N-1-(i)2026-2027 Revenue Application
6 passages
15 B. Background and Statutory Mandate - 16 IESO Nova Scotia - IESO Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit corporation established by the Act 4 17 on October 24, 2024. - 18 IESO Nova Scotia was created by the proclamation of the Energy Reform (20...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit corporation established by the Energy Reform (2024) Act (Bill 404) and the More Access to Energy Act, SNS 2024, c. 2, Sch. B, is mandated to implement reforms and carry out specific activities under these legislative frameworks. Certain statutory objects remain unenforceable at the time of the application.
- 5 IESO Nova Scotia is budgeting $1.15M in ongoing costs as part of the Legal and Regulatory - 6 OM&A cost category. This cost category primarily consists of two subcategories: the costs - 7 associated with regulatory proceedings before t...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia is budgeting $1.15M in ongoing costs under the Legal and Regulatory OM&A category, which includes costs related to regulatory proceedings before the NSEB and external legal advice for regulatory compliance, HR, and contractual matters.
10 Table 7: OM&A Costs for the Legal and Regulatory Cost Category Cost Category Ongoing OM&A Budget ($) Legal and Regulatory 1.15M Regulatory Proceedings and Assessments 0.55M Legal and Compliance 0.60M - 11
AI summary Table 7 outlines the OM&A costs for the Legal and Regulatory Cost Category, including Legal and Regulatory, Regulatory Proceedings and Assessments, and Legal and Compliance with corresponding budget amounts.
- 12 Further details regarding the expenses budgeted as part of this cost category are as follows: - Regulatory Proceedings and Assessments: These costs include the legal support to prepare and to participate in regulatory proceedings befo...
AI summary The document outlines budgeted expenses for regulatory proceedings and legal compliance for IESO Nova Scotia during the 2026/2027 fiscal year. It includes costs related to preparing and participating in regulatory proceedings before the NSEB, as well as external legal advisory services. The budget also accounts for potential assessments by the NSEB, which may be recoverable through rates, tolls, and charges.
11 B. Subject Matter Expertise Phase II - 12 The costs for Phase II subject matter expertise is budgeted at $0.86M. - 13 These costs address the individual consultants which IESO Nova Scotia will require to ensure - 14 Phase II preparednes...
AI summary The budget for Phase II subject matter expertise is estimated at $0.86M, covering advisory support for control room operations and adjustments to electricity market arrangements as IESO Nova Scotia assumes dispatch and control responsibilities. These costs are estimates as the projects are not yet fully scoped.
23 C. Compliance Preparedness and Assurance - 24 Compliance Preparedness and Assurance for Phase II is budgeted at $0.34M and includes the - 25 following component costs: - 26 Phase II Readiness Assurance Consultant ($0.10M) These costs wi...
AI summary Compliance Preparedness and Assurance for Phase II is budgeted at $0.34M, covering consultancy fees for a Readiness Assurance Consultant and a NERC Compliance Consultant to ensure IESO Nova Scotia meets reliability standards and transitions smoothly into its operational role.
N-3IESO (CA) RIR 1 to 10 - Redacted
13 passages
These Interim Procurement Guidelines are established to guide the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO) through ethical, transparent, and accountable purchasing decisions during its foundational start-up phase. In this pe...
AI summary The NSIESO has established interim procurement guidelines to ensure ethical, transparent, and accountable purchasing during its start-up phase. The guidelines aim to balance agility with diligence, supporting timely decisions while maintaining public trust, fiscal responsibility, and legal compliance until a more comprehensive policy is adopted.
Guiding Principles Procurement will be guided by the following high-level principles: - Accountability : All procurement decisions must be traceable and supported by clearly defined roles and responsibilities. - Transparency : Procurement...
AI summary The NSIESO's procurement process is guided by principles emphasizing accountability, transparency, value for money, fairness, public trust, local supplier preference, and risk management. These principles ensure decisions are traceable, documented, and prioritize quality, sustainability, and equitable treatment of suppliers while considering lifecycle costs and risks.
FORM OF AGREEMENT R E٦ Г١ ٨ ΙF F N • _ _ , _ _ NOVA SCOTIA INDEPENDENT ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR
AI summary The document presents a form of agreement under the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO). The heading indicates the document's focus on regulatory processes and energy system operations.
NOVA SCOTIA INDEPENDENT ENERGY SYSTEM OPERATOR Signature: David Luttur Name: David Luttur Vances FEBFODC453... Title: General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Date of Signature: 1/27/2026 I have the authority to bind IESO Nova Scotia.
AI summary The document is a signed statement by David Luttur, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary of the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (NSIESO), dated January 27, 2026, asserting his authority to bind the IESO Nova Scotia.
4.2 Current-State Operational, Technical, and Regulatory Assessment IBM will establish a validated baseline of existing NSP and IESO Nova Scotia operational, technical, cybersecurity, and regulatory states to inform subsequent option analy...
AI summary IBM is conducting a baseline assessment of NSP and IESO Nova Scotia's operational, technical, cybersecurity, and regulatory states. Tasks include reviewing control room operations, IT/OT systems, NERC CIP compliance, emergency frameworks, market rules, legislative obligations, and organizational readiness under the More Access to Energy Act (2024). The analysis identifies capability gaps and transition dependencies.
Deliverables: Executive Decision Record and Recommended Strategy Document Client will: - a. Review and validate transition milestones and sequencing; and - b. Provide input on regulatory, financial, and organizational constraints.
AI summary The deliverables include an Executive Decision Record and Recommended Strategy Document. The client is tasked with reviewing transition milestones, validating sequencing, and providing input on regulatory, financial, and organizational constraints.
ARTICLE 5 – PAYMENT FOR PERFORMANCE AND AUDIT
AI summary The document outlines Article 5, focusing on payment for performance and audit procedures. However, no specific details, arguments, or citations are provided in the text beyond the heading.
Phase 1 – Transmission Planning and Procurement (Target: December 2025) - - Transfer of transmission planning, resource adequacy, load forecasting, generation interconnection procedures, and procurement functions from NSP to IESO Nova Scot...
AI summary Phase 1 involves transferring transmission planning, resource adequacy, load forecasting, generation interconnection procedures, and procurement functions from NSP to IESO Nova Scotia. It emphasizes establishing governance, staffing, and back-office systems while ensuring independent planning under the Energy Board's oversight.
2.2. Stage I – Discovery and Current State Assessment Purpose: To inform all subsequent recommendations, we will first establish a factual baseline of the current NSP and IESO Nova Scotia operational, technical, and regulatory states, capt...
AI summary This section outlines Stage I of the proceeding, which involves a discovery and current state assessment of NSP and IESO Nova Scotia operations. It aims to establish a factual baseline to inform subsequent recommendations, covering operational, technical, and regulatory states.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Consumer Advocate (CA) Information Requests
AI summary The document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests made by the Consumer Advocate (CA). It highlights the exchange of information related to energy system operations and consumer interests.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Consumer Advocate (CA) Information Requests 21 (f) On what basis did IESO NS assess the potential turnover rate of "2-3 employees"? 41 are vacant, please descri...
AI summary The document details the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator's (IESO NS) responses to the Consumer Advocate's (CA) information requests regarding employee turnover rates and staffing vacancies. IESO NS states that 9 of 23 administrative and technical positions are currently filled, with the remaining expected to be filled by March/April 2026. The 2026/2027 budget assumes all positions are filled for the full fiscal year. An external HR consultant was hired to develop compensation ranges for non-CEO roles.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Consumer Advocate (CA) Information Requests
AI summary The Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) has responded to information requests made by the Consumer Advocate (CA) as part of a regulatory proceeding. The responses likely pertain to operational, financial, or procedural matters relevant to energy system management.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Consumer Advocate (CA) Information Requests
AI summary The document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests made by the Consumer Advocate (CA). The responses likely pertain to operational, regulatory, or procedural matters relevant to energy system management and consumer interests.
N-4IESO (DGT) RIR 1 to 23
5 passages
NON-CONFIDENTIAL 119 • Formation of a cybersecurity governance structure 120 121 122 Other: 123 • Enterprise risk management matters which include the assessment of legal risk, such 124 as issues relating to community engagement and indige...
