2026 Integrated Resource Plan Terms of Reference May 22, 2026
AI summary The 2026 Integrated Resource Plan outlines the terms of reference for a regulatory proceeding in Nova Scotia, dated May 22, 2026, focusing on energy resource planning and regulatory processes.
Technical Working Group IESO Nova Scotia is proposing the establishment of a technical working group to collaborate with throughout the IRP. The focus of the TWG will be to provide technical input on the overall approach to the analysis. I...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia proposes a Technical Working Group (TWG) to provide technical input on the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The TWG includes representatives from regulatory bodies, utilities, NGOs, and Indigenous groups. Net-Zero Atlantic was selected for the NGO seat after a selection process. Meeting minutes will be publicly shared to ensure transparency.
March 2026 • Mar 31 – Dunsky IRP Review Report and draft ToR published
AI summary On March 31, 2026, the Dunsky IRP Review Report and draft Terms of Reference (ToR) were published, marking a key milestone in the regulatory process for Nova Scotia's Integrated Resource Plan.
March 2026 Mar 31 – Dunsky IRP Review Report and draft ToR published
AI summary On March 31, 2026, the Dunsky Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Review Report and draft Terms of Reference (ToR) were published, outlining the review process and next steps for the IRP.
July 2026 Jul 6 - Deadline for written comments on assumption set two Jul 23 – Preliminary modelling results published
AI summary July 2026 regulatory proceeding timeline includes a July 6 deadline for written comments on assumption set two and July 23 publication of preliminary modelling results, marking key milestones in the process.
BATES WHITE Question/Comment Response The ToR states: "An IRP assesses both supply-side and demand-side resources within the context of the Nova Scotia planning environment, including all applicable Federal and Provincial environmental pol...
AI summary The document discusses the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), with a focus on clarifying the planning horizon. The ToR currently states a 20- to 30-year planning period, but the IESO clarifies that the intended planning horizon is 25 years, from 2029 to 2053, with the mention of 20- to 30-year horizons being a misinterpretation.
this IRP objective to include all resource cost assumptions. The ToR would benefit from additional specificity regarding the pre-IRP studies that have been commissioned by the IESO, which will allow stakeholders to plan their resources for...
AI summary The document discusses revisions to the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), including adding specificity regarding pre-IRP studies, incorporating sensitivities into assumption development, and improving stakeholder engagement language. Stakeholders also raised concerns about meeting participation limits and the need for written requests for information.
EAST COAST ENVIRONMENTAL LAW these categories or, at minimum, consider reductions to their weights in the evaluation process. It may be useful to provide stakeholders with a copy of the final proposed Terms of Reference prior to its filing...
AI summary The document discusses the process of providing stakeholders with the final proposed Terms of Reference (TOR) prior to filing with the NSEB. Due to the volume of feedback, it was not possible to provide the TOR in advance, but it has been published on the IESO Nova Scotia website for stakeholder access.
NRSTOR Question/Comment Response NRStor is glad to see the recommendation for enhanced engagement with the Mi'kmaq. Beyond engagement, there should be direct Mi'kmaq representation (as the rightsholders) in the Technical Working group, as...
AI summary NRStor recommends direct Mi'kmaq representation in the Technical Working Group and suggests adjusting the study period to start in 2028 to align with the 2030 Clean Power Plan. IESO Nova Scotia acknowledges the recommendation and is working to include Indigenous representation, while explaining its modeling approach for capacity expansion.
2. Model scenarios The ToR states that "IESO Nova Scotia will strive for a reduced set of crisp, focused scenarios which (a) are designed to support key decisions, (b) are anchored around one 'most likely' base case, (c) represent holistic...
AI summary The ToR's language on model scenarios is criticized for being vague and restrictive, with concerns about limiting scenarios to a 'reduced set' and overemphasizing a 'most likely' base case. Stakeholder consultation is recommended, and transparency in data sharing is emphasized.
