The IESO shall, at least 90 days before the beginning of each fiscal year, submit its proposed expenditure and revenue requirements for the fiscal year and the fees it proposes to char...
AI summary The IESO must submit proposed expenditure and revenue requirements to the Energy Board 90 days before each fiscal year. The Board may approve, reject, or request revisions. Previous fiscal year fees remain in effect until new ones are approved. The IESO cannot unilaterally change fees without Board approval, and hearings may be held during the review process.
3.1 Proposed Organizational Structure - [16] As a newly constituted corporation, IESO Nova Scotia had to determine its organizational structure and staffing needs. The forecast revenue requirement includes salaries and benefits for 36 empl...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia's proposed organizational structure includes 36 employees, with 13 new executive/administrative roles and 23 non-unionized technical roles transitioning from NS Power. Doane Grant Thornton reviewed the structure, finding it comparable to other Canadian ISOs and aligned with budgeted expenses. No intervenors raised concerns about the structure.
e". It stated more financial controls and policies will be in place in 2026. Further, it stated that it agreed that cost overruns be subject to prudence reviews after costs exceed a certain threshold. [40] The IESO did not agree with the a...
AI summary The IESO disagrees with a 10% cost-overrun threshold for prudence reviews, advocating instead for 30-50% due to operational fluidity. It contrasts with AESO's 10% threshold, noting IESO Nova Scotia's immature operations. The IESO requests flexibility in thresholds and input on future adjustments if recommendations are adopted, linking prudency reviews to annual revenue applications.
mportant that they be re-established in an efficient and effective manner. Thus, the Board concurs with Doane Grant Thornton that the IESO must develop specific cost management controls as a priority. [44] Further, while the Board agrees w...
AI summary The Board agrees with Doane Grant Thornton that the IESO must prioritize developing cost management controls. It supports the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account but requires specific guidelines for cost recovery. The IESO's accounting policies must align with NS Power's Fuel Adjustment Mechanism and Decarbonization Deferral Account standards. The More Access to Energy Act mandates prudence reviews for forecast costs, with the Board referencing its 2025 NSEB 10 decision on prudence tests.
ll not be available before July 1, 2026, and, subject to stakeholder engagement and feedback, the NSIESO expects to complete the first IRP exercise by the end of 2026. [Exhibit N-7, IR-17, PDF p. 43] [62] In Synapse IR-2, it was asked abou...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process faces delays until 2026, with Synapse reviewing the IESO Nova Scotia's compliance with the More Access to Energy Act . Synapse recommends modeling considerations, including regional system approaches and stakeholder input on studies like the ELCC and Net Zero Atlantic Hybrid Peak Study. NSIESO aims to complete the first IRP by 2026, pending stakeholder engagement.
3.5.1 Findings [69] The development of IESO Nova Scotia's first IRP is an important foundational exercise which lays the groundwork for the system operator's activities going forward. As Synapse noted, it is "crucial for informing near-ter...
AI summary The development of IESO Nova Scotia's first IRP is critical for informing procurement decisions and ensuring ratepayer interests. NS Power must maintain operations during the transition to IESO, as mandated by the More Access to Energy Act. NS Power confirmed assistance in transitioning responsibilities, though IESO did not participate in prior matters (M12386, M12217).
101053Board Decision
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Proposed expenditure and revenue requirements - 29 (1) The IESO shall, at least 90 days before the beginning of each fiscal year, submit its proposed expenditure and revenue requirements for the fiscal year and the fees it proposes to char...
AI summary The IESO must submit proposed expenditure and revenue requirements to the Energy Board 90 days before each fiscal year. If delayed, submissions must occur as soon as possible. Previous year fees remain in effect until approval. The Energy Board may approve, refer back for revision, or hold hearings. The IESO cannot alter fees without Energy Board approval.
3.1 Proposed Organizational Structure - [16] As a newly constituted corporation, IESO Nova Scotia had to determine its organizational structure and staffing needs. The forecast revenue requirement includes salaries and benefits for 36 empl...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia's proposed organizational structure includes 36 employees, with 13 new executive/administrative roles and 23 technical roles transitioning from NS Power. Doane Grant Thornton reviewed the structure, finding it comparable to other Canadian ISOs and aligned with budgeted needs. No intervenors raised concerns about the structure.
3.2.1 Findings [32] The Board finds Doane Grant Thornton's review to be comprehensive and agrees that based on its analysis the expense categories and amounts appear reasonable. The Board also agrees that appropriate support for all expens...
AI summary The Board agrees with Doane Grant Thornton's comprehensive review, finding expense categories and amounts reasonable. It emphasizes the need for appropriate support in future filings, which will be addressed later in the decision.
mportant that they be re-established in an efficient and effective manner. Thus, the Board concurs with Doane Grant Thornton that the IESO must develop specific cost management controls as a priority. [44] Further, while the Board agrees w...
AI summary The Board agrees with Doane Grant Thornton on the need for IESO to develop cost management controls and the creation of the Net OM&A Deferral Account, but requires guidelines and policies before cost recovery. Prudence reviews for overruns are mandated under the More Access to Energy Act, with specific references to past Board decisions.
3.5 Integrated Resource Planning Process [54] Section 11(1) of the More Access to Energy Act required the IESO to start its first integrated resource planning process within one year after the proclamation of that section on October 24, 20...
AI summary Section 11 of the More Access to Energy Act mandates the IESO to initiate integrated resource planning (IRP) within one year of the Act's proclamation (October 2024), with the first IRP starting in October 2025. The IESO must evaluate diverse energy resources and file results with the NSEB. However, IESO Nova Scotia provided limited details on its initial IRP activities, focusing instead on staffing costs related to the function.