AI summary The document outlines various activities related to cybersecurity governance, enterprise risk management, legal risk assessment, and regulatory participation by IESO Nova Scotia. It also mentions the development of an Integrated Resource Plan and uncertainty regarding future legal and regulatory costs as Phase II progresses.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Doane Grant Thornton LLP (DGT) Information Requests
AI summary This document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests made by Doane Grant Thornton LLP (DGT). It reflects the exchange of information in the regulatory process.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Doane Grant Thornton LLP (DGT) Information Requests
AI summary Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) has responded to information requests from Doane Grant Thornton LLP (DGT) as part of a regulatory proceeding. The exchange involves the provision of data and details relevant to the energy system's operations.
25 This resulted in a range of estimated costs from $321,600 to $535,200. Recognizing the 26 range of uncertainty at this stage, the IESO Nova Scotia used $360,000 (towards the bottom 27 of this range) in its application. 28 The $0.50M in...
AI summary The IESO Nova Scotia used an estimated cost of $360,000 for its application, acknowledging the uncertainty in the range of $321,600 to $535,200. Additionally, $0.50M in adjustments to electricity market arrangements and rules for Phase II was estimated to require a team of 4 for 5 months.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Doane Grant Thornton LLP (DGT) Information Requests
AI summary This document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests made by Doane Grant Thornton LLP (DGT). The content reflects the exchange of information related to energy system operations and regulatory processes.
N-5IESO (IG) RIR 1 to 32 - Redacted
8 passages
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to The Industrial Group (IG) Information Requests
AI summary Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) has responded to information requests made by The Industrial Group (IG). The responses likely pertain to energy system operations, regulatory processes, or related matters.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to The Industrial Group (IG) Information Requests
AI summary Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) has responded to information requests submitted by The Industrial Group (IG). The exchange involves the provision of data and information relevant to the regulatory process and energy system operations in Nova Scotia.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to The Industrial Group (IG) Information Requests
AI summary Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) responded to information requests submitted by The Industrial Group (IG). The document outlines IESO Nova Scotia's responses to various inquiries, highlighting the interaction between the energy system operator and industrial stakeholders.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to The Industrial Group (IG) Information Requests
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia has responded to information requests from The Industrial Group (IG) regarding regulatory matters. The responses likely pertain to operational, procedural, or policy-related inquiries relevant to the energy sector in Nova Scotia.
DRAFT 2 Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to The Industrial Group (IG) Information Requests
AI summary This document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests submitted by The Industrial Group (IG). The responses address various aspects of the energy system and regulatory processes.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to The Industrial Group (IG) Information Requests
AI summary This document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests submitted by The Industrial Group (IG). It reflects the exchange of information in a regulatory proceeding.
NON-CONFIDENTIAL 20 readiness, cutover planning, testing, and assurance activities; and advisory support to 21 assess potential adjustments to electricity market arrangements and rules as IESO Nova 22 Scotia assumes dispatch and control re...
AI summary The text discusses the readiness and planning activities required as IESO Nova Scotia assumes dispatch and control responsibilities, noting a need for specialized expertise not yet fully available internally. It also mentions a reduction in the PMO's annualized cost due to internal hiring and ongoing support roles.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to The Industrial Group (IG) Information Requests
AI summary This document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests made by the Industrial Group (IG). It reflects the exchange of information in the context of regulatory proceedings.
N-6IESO (NSEB) RIR 1 to 33 - Redacted
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Project Work Plan and Schedule Date: March 10, 2026 Project Key activities Estimated Completion MAEA Objects Procurement: Fast Acting Generation -Develop RFP, Tolling Agreement, and supporting documentation -Launch RFP process; submit Toll...
AI summary The Project Work Plan outlines key procurement activities, including the development of an RFP for Fast Acting Generation and the conclusion of Definitive Agreements for New Brunswick Capacity Purchase. These activities are subject to oversight by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) and are governed by the MAEA.
Version: 1.0 Object Summary 9(a) Operate and manage the grid reliably and efficiently 9(b) Plan for adequacy and reliability of the bulk system 9(c) Procure energy, capacity and ancillary services 9(d) Establish and administer market rules...
AI summary This document outlines the mandate of the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) and its responsibilities, including grid management, market rules, IRP, and stakeholder engagement. It also references responses to information requests by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB).
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Information Requests 21 22 (b) Confirmed. 23 24 (c) The transition of responsibility for the IRP from NS Power to IESO Nova Scot...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia is transitioning responsibility for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) from NS Power, offering an opportunity to review and improve the IRP process to align with emerging industry practices and meet Nova Scotia's evolving needs.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Information Requests
AI summary The document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests made by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB). It reflects the exchange of information between regulatory bodies concerning energy system operations.
19 and for contract negotiations with prospective employees. Is there any market data to 20 support that level of turnover? Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Info...
AI summary The text discusses concerns about employee turnover levels during contract negotiations with prospective employees and asks if there is market data to support such turnover. It also references the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) responding to information requests from the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB).
25 (a) Please refer to the tables below for a breakdown of administration employees broken 26 down by categorical function. Categorical Function & Specific Roles # of Roles Total Compensation Vacancy Legal, Regulatory Affairs and Risk and...
AI summary The text outlines a breakdown of administration employees by categorical function, including roles in Legal, Regulatory Affairs, Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and Information Technology, along with compensation and vacancy details. The table includes specific roles and compensation figures for each category.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Information Requests
AI summary The document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests from the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB).
27 All 21 roles are expected to be filled by March 31, 2027. Three of the 21 roles remain to 28 be filled at this time: two engineering roles in transmission planning and one engineering 29 role in resource planning. 30 31 (b) As noted in...
AI summary The document mentions that 21 roles are expected to be filled by March 31, 2027, with three remaining roles in transmission and resource planning. It also references responses from the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator to information requests from the Nova Scotia Energy Board.
7 Transitional Costs Category Cost category 2025/2026 budget ($) (Millions) Actual 2025/2026 at Dec 31 ($) (Millions) 2025/2026 Annualized Expenditures ($) (Millions) (A) 2026/2027 Proposed Budget ($) (Millions) (B) Difference ($) (Million...
AI summary This document discusses transitional costs for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, including various expense categories such as PMO Support, Subject Matter Expertise – Phase II, and Compliance Preparedness and Assurance. It also outlines IESO Nova Scotia's response to an information request from the NSEB regarding the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account.
1 Request IR - 26 2 (a) What is the current balance of the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account? How and 3 when is it proposed to be reviewed and recovered? 4
AI summary The document requests information about the current balance of the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account and the proposed methods for its review and recovery.
5 Response IR - 26 (a) IESO Nova Scotia's fiscal year runs from April 1st to March 31st 6 of every year. Therefore, 7 the balance of IESO Nova Scotia's actual costs as compared to budget has yet to be 8 determined. However, as noted in the...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia explains its fiscal year (April 1–March 31) and the Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism, which defers variances between actual costs and approved revenue requirements to future years. Proposed recovery includes $20.16M for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, with variances reviewed by the NSEB in 2026.
Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) Responses to Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) Information Requests
AI summary This document outlines the responses provided by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO Nova Scotia) to information requests from the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB). It reflects the exchange of information between these two regulatory entities.
PARTIALLY CONFIDENTIAL (Attachment Only) 1 Request IR - 29 2 IESO notes that the monthly payments are "exclusive of applicable taxes". While the Board 3 understands that HST may be payable by ratepayers as it is now, it is not clear why th...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) questions why Nova Scotia Power's customers might face higher tax costs due to IESO Nova Scotia's monthly payments, which are stated as 'exclusive of applicable taxes.' IESO responds that KPMG's opinion indicates HST at 14% applies to revenue recovery charges, citing a February 2026 submission related to M12412.
N-7IESO (PHP) RIR 1 to 15
4 passages
Key skills - Extensive experience in engaging with CxOs and Operational Managers to design operational strategies, new operating models, market value propositions, business capabilities mapping and prioritisation, process design - Long exp...
AI summary The text outlines key skills including experience in designing operational strategies, large program delivery, and understanding of utilities value chains, regulatory frameworks, and financial levers within the energy sector.