3. Loss of Load Expectation study reference The ToR states: In December 2025, an update to the previous Effective Load Carrying Capacity (ELCC) study began in partnership with Nova Scotia Power and Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc (...
AI summary The Terms of Reference (ToR) outline an updated Effective Load Carrying Capacity (ELCC) study commissioned by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) in partnership with Nova Scotia Power and E3. Concerns are raised about the ToR's implication that the ELCC study meets industry standards before publication and the lack of specificity regarding stakeholder involvement in the study's scope development.
4. Adding definitions The term "sustainable" is used throughout the ToR, including in two separate IRP objectives.[11](#page-56-2) We understand that the term is used in section 2(e) of the More Access to Energy Act , but the ToR would ben...
AI summary The document highlights the need to define 'sustainable' in the Terms of Reference (ToR) and Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to avoid ambiguity, particularly regarding compliance with environmental laws. It also requests clarification on 'integrated electricity system' and 'non-electric energy resources' to ensure alignment with provincial and regional energy system integration goals.
7. Feedback on pre-IRP studies The ToR appropriately allows for feedback on the pre-IRP studies.[17](#page-58-0) However, the timeline does not afford sufficient time to make any alterations to those studies and the underlying modeling wor...
AI summary The Terms of Reference (ToR) permit feedback on pre-IRP studies, but the timeline does not allow for alterations to the studies or their modeling. Stakeholders suggest adding a bullet point to the 'Assumption and Scenario Development' section to include sensitivities regarding pre-IRP study values, enabling stakeholder-recommended modeling scenarios.
Comments on IESO Nova Scotia 2026 IRP Draft Terms of Reference
AI summary The document outlines comments on the IESO Nova Scotia's 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Draft Terms of Reference (ToR). It focuses on regulatory processes and the development of the IRP, which guides energy planning and resource allocation in Nova Scotia.
Prepared for the Consumer Advocate April 20, 2026 John D. Wilson, Grid Strategies LLC Overall, the ToR are reasonable, but there are a few points where I recommend enhancements.
AI summary John D. Wilson of Grid Strategies LLC evaluates the Terms of Reference (ToR) as reasonable but recommends enhancements. The analysis focuses on regulatory process considerations related to the ToR's structure and scope.
East Coast Environmental Law Comments on Draft Terms of Reference for the NS IESO's 2026 Integrated Resource Plan East Coast Environmental Law is pleased to provide the following comments on the draft Terms of Reference ("TOR") for the NS...
AI summary East Coast Environmental Law provides comments on the draft Terms of Reference for the NS IESO's 2026 Integrated Resource Plan, focusing on the IRP's objectives, evaluation criteria, and key questions posed in the draft TOR. Comments are limited to these areas.
TOR should clarify economic development analysis The Draft TOR states that an additional element of the IRP to "Determine the economic opportunity for domestic use of energy from offshore wind" (p. 10). Economic development analysis is not...
AI summary The Draft TOR includes an unclear economic development analysis for offshore wind in the IRP. The analysis's objective, scope, and methodology require clarification to ensure it appropriately influences the resource portfolio. Melissa MacAdam highlights this gap in the TOR's formulation.
Synapse Comments on NS IESO Terms of Reference – 2026 IRP April 24, 2026 Synapse Energy Economics, independent consultant to the NS Energy Board, provides these comments on NS IESO's Terms of Reference ("ToR"). The objectives of the IRP ar...
AI summary Synapse Energy Economics emphasizes the importance of robust modeling and transparency in the 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), suggesting Excel data releases for analysis and noting that in-person TWG meetings are not critical. They stress understanding plan differences over finalizing a single preferred plan.
Disclaimer: These summaries were generated by AI from the filings they describe. We take care to make them accurate, but errors are possible - and they aren't advice. Only the filings themselves are the record: if you're relying on something here, confirm it against the source documents or the Nova Scotia Energy Board's own record. Full disclaimer →