Key skills - Expert in IBM structured methodologies to develop and govern Agile Enterprise Architecture; strong exposure to similar leading industry EA methodologies and frameworks; TOGAF, NORA, FEAF, Zachman and others. - Diversified expe...
AI summary The text outlines expertise in Agile Enterprise Architecture methodologies (TOGAF, NORA, FEAF, Zachman), application portfolio assessment, and experience in Energy, Utility, Chemical, and Petroleum industries with regulatory frameworks.
RAFAEL GRANJA Senior Director Rafael Granja, Senior Director, has 35 years of experience as an international expert working at the intersection of emergent technologies, supporting energy delivery system operations, transmission and distri...
AI summary Rafael Granja, a Senior Director with 35 years of experience, specializes in energy delivery systems, grid automation, and regulatory affairs. He has led grid modernization initiatives, deployed technologies like EMS and ADMS, and supported international projects, including AEMO's energy market redesign and USTDA grid modernization efforts.
- Former Member, Planning Committee of NERC and Reliability Coordination Committee of NPCC - Former NYISO Liaison to the Executive Committee of NYSRC - Senior Member, IEEE - Member, International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) -...
AI summary The text outlines the professional background and affiliations of an individual with experience in energy regulation and reliability, including roles in NERC, NPCC, NYISO, and various IEEE and CIGRE committees.
N-11Evidence of Doane Grant Thornton
12 passages
2 2.1 Good utility practice overview - 3 GUP serves as a foundational framework, including commonly accepted techniques, processes, and standards used - 4 across the utility industry to ensure effective, safe, and sustainable operation of...
AI summary Good Utility Practice (GUP) is a foundational framework ensuring safe, sustainable utility operations through accepted techniques and standards. It guides decision-making, enhances system resilience, and maintains public trust by addressing planning, asset management, maintenance, emergency response, and customer service.
15 2.2 Guiding principles - 16 A summary of the key themes of GUP that have been considered throughout our review has been detailed below:
AI summary This section outlines the key themes of the General Utility Principles (GUP) that have been considered throughout the review process.
4.2 Procedures - Our procedures with respect to OM&A costs included the following: - Summarized expenses by category above including 2025/2026 budget, 2025/2026 annualized budgeted expenditures, and 2026/2027 proposed budget. - Performed a...
AI summary The procedures detail analysis of OM&A costs, including budget comparisons, trend analysis, and review of IESO Nova Scotia's budgeting methodologies. Variances were investigated through requests for explanations and reasonableness assessments. Actual 2025/2026 expenses were compared to the budget approved in M12412.
6.1 Scope - Review and analyze the reasonableness of the proposed Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance - Mechanism and any changes to the mechanism since M12412, the initial application filed by IESO Nova Scotia for - approval of...
AI summary The scope involves reviewing the reasonableness of the Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism, including changes since M12412, which was IESO Nova Scotia's initial application for expenditure and revenue requirement approval for the test year ending March 31, 2026.
6.2 Procedures - Our review of IESO Nova Scotia's Deferral Mechanism included the following specific procedures: - Reviewed the information in the Application on the proposed Deferral Mechanism; - Reviewed the nature, functionality, and pu...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) reviewed IESO Nova Scotia's Deferral Mechanism, comparing it to the Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account, evaluating guidelines, and assessing its reasonableness against similar mechanisms used by other organizations. The process included reviewing applications, preparing information requests (IRs), and analyzing risk controls.
6.3.3 Good utility practice and comparable organizations – deferral of capital costs - As part of our initial review of the Net OM&A Variance Deferral Account as proposed in M12412, we considered GUP - and other deferral accounts implement...
AI summary The document reviews the Net OM&A Variance Deferral Account proposed in M12412, comparing Nova Scotia's approach with Canadian ISOs. It notes that capital cost deferral is uncommon among Canadian ISOs due to lack of transmission ownership, but analyzes Ontario IESO's FVDA and AESO's DAR mechanisms. The AESO indirectly addresses capital cost variances through tariff reconciliations.
6.4 Conclusion - We have reviewed IESO Nova Scotia's proposed Net Revenue Requirement Deferral Mechanism in comparison to the originally proposed Net OM&A Deferral and Variance Account as well as industry practice. - Overall, the implement...
AI summary The document reviews IESO Nova Scotia's Net Revenue Requirement Deferral Mechanism, aligning it with industry practices. It reaffirms recommendations from M12412, emphasizing the need for guidelines and financial controls. While the modified calculation is deemed appropriate, concerns remain about capital cost deferral practices, requiring further clarification on eligibility, thresholds, and approval processes.
7.2 Procedures - Our review of IESO Nova Scotia's request for temporary financial relief included the following specific procedures: - Reviewed the information in the Application on the requested financial relief; - Prepared IRs; - Reviewe...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) reviewed IESO Nova Scotia's request for temporary financial relief by examining the application, preparing information requests (IRs), analyzing responses and intervenor submissions, and assessing the reasonableness of the requested relief and the Board's decision.
7.3.1 Background - As explained in the Application, IESO Nova Scotia has taken on operating costs, obligations, and liabilities - anticipated by the Act, which now form part of its revenue requirement. Although it has filed applications fo...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia, a new not-for-profit entity under provincial legislation, faces short-term financing challenges despite a $10M provincial line of credit. It filed a 2026–2027 revenue requirement application but omitted a fee recovery mechanism, now seeking temporary financial relief. The Nova Scotia Energy Board noted the missing mechanism and highlighted IESO's potential inability to meet liabilities by May 2026 without additional funding.
10 Figure 26 – Summary of IESO Nova Scotia's response to Intervenors Topic Intervenor concern IESO Nova Scotia's explanation/supporting evidence provided101 Fuel Adjustment Mechanism Intervenors expressed significant concern regarding the...
AI summary Intervenors raised concerns about the use of the Fuel Adjustment Mechanism (FAM) by IESO Nova Scotia, including potential misalignment with its statutory purpose and unfair cost distribution. IESO Nova Scotia responded by emphasizing the exceptional and temporary nature of the FAM's use, proposing an interim sub-account or a stand-alone deferral account to address concerns while maintaining regulatory clarity.
1 Appendix A - Glossary of terms Abbreviation Term 2025/2026A 2025/2026 Annualized budgeted expenditures 2025/2026B 2025/2026 budget 2026/2027B 2026/2027 budget Act The More Access to Energy Act AESO Alberta Electric System Operator Applic...
AI summary This glossary defines various terms and abbreviations used in the regulatory proceeding, including financial mechanisms, organizational entities, and procedural terms relevant to energy and regulatory processes in Nova Scotia.
Regulatory advisory experience Since 2012, Angie has advised regulatory bodies across Canada. Some examples include: - Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities Newfoundland & Labrador – Financial consultant including: - − Review of GRA f...
AI summary Angie has extensive regulatory advisory experience since 2012, working with Canadian regulatory bodies on rate applications, carbon adjustor mechanisms, forensic audits, and utility business plans. Key clients include Newfoundland & Labrador, Alberta, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick regulatory agencies.
N-13DGT (IG) RIR 1 to 11
5 passages
Response - IR-1: - (a) There is no specific threshold for satisfaction with an explanation, it is instead based on professional judgement. We consider ourselves to be "satisfied" with an explanation when it directly responds to the questio...
AI summary The response outlines the criteria for being satisfied with explanations provided by the IESO, emphasizing professional judgment, consistency, and compliance. The process involved reviewing the Application, preparing interrogatories, and comparing responses to Good Utility Practice principles.
- were unaudited, however, NSEB has directed IESO Nova Scotia to include audited financial - statements in future applications ". Further, at pdf page 4, DGT states: " Except as stated, - we have not audited or otherwise attempted to verif...
AI summary The document raises concerns about the reliability of forecasts and assessments due to reliance on unaudited actuals, questioning whether this limited DGT's ability to evaluate OM&A cost trends and variance explanations, and asking about compensating procedures undertaken by DGT.
Response - IR-5 - (a) As an early-stage organization, IESO is still developing their governance structure, roles, responsibilities, policies, and internal controls. During this stage, developing entities are more likely to experience gover...
AI summary The response discusses the early-stage governance challenges faced by IESO, including evolving processes, internal controls, and staff growth. DGT's benchmarking analysis relied on peer utilities and ISOs, but questions remain about its applicability to IESO-NS's unique size and maturity.
Response IR-6 - (a) As noted by IESO, compensation and staffing was based on scans of recruitment sites for similar roles within Atlantic Canada and within similar sized organizations. [2](#page-9-0) We did not conduct benchmarking analysi...
AI summary The response to IR-6 discusses how compensation and staffing decisions were based on recruitment site scans rather than benchmarking analysis. It acknowledges that third-party information and market scans were used for initial compensation estimates but does not conduct a full benchmarking analysis.
Response – IR-11 - (a) While the Board directed IESO to develop specific guidelines, accounting policies and financial controls, this decision was not made until February 25, 2026, making it an ongoing process throughout the course of our...
AI summary The response to IR-11 highlights that while the IESO has been directed to develop governance policies, this process is ongoing and has limited time for completion before the report's deadline. The review did not analyze qualitative governance aspects in detail, and lagging governance controls could lead to cost overruns and hinder regulatory transparency.
N-17Transition Plan and IT, OT & Cybersecurity Roadmap - IESO
3 passages
Experience and Capabilities Summarize (table format is acceptable) relevant project experience, and the role specific proposed project team played particularly in electricity market transitions, control center design or relocation, NERC CI...
AI summary The text requests a summary of relevant project experience, emphasizing the role of the proposed project team in electricity market transitions, control center design or relocation, NERC CIP compliance, IT, OT, and cybersecurity, along with examples of similar engagements and associated risks.
RFP Questions & Clarifications - 1. To address any questions related to this RFP, IESO Nova Scotia will host a virtual bidders' call on November 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. AST. Following the meeting, the Proponents are encouraged to submit an...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia is hosting a virtual bidders' call to address questions about the RFP related to the Phase 2 Transition Plan and IT OT & Cybersecurity Roadmap. Questions must be submitted by email by November 17, 2025, and a consolidated Q&A document will be distributed via email on November 21, 2025.
The following RFP timeline is an estimate and may be adjusted at IESO Nova Scotia's discretion any time during this procurement process. Step Activity Deadline 1 Distribution of RFP November 10, 2025 2 Bidders Call (Virtual) November 14, 2...
AI summary The document outlines an estimated timeline for an RFP process managed by IESO Nova Scotia, including key steps such as the distribution of the RFP, submission of questions, and completion of the engagement period. The timeline is subject to adjustment at the discretion of IESO Nova Scotia.
102939Closing Submission - CA - Redacted
15 passages
13 Submissions 15 This Application was filed pursuant to s. 29 of the Act . In what follows below, the CA intends to 16 first provide some discussion of this provision in relation to the IESO's Application. Following 17 that, the CA will h...
AI summary The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (CA) filed an application under s. 29 of the Act in response to the IESO's Application. The CA outlines concerns regarding transparency, forecast accuracy, OM&A budget cost reasonableness, the transition from NS Power to IESO NS, and issues related to the net revenue requirement deferral and variance account.
3 1) Legislative Context: Section 29 of the More Access to Energy Act 4 5 As noted above, this Application was filed pursuant to s. 29 of the Act . This statute established 6 IESO NS and describes the IESO's objects and duties as Nova Scot...
AI summary This section discusses the legislative context of the application filed under Section 29 of the More Access to Energy Act, which established the IESO NS and outlines the Board's regulatory oversight of the IESO's expenditure, revenue requirements, and cost recovery for energy resource supply contracts.
37 Powers and duties 39 5 (1) The Energy Board has those functions, powers and duties that are conferred or 40 imposed upon it 41 42 (a) by this Act; 43
AI summary This section outlines the functions, powers, and duties conferred upon the Energy Board under the Act, emphasizing its regulatory responsibilities.
44 (b) by the More Access to Energy Act ; 3 [H](#page-4-1)earing Transcript, June 25, 2026, pp. 457-464. 1 2 3 4 (c) respecting the production, transmission, delivery or furnishing of electrical energy for the purpose of heat, light and po...
AI summary The text references section 44(b) of the More Access to Energy Act and outlines the Energy Board's regulatory authority under various acts, including the Public Utilities Act and the Electricity Act. It emphasizes the Board's responsibility to approve rates and consider factors such as competition, innovation, and sustainable development.
4 Jurisdiction of Board - 6 30 (1) A Board has exclusive jurisdiction in all cases and in respect of all matters 7 in which jurisdiction is conferred on the Board. - 9 (2) The Boards, as to all matters within their jurisdiction pursuant to...
AI summary This section outlines the jurisdiction of the Board under the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act. It emphasizes that the Board is an administrative body with powers conferred by statute, and its decisions can be appealed or subject to judicial review. The Board must operate within its statutory authority and cannot act beyond what is explicitly or implicitly permitted by law.
43 [27] The NSUARB summarized the application of these principles in Re Nova 44 Scotia Power Incorporated [2018 NSUARB 45]: 1 [47] The UARB is a creature of statute and can only obtain 2 jurisdiction from two sources: one, express grant of...
AI summary The NSUARB discusses its jurisdiction based on statutory grants and common law, referencing the ATCO Gas case and the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act. It highlights the ratemaking function for utilities, particularly in the context of natural monopolies, and refers to a 2005 decision regarding NSPI's monopoly status and cost-of-service basis.
1 for private, competitive companies. For that reason, the 2 Province's electric service supplier is a cost-of-service 3 monopoly. In return for undertaking and continuing the costs 4 of electrification of the Province, the utility is perm...
AI summary The document discusses the regulatory framework governing Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) as a monopoly and the Board's role in ensuring fair and reasonable rates for customers while allowing the utility to recover its reasonable and prudent costs. The Board's regulatory power is described as a proxy for competition, not an instrument of social policy.
ng function. The Board's regulatory power is a proxy for 25 competition, not an instrument of social policy. [Emphasis added] 27 [ Dalhousie Legal Aid Service v Nova Scotia Power Inc. , 2006 NSCA 74] - 31 [33] In exercising its ratemaking...
AI summary The text discusses the regulatory power of the Board in utility regulation, emphasizing that it is a proxy for competition rather than a tool for social policy. It references legal principles and case law that guide the rate-making process, including the cost-of-service-based model.
12 17 24 27 29 33 45 - 2 [34] The principles of statutory interpretation apply in determining the intent of 3 any particular statute, including in the Board's interpretation of the statutory 4 provisions in the Public Utilities Act , and o...
AI summary The document discusses the interpretation of the Public Utilities Act and the Energy and Regulatory Boards Act , emphasizing the Energy Board's authority to approve or disapprove the IESO's proposed expenditure and revenue requirements, including the ability to make modifications or recommendations.
mpensation packages, 33 the actual details concerning their recommendations and rationale were not provided. Details 34 provided with respect to various other cost categories were similarly scant. 35 36 The Board has already had occasion t...
AI summary The document highlights the IESO's lack of transparency in the regulatory process, particularly regarding the lack of detailed information provided in response to information requests. The Board expressed concerns about the insufficient detail in the IESO's application for interim financial relief and its responses to information requests, with the CA interpreting the Board's caution as applying broadly to all responses.
34 4) OM&A – Reasonableness of Proposed Costs 36 Given the concerns expressed above regarding transparency and potential lack of accuracy, the CA 37 remains generally concerned about the IESO's forecasted costs, especially given the IESO's...
AI summary The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (CA) expresses concerns about the IESO's forecasted OM&A costs, particularly in the Employees (Administration) and Governance categories, citing transparency and accuracy issues and the IESO's limited track record.
r the VP and GC roles. This would appear to be because HUB's work was "communicated through direct guidance rather than a standalone written report."[28](#page-21-6) 33 34 35 First, the CA questions whether the IESO's response to this unde...
AI summary The Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (CA) questions the completeness of the IESO's response to an undertaking, noting that the CA requested 'any work product' which is broader than a standalone written report. The IESO's response refers to verbal recommendations and a weighted hybrid match, raising concerns about transparency and the lack of written documentation.
ve an additional retainer of 31 $5,000, while all directors receive $1,000 for each scheduled meeting, and $200/hour for each unscheduled meeting.[31](#page-23-0) 32 33 34 By comparison, the Chair of the Board of the Alberta Energy System...
AI summary The document compares the remuneration of the IESO NS Board with that of the Alberta Energy System Operator and the Ontario IESO, noting a significant range in pay. The CA acknowledges the Board's authority to set its own remuneration but expresses difficulty in assessing the reasonableness of these rates due to insufficient information provided by IESO NS.
. The Board will closely monitor this issue to ensure that 24 ratepayers are not impacted by unnecessary costs incurred by these respective entities.[33](#page-25-0) 25 26 27 At this time, the transition from NS Power to IESO NS remains ve...
AI summary The transition from NS Power to IESO NS is ongoing, with Phase I implementation not yet complete. IESO NS has set an aspirational timeline for Phase II implementation in Q2 2027, but this date remains under review. The implementation plan for Phase II is being developed in consultation with IBM, and a proposal is expected to be presented to IESO's Board in July. The Board will monitor the transition to prevent unnecessary costs to ratepayers.
nd there's really no risk to the organization. 30 31 So what are the internal controls and mechanisms that are going to be in place to 32 make sure that we have our checks and balances for that? 33 34 A. (Johnston) So I hope the record sho...
AI summary The discussion focuses on internal controls and mechanisms to ensure prudent budgeting and accountability. The organization emphasizes its commitment to financial responsibility and the importance of the Board's oversight in ensuring compliance with the More Access to Energy Act .
102945Closing Submission - IG
5 passages
b. Unforeseen Costs Should Require a Board Application As proposed, the Deferral Account would effectively permit IESO-NS to incur costs, identify variances after the fact and recover those amounts from ratepayers in a subsequent period wi...
AI summary The Industrial Group argues that the Deferral Account should not be used to recover significant unforeseen costs without prior Board approval, as this would shift financial risk to ratepayers and bypass regulatory oversight. They propose that IESO-NS should apply to the Board for approval of such costs, ensuring transparency and accountability.
king Responses, U-1, page 1. [ 31 ](#page-8-3) N-18, Undertaking Responses, U-1, page 2. [ 32 ](#page-8-5) N-18 Undertaking Responses, U-1, Attachment 2. [ 33 ](#page-8-7) N-18 Undertaking Responses, U-5, Attachment 1. [ 34 ](#page-8-9) N-...
AI summary The document discusses concerns raised by the Industrial Group regarding the CEO objectives outlined in Undertaking U-8, noting that they lack measurable targets for transition tasks, affordability measures, and cost-effectiveness of energy resources, and appear more focused on internal management than ratepayer interests.
5. LACK OF TRANSPARENCY AND ADEQUACY OF EVIDENCE One of the challenges throughout this proceeding has been the absence of clear, specific, and reliable evidence to support key aspects of the Application. This is particularly significant be...
AI summary The proceeding highlights a lack of transparency and adequate evidence in the Application, which hinders the Board's ability to make informed decisions. This issue is particularly concerning given IESO-NS's mandate for transparency, as emphasized by Mr. Johnston.
6. IESO-NS AND NSPI COLLABORATION – TRANSPARENCY AND COST DUPLICATION The Industrial Group has consistently raised the importance of transparency in the relative obligations of IESO-NS and NSPI during the transition period, and the need fo...
AI summary The Industrial Group emphasizes the need for transparency and cost avoidance between IESO-NS and NSPI during the transition period, noting the lack of a formal governance framework and the risk of duplicate costs being charged to ratepayers. They recommend a certification process and a written framework to address this issue.
7. ANNUAL REPORTING IMPROVEMENTS IESO-NS's mandate under the MAEA is grounded in a commitment to transparency. A key feature of that transparency is the statutory requirement for annual reporting. During cross-examination, the IESO-NS was...
AI summary The IESO-NS is required by the MAEA to provide annual reports, but has not yet determined the format or content. The Industrial Group suggests adopting the Ontario IESO's 2025 Annual Report as a model for transparency and performance reporting.
102946Closing Submission - IESO
13 passages
ently transferred staff - 237 from NSPI, and hired administration staff to carry out its various MAEA-mandated functions. - 238 IESO Nova Scotia's May 15, 2026 quarterly report provided the following: 239 Being a brand-new organization, it...
AI summary The document discusses the formation and early operations of IESO Nova Scotia, highlighting its mandate under the More Access to Energy Act (MAEA), initial hiring efforts, and foundational tasks such as securing office space, establishing policies, and transitioning functions from NS Power.
that provides some measure of flexibility and assurance that 276 it will have the funds to carry out its mandate irrespective of which "bucket" of spend that the 277 associated costs might fall. 278 279 IESO Nova Scotia acknowledges that t...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia acknowledges its current early stage and expects improved budget predictability as it achieves full staffing. It has implemented mechanisms like the OM&A Deferral and Variance Account (M12412) and the proposed Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism (DVM) to manage costs and ensure regulatory oversight.
14 M12633 Transcript, June 25, 2026, pages 120 - 122. 297 Undertaking U-7. 298 299 The not-for-profit nature of IESO Nova Scotia is a significant factor that must be taken into 300 account. If IESO Nova Scotia does not have the funding to...
AI summary The not-for-profit nature of IESO Nova Scotia is highlighted as a critical factor in its ability to fulfill its mandate. The document emphasizes that without adequate funding, the IESO cannot effectively perform its duties in energy system planning, resource procurement, and electricity supply reliability. Mr. Johnston affirms the importance of accurate forecasting.
18 IESO Nova Scotia, 2026/27 Revenue Requirement and Fees Application, M12663, p.21. 448 30 (1) The IESO shall apply to the Energy Board for the recovery of costs for energy 449 resource supply contracts, and any costs incurred by the IESO...
AI summary The IESO Nova Scotia is seeking to recover procurement costs under section 29 of the More Access to Energy Act, rather than section 30, which covers energy resource supply contracts and their administrative costs. This distinction was questioned during the hearing, with Mr. Milligan explaining that the IESO's position is that these costs are consistent with section 29.
41 NSEB Decision, M12412, February 25, 2026, p.20. 875 that circumstance, the variance is subject to a further reasonableness review by the NSEB. IESO 922 fees for market participants via a fee recovery mechanism. IESO Nova Scotia's propos...
AI summary The text discusses the jurisdiction of the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) under section 29 of the MAEA, as raised by counsel for the Province of Nova Scotia. IESO Nova Scotia is concerned about the potential disallowance of costs and emphasizes the importance of the Board determining its jurisdiction early in the regulatory process to avoid significant impacts on its operations.
937 4.1 Jurisdiction of Statutory Tribunals and Principles of Statutory Interpretation 938 939 It is well settled that a regulatory tribunal such as the Board is a creature of statute, and its 940 jurisdiction must be found in its governin...
AI summary The jurisdiction of regulatory tribunals, such as the Nova Scotia Energy Board, is derived from their governing legislation, either explicitly or through necessary implication. The Supreme Court of Canada emphasized that tribunals must operate within the confines of their statutory authority and cannot exceed the powers granted to them by their enabling statutes.
44 ATCO Gas & Pipelines Ltd. v. Alberta (Energy and Utilities Board [2006] 1 SCR 140 (" ATCO, 2006 "), at paras. 35 and 38. 954 IESO Nova Scotia submits that ATCO, 2006 has been consistently followed by Courts and 955 regulatory tribunals...
AI summary The document references the Supreme Court of Canada's decision in ATCO Gas & Pipelines Ltd. v. Alberta (Energy and Utilities Board) [2006] 1 SCR 140, emphasizing that the ruling has been consistently followed by courts and regulatory tribunals since 2006. It also highlights the 'modern approach' to statutory interpretation as outlined in Rizzo & Rizzo Shoes Ltd. (Re), 1998 CanLII 837 (SCC), [1998] 1 S.C.R. 27.
1026 IESO Nova Scotia submits that, with a single exception noted below, this wording is unique in the 1027 Canadian regulatory landscape. The legislature has not granted the Board broad jurisdiction, but 1028 rather, the clear, express la...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia argues that the MAEA grants the Board specific options following its review of expenditures and revenue requirements: either approval or referral back with recommendations. It emphasizes that the Board lacks the power to unilaterally disallow costs or fix revenue requirements differently, highlighting the iterative process outlined in subsection 29(4).
1080 1048 1049 4.3 The Broader Context of the MAEA 1050 1051 IESO Nova Scotia submits that this absence is a deliberate choice of the Legislature, based on the 1052 unique nature of the IESO in the Nova Scotia regulatory framework. In that...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia explains that its unique status as a not-for-profit statutory body under the MAEA, with a mandate to act in the public interest, is a deliberate legislative choice. It outlines the legal framework that governs its operations.
1102 1103 Further, the potential for outright denial or disallowance of costs has the potential to interfere with 1177 Board's authority over reliability standards under subsection 67(1) of the MAEA, which provides: 1178 1179 1180 1181 118...
AI summary The text discusses the Nova Scotia Energy Board's (NSEB) authority over reliability standards under the Electricity and Gas Act (MAEA). It references subsection 67(1) of the MAEA, which outlines the Energy Board's powers to approve, modify, or retire reliability standards. The IESO Nova Scotia argues that the absence of similar language in section 29 of the MAEA must be given meaning, suggesting a potential jurisdictional implication.
DATE FILED: July 24, 2026 Page 44 of 50 1225 …the Board's discretion is to be exercised within the confines of the statutory 1226 regime and principles generally applicable to regulatory matters, for which the 1227 legislature is assumed t...
AI summary The text discusses the scope of the Board's jurisdiction, emphasizing that it must be exercised within statutory limits. It references legal principles and precedents, including the OEB's decision in Re Consumers' Gas Co., and outlines conditions under which implied jurisdiction may be applied. IESO Nova Scotia argues that the Board lacks implied jurisdiction to disallow costs.
53 (ATCO, 2006, supra, at para. 73) 1259 "practically necessary to accomplish the objectives" of the MAEA and "essential to the Board 1260 fulfilling its mandate" under the legislation. IESO Nova Scotia submits that the Board's mandate 126...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia argues that the Board's mandate under the MAEA does not include the power to disallow costs, emphasizing that the express powers granted in section 29 are sufficient and that the legislature did not intend to implicitly confer such jurisdiction. The submission highlights the regulatory framework provided by the MAEA and its alignment with the principles from Re Consumers' Gas.
1290 1291 Second, the absence of express authority in the MAEA granting the Board jurisdiction to approve 1292 the DVM similarly does not impact the conclusion respecting the authority to disallow costs. 1293 Unlike the power to disallow c...
AI summary The document discusses the jurisdiction of the Board under the MAEA to approve the DVM mechanism, emphasizing its necessity for reconciling variances in a not-for-profit entity like IESO Nova Scotia, ensuring compliance with the MAEA's not-for-profit requirements.
102948Closing Submission - SBA
5 passages
1 BEFORE THE NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD 2 3 4 5 6 7 IN THE MATTER OF: The More Access to Energy Aci, 1998, SNS 2024, c 2, Sch B, (the "Act") - and 8 9 10 11 12 INTHEMATTEROF: an application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operat...
AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) provides closing submissions regarding the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator's (IESO-NS) revenue requirement application for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. The SBA highlights that despite extensive information provided and analysis conducted, serious questions remain and recommends further consideration by the Nova Scotia Energy Board.
- 1 The SBA's submissions are focused on topics where the SBA submits IESO-NS has failed to - 2 provide transparent and fulsome information; where there are gaps in the policy oi procedure of - 3 IESO-NS; and where the SBA recommends that...
AI summary The SBA highlights concerns about the IESO-NS's lack of transparency, gaps in policy and procedure, and recommends actions to mitigate risks to ratepayers, while acknowledging the IESO-NS's short operational history with staff.
15 Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism Account - Monthly Reports - 16 For the Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance· Mechanism Account, the SBA_ also - 17 respectfully submits that it is important, at least the...
AI summary The SBA argues that IESO-NS should provide monthly reports on the Net Revenue Requirement Deferral and Variance Mechanism Account, citing concerns about transparency, prudence, and the need for timely financial insights. This is especially important given IESO-NS's limited historical data and the potential burden on ratepayers.
22 Imprudence - 23 There remains serious concern about the potential lack.of accountability/recourse in the event that - 24 IESO-NS is deemed to have been imprudent. Questions were asked by the Consumer Advocate 38 M12663 - Exhibit N-6, NS...
AI summary The text discusses concerns about the potential lack of accountability and recourse if IESO-NS is deemed imprudent in its decisions. It highlights the risks associated with the New Brunswick Power's RIGS facility and the lack of an established methodology for handling disallowances. The SBA emphasizes the need for a plan or policy to address imprudence and protect ratepayers.
9 Summary - 10 The SBA respectfully submits that, along with IESO-NS having to work to develop its historical - 11 experience, the NSEB and stakeholders are still working on und~rstanding how the IESO-NS will - 12 operate and be held accou...
AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) submits several recommendations to the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) regarding the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO-NS). These include ensuring transparency in budgeting, accounting for employment vacancies, separating travel expenses, managing financial risks, capping a deferral account, and developing a plan for imprudence.
103127Reply Submission - IESO
5 passages
29 Ibid, p.13. 28 CA Closing Submission (M12633), July 24, 2026, p.5. 1 The CA relies heavily on the broad grant of powers contained in sections 5 and 6 of the Energy 2 and Regulatory Boards Act ("ERBA"), and regulatory decisions related t...
AI summary The IESO Nova Scotia argues that the CA's reliance on the ERBA and regulatory decisions involving for-profit utilities is misplaced, emphasizing that the Board's jurisdiction is defined by subsection 29(4) of the MAEA and must be exercised within the statutory regime as outlined by the Supreme Court in ATCO, 2006.
his regulatory framework is an appropriate balancing of the 23 NSEB's review of the revenue requirements of a not-for-profit entity with a public interest DATE FILED: AUGUST 7, 2026 Page 18 of 48 1 statutory mandate. This framework provide...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia argues that the regulatory framework appropriately balances the NSEB's review of revenue requirements for a not-for-profit entity with its public interest mandate. It emphasizes transparency and the Board's authority to direct disallowances on variance recovery. The IG intends to respond fully on jurisdictional issues once positions are clearly articulated.
. - 1 Should the IG provide reply submissions on issues related to the jurisdiction of the Board which - 2 IESO Nova Scotia has not had the opportunity to address, IESO Nova Scotia requests that the - 3 Board provide IESO Nova Scotia an op...
AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) requests the opportunity to submit replies regarding the jurisdiction of the Board, while IESO Nova Scotia also seeks further reply on the same issue, indicating ongoing regulatory discussion around jurisdictional boundaries.
27 The CA provided similar comments: 28 29 The information the IESO provided regarding HUB's work is not helpful in terms of 30 allowing the Board to understand the rationale behind HUB's recommendations, or to 31 compare those recommendat...
AI summary The Consumer Advocate (CA) criticizes the lack of helpful information provided by the IESO regarding HUB's recommendations and questions HUB's methodology, particularly its use of a $1 billion revenue scope benchmark for compensation packages.
f IESO Nova Scotia's operations, the magnitude and 23 nature of the costs at issue, the size and capacity of the organization, and the quarterly reporting DATE FILED: AUGUST 7, 2026 Page 46 of 48 1 obligations already imposed by the Board....
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia requests approval of its 2026/2027 revenue requirement and the DVM, while reiterating its commitment to regulatory transparency and stakeholder engagement. It also seeks clarity on the Board's jurisdiction under subsection 29(4) of the MAEA.
103134Reply Submission - IG
10 passages
Re: M12663 – IESO Nova Scotia – 2026/2027 Revenue Requirement Application These Reply Submissions are filed on behalf of the Industrial Group (" IG ") to address the legal issue of the Board's jurisdiction under s. 29 of the More Access to...
AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) supports the Consumer Advocate's position that the Board has jurisdiction under s. 29(4) of the More Access to Energy Act to set IESO-NS's revenue requirements at a level it deems just, reasonable, and necessary, including below what IESO-NS proposed. The IG disagrees with IESO-NS's interpretation of the provision, arguing it is inconsistent with statutory interpretation and regulatory functions.
T HE S TATUTORY T EXT A ND T HE C OMPETING P OSITIONS Subsection 29(4) of the MAEA provides: The Energy Board may approve the proposed expenditure and revenue requirements and the proposed fees or may refer them back to the IESO for furthe...
AI summary The text discusses the interpretation of Subsection 29(4) of the More Access to Energy Act (MAEA), focusing on the Energy Board's authority to approve or refer back revenue requirements. IESO-NS argues the Board can only approve or refer back as a whole or by category, while the CA and IG argue the Board has broader discretion to adjust revenue requirements as needed, consistent with its general regulatory powers under the ERBA.
1. The modern approach to interpretation The parties agree on the interpretive framework. The Supreme Court's "modern approach" to statutory interpretation, stated in Rizzo & Rizzo Shoes Ltd. (Re) (" Rizzo " [)](#page-1-0) 1 , requires tha...
AI summary The parties agree on the modern approach to statutory interpretation, citing Rizzo and ATCO 2006 . IESO-NS is criticized for not fully applying the test by isolating language without considering the broader statutory context of the MAEA and ERBA .
3. The Board's general powers under the ERBA inform and enhance the reading of s. 29 Section 29 should not be read in isolation. The CA correctly points to ss. 5 and 6 of the ERBA as necessary context. Section 5 gives the Board the functio...
AI summary Section 29 of the MAEA is interpreted in conjunction with the ERBA, emphasizing the Board's general powers under the ERBA to approve revenue requirements. The Board's rate-approval function under the ERBA informs the review of IESO-NS's proposed revenue requirements, and the ATCO 2006 case supports reading related statutes harmoniously as a regulatory system.
IESO-NS' S A PPROACH I S I MPRACTICAL A ND I NCONSISTENT W ITH T HE P URPOSE O F T HE M AEA Rizzo confirms that an interpretation should be avoided where it produces results that are illogical, incoherent, unreasonable, or inconsistent wit...
AI summary The text argues that IESO-NS's approach is impractical and inconsistent with the purpose of the MAEA. It suggests that the Board's statutory review would become a procedural loop if the proposed interpretation is accepted, which would hinder effective rate regulation and contradict legislative intent.
1. IESO-NS's "iterative" process creates a regulatory loop IESO-NS's submission allows for the possibility that the Board could deal with a single cost category on its own, referring that category back with recommendations while approving...
AI summary IESO-NS's submission suggests that the Board may only address a single cost category at a time, potentially leading to a regulatory loop where the Board cannot finalize a decision without IESO-NS's cooperation. This interpretation is criticized for being inefficient and contrary to the Board's authority to set just and reasonable rates.
4. A regulator confined to yes-or-no cannot do its job The CA correctly places s. 29 within the established purpose of utility rate regulation. Regulation stands in for the competitive market forces that would otherwise drive costs and pri...
AI summary The document argues that a regulator confined to yes-or-no decisions cannot effectively oversee a monopoly system operator like IESO-NS. The CA emphasizes the Board's role in ensuring fair rates and cost recovery, while IESO-NS highlights its not-for-profit status and lack of shareholder oversight. The text stresses the need for the Board to have the authority to adjust budgets based on evidence, as required by the ERBA.
1. The referral power is one tool, not the only tool IESO-NS's submissions rely heavily on s. 67(1) of the MAEA , which deals with reliability standards and lists five options for the Board: approve, approve with modifications, refuse to a...
AI summary The document discusses the interpretation of section 29(4) of the MAEA, arguing that the shorter wording does not imply a narrower scope. It contrasts this with the detailed wording in section 67(1) of the MAEA, emphasizing that different functions are governed by different provisions and that section 29(4) should be read in conjunction with the Board's general ratemaking powers under the ERBA.
3. Necessary implication supports the Board's authority to fix the revenue requirement Even if s. 29(4) were ambiguous on fixing the revenue requirement this point, which the IG does not accept, the doctrine of jurisdiction by necessary im...
AI summary The text argues that the Energy Board has the authority to fix the revenue requirement under the doctrine of jurisdiction by necessary implication, as supported by ATCO 2006. It emphasizes that the Board must have the power to ensure rates are just and reasonable, even if the legislation is silent on the mechanics.
C ONCLUSION A ND R ELIEF S OUGHT The IG submits that the Board should conclude that s. 29(4) of the MAEA , read with the Board's general ratemaking powers under ss. 5 and 6 of the ERBA , authorizes the Board to approve IESO-NS's proposed e...
AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) argues that the Board has the authority under the MAEA and ERBA to approve IESO-NS's revenue requirements and fees. It also recommends that the Board consider the unresolved status of the RIGS project and its implications on the IESO-NS / NB Power contract and the governance framework for the deferral and variance mechanism.
20260617-1Hearing Transcript — 06/17/2026 (Johnny Johnston, Chris Milligan, Mike McFeters)
18 passages
LIST OF UNDERTAKINGS NO. PAGE NO. June 17, 2026 U-1 To provide any work product from any consultant hired to support the development of the benefits package 75 U-2 To provide Hugessen's work product 82 U-3 To explain the difference between...
AI summary The document outlines a list of undertakings related to a hearing by the Nova Scotia Energy Board regarding an application by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator for approval of its expenditure and revenue requirements for the fiscal year 2026/2027. The hearing was chaired by Stephen McGrath and included Board Member Jennifer Nicholson.
OPENING STATEMENT 27 IESO NOVA SCOTIA 1 In these roles, I've testified in 2 regulatory proceedings in New York, Rhode Island, 3 Massachusetts, and it's a pleasure today to add Nova 4 Scotia to this list. 5 On the 18th of August 2025, I mov...
AI summary The opening statement from IESO Nova Scotia outlines the organization's establishment under the More Access to Energy Act, its role in long-term system planning, and its mandate to ensure secure and affordable electricity supply while transitioning to renewable energy.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 45 Cr-ex, (Murphy) 1 to progress a facility that has an extremely long lead 10 quite a significant discussion and negotiations with New 11 Brunswick Power to achieve the agreement that was, in 12 fact, reached to the...
AI summary The IESO Nova Scotia panel discusses the need for external advice in negotiations with New Brunswick Power to progress a long-lead facility project, emphasizing the complexity and significance of the agreement reached for the benefit of Nova Scotia customers.
reflected in the negotiation that was undertaken. To be specific about your question around an indemnity agreement, that would not have been a commercial position that we would have reached with our counterparty. Q. Okay. Thank you. In the...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the hiring status of the IESO, with confirmation that only nine of 23 management and administrative positions were filled as of the time of the response, with more expected to be filled in early 2026. The current employee count is 31, with nine vacancies remaining, and four roles still to be hired.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 65 Cr-ex, (Murphy) 1 the end of a quarter, there would be some updated 5 upon any expert consultants when establishing compensation 6 for the non-CEO roles. And IESO confirmed that it did 7 hire an external consultan...
AI summary The discussion centers on the hiring of an external consultant, TimBar Consulting, by the IESO to support the development of compensation ranges for non-CEO roles. The IESO's HR Manager had not yet been hired, so an external consultant was brought in. The process for selecting the consultant is described as not necessarily competitive, and the individual involved admits limited knowledge of how the decision was made.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 81 Cr-ex, (Murphy) 1 you know, expectation? 2 A. (Johnston) I think it's fair to 3 say that some of our Board members, at least last year, 4 were pretty much working full time on this. So 40 hours a 5 week. These day...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the time commitment and remuneration of Board members involved in regulatory proceedings. It mentions that Board members previously worked full-time on matters but now meet less frequently. The Board hired Hugessen to assess remuneration levels for non-profit organizations, and there is a request for the work product to be shared as part of the application.
1 the answer, please. Thank you. 2 CROSS-EXAMINATION BY MR. MURPHY, (Cont'd) 3 Q. So I understand with respect to 4 the transfer of real-time dispatch operations, IESO Nova 5 Scotia retained IBM to assist with this work? 6 (Johnston) That'...
AI summary The cross-examination discusses the selection of IBM by IESO Nova Scotia to assist with real-time dispatch operations, highlighting their technical capabilities and selection based on a scoring mechanism. The question of whether IBM was the least-cost option is raised, though the response is not fully provided.
were close to, but not the least-cost option, but the highest-scoring option, overall. So the combination of the team that they were bringing, their prior experience, and the importance of this work, as we scored sort of through all the di...
AI summary The text discusses the selection of a team based on their experience and scoring, and references a question about the IESO's timeline for Phase II implementation, referring to the Energy Board IR-6 and Exhibit N-6 on page 25 of the PDF.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 103 Cr-ex, (Murphy) 1 way through, but clearly there is information that Nova 2 Scotia Power would deem as confidential. So the answer to 3 your question would be correct, like we got we didn't 4 get detailed financi...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the information provided by Nova Scotia Power to the IESO Nova Scotia Panel. While some information was deemed confidential, the panel states that they have received all necessary data to perform their legislative mandate, though there were some requests for items like computers and office furniture that were not fulfilled.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 105 Cr-ex, (Murphy) 1 I guess from my concern is Q. 2 there's what you need and then there's what would have 3 been good to have that could have been helpful rather 4 than, you know, need is sort of what you can make...
AI summary The discussion centers on the Joint Transmission Committee, with members from Nova Scotia Power and the IESO Nova Scotia Panel. The committee meets bi-weekly and includes core members such as Lia MacDonald and Jenn Power. The conversation touches on the types of issues discussed, including cost minimization.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 175 Cr-ex, (MacAdam) 1 undertake to investigate the difference between the 5.05 13 decision. 14 Q. So in terms of the timing, it 15 would have been sometime after the budget was filed that 16 you made the decision to...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the legal and regulatory costs incurred by the IESO Nova Scotia during its first year, defined as the 2025/'26 fiscal year. These costs were higher than initially budgeted and included expenses related to engaging in the regulatory process and establishing agreements with Nova Scotia Power and NERC.
INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 we have been through a thorough process on the 2 cybersecurity role and going back to market. On the 3 operational oversight, the VP of System Planning and Grid 4 Integration, I am p...
AI summary The discussion outlines the hiring process for key roles in operational oversight and market operations, including the VP of System Planning and Grid Integration, and the ongoing interviews for the Director of Operational Policy and Market Operations.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 227 Cr-ex, (MacAdam) 1 employee salary costs, you have things like travel, 2 I believe next up is the Industrial 3 Group. I'm thinking about taking a break now and coming 4 back at 3 o'clock. 5 All right. So we'll br...
AI summary The text is a transcript from a regulatory proceeding involving the Industrial Group and the IESO Nova Scotia Panel. It includes a cross-examination by Ms. Rudderham, who is questioning panel members about the revenue requirement and its basis on previous data.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 249 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 THE CHAIR: So, Mr. Furey, we have 7 costs that we do need to bring forward and, of course, 8 explain what the variance is and why going through the 9 deferral process, but it's very difficult...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the challenge of imposing a hard cap on the variance account, with concerns that it may limit the IESO's ability to fulfill its statutory mandate and respond to unforeseen events that could benefit customers.
1 your head. 2 (Johnston) That's correct. A. 3 Q. Okay. And the balance is going 4 to be trued-up on an annual basis during that application 5 process? Is that right? 6 (Johnston) So I think what we A. 7 said the balance would be trued-up...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the process of truing up the balance annually during the application process, with audited financials being used to update the balance and bring it forward to the next Revenue Application. The audit is expected to be completed in July or August, and the application is submitted somewhere between those months.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 277 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 way, you would true-up where the variance account and the 18 would see these costs coming forward. 19 Do you mind if we just pull that Q. INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTER...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the calculation and handling of cost variances, specifically the difference between actual costs and budgeted amounts. These variances are accounted for and carried forward to the next revenue requirement, which is subject to oversight by the Board.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 283 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 (Johnston) So our Application A. 14 (Johnston) At least my reading of A. 15 the Board's decision was that: 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 IESOmust, in its applications, provide an explanation for cost...
AI summary The document discusses the IESO's application and the requirement to explain cost variances of more than 10 percent, with the burden on IESO to demonstrate prudence in overruns. It also touches on the transition from NS Power to IESO, specifically Phase I involving energy procurement, system planning, and generation interconnection, which has been completed.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 299 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) or is there intended to be, any sort of document with the milestones in terms of the next steps for Phase II of the transition, what needs to be accomplished, when, that's shared with Nova Scot...
AI summary The discussion focuses on the development of a detailed project plan for Phase II of the transition, involving Nova Scotia Power and IBM. It also touches on the sharing of this plan with the Joint Transition Committee and references increased legal costs related to agreements with NS Power.
20260625-1Hearing Transcript — 06/25/2026 (Johnny Johnston, Chris Milligan, Mike McFeters, Angie Brown)
7 passages
LIST OF UNDERTAKINGS NO. PAGE NO. 2 Upon commencing on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 9:00 3 a.m. 4 THE CHAIR: Good morning. 5 This is the continuation of a hearing 6 of the Nova Scotia Energy Board for an Application by the 7 Nova Scotia Inde...
AI summary The text is a transcript excerpt from a hearing involving the Nova Scotia Energy Board and the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator. It discusses a clarification regarding the scope of an undertaking related to compensation ranges and benefits package information provided by a consultant.
1 the real-time dispatch operations, that timeline? 2 (Johnston) So the go light for A. 3 Phase II, because it is real-time operations, will 4 essentially have to be pretty much an overnight sort of 5 one day we're not doing it, the next d...
AI summary The discussion centers on the timeline for Phase II of real-time dispatch operations under the More Access to Energy Act. It highlights the legal requirements, including the proclamation of specific sections and the need for a transition order from the Minister, which are outside the control of IESO NS.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 331 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 A. (Johnston) Yeah, that would be 12 more one of status and how we're progressing along. 13 Also under the More Access to Q. 14 Energy Act and I don't think we need to pull it up. 15 The sect...
AI summary The text discusses sections 75 through 85 of the More Access to Energy Act, which outline the IESO's recovery of transmission-related costs from ratepayers through a transmission tariff framework. These sections are not yet proclaimed.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 347 Cr-ex, (Rudderham) 1 factor that in before we could bring it forwards. So 2 within three months of an approval. 3 So then this Q. 4 THE CHAIR: Sorry; just on that, in 5 terms of the approval of capital costs by t...
AI summary The discussion revolves around the approval of capital costs by the Board under the Public Utilities Act and the More Access to Energy Act. The IESO clarifies that while the Board does not have direct jurisdiction to approve capital costs, such costs may be addressed through revenue requirements as depreciation or interest expense under section 29 of the Act.
INTERNATIONAL REPORTING INC. CERTIFIED COURT REPORTERS 1 it approved." That hasn't even come up. 2 And I just want to know if the 3 individuals making these big decisions on behalf of 4 ratepayers now understand that that's an option becau...
AI summary The text discusses the importance of the Board's ability to disallow decisions made by utility companies, such as Nova Scotia Power, and how this impacts their decision-making process and the Board's review. It emphasizes the need for decision-makers to be informed about the potential for disallowance and the role of the Board in providing recommendations.
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 487 Questions, (Chair) 1 A. (Johnston) That is correct. 19 that's the expectation. 1 Q. And as far as your audit, I know 2 it's ongoing, has it been going smoothly? 3 A. (Johnston) Yes, I would describe 4 it as smoot...
AI summary The discussion centers on the ongoing audit and a reference to a NERC long-term reliability assessment, highlighting Nova Scotia's electricity supply reliability risks and its failure to meet resource adequacy needs. The conversation includes clarification on the timeline of the NERC report (2026 to 2030).
IESO NOVA SCOTIA PANEL 503 Questions, (Chair) 1 that would be impactful and that are outside of the 2 asking for a blank cheque. 3 Q. And I didn't mean to suggest 4 that. I'm asking from the perspective of good governance. 5 A. (Johnston)...
AI summary The discussion centers on governance and controls to ensure proper budgeting, reporting, and oversight within the organization. The Chair raises concerns about the lack of detailed controls and documentation, while the respondent outlines existing measures such as budgets, audit subcommittees, and purchase order controls.