100025Board Decision
11 passages
Retail customer and renewable low-impact electricity - 18 (1) A retail supplier who meets the requirements in Section 19 may sell renewable low-impact electricity generated within the Province and a retail customer, other than a customer o...
AI summary The section outlines the rights of retail customers and suppliers in the sale of renewable low-impact electricity within Nova Scotia. It ensures that retail suppliers can sell such electricity, and retail customers can purchase it without discrimination. Emission credits are transferred to the customer, and the Board has authority to enforce these provisions.
o such resources is not regulated by the Board other than indirectly through its approval of tariffs, procedures, and standards of conduct to facilitate the renewable to retail regime under s. 22(1). [23] Clauses 22(1)(a) and (b) recognize...
AI summary The document discusses the obligations of Nova Scotia Power under section 22(1) of the relevant legislation, which outlines the need for tariffs to manage backup, top-up, and spill scenarios related to renewable low-impact electricity provided by retail suppliers. It also highlights the requirement for interconnection procedures and market rules to support these arrangements.
3.3 Net Metering [26] The net metering provisions in the Electricity Act are found in s. 6 and s. 7:
AI summary The net metering provisions in the Electricity Act are outlined in sections 6 and 7, which are discussed in the context of the regulatory proceeding.
Program for customer to generate electricity - 6 (1) In this Section, "customer" means all metered accounts registered to the same person or entity under the same rate code in the same distribution zone. - (2) A public utility may develop...
AI summary This section outlines a program allowing customers to generate electricity for their own use and sell excess electricity to Nova Scotia Power at the same rate they pay for electricity. The program applies to customers with generators over 27 kilowatts, and only renewable low-impact electricity qualifies. The Board must approve the program before implementation, and the Governor in Council may regulate various aspects of the program.
Customer may generate and sell electricity - 7 (1) A Nova Scotia Power customer may, as of right, with no requirement to participate in a Nova Scotia Power program, install a renewable low-impact generator or energy storage device with a t...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power customers may install renewable low-impact generators or energy storage devices up to 27 kilowatts without needing to participate in a program. Nova Scotia Power must purchase excess electricity up to the customer's annual usage at the same rate, but is not required to compensate for surplus generation. Existing net-metering contracts will transition to this new program but remain in effect until terminated under specific conditions.
Prohibition on system access charges and standard terms and conditions - 8 (1) A public utility may not create a fee structure, nor impose system access charges, that discourage customers from developing, installing and using their own ren...
AI summary The text prohibits public utilities from imposing system access charges that discourage customers from using renewable energy generators or energy storage. It also mandates Nova Scotia Power to develop standard terms and conditions for all customers, including those generating their own electricity, and outlines requirements for programs allowing customers to sell excess electricity back to the utility.
Class 2: greater than 100 kW up to 1 MW NSPI further proposed to limit all Class 1 participants to a total of 5 MW and all Class 2 participants to a total of 15 MW, with the stipulation that: …The system-wide 20 MW allocation for net-meter...
AI summary NSPI proposed capacity limits for net-metering participants, but the NSUARB rejected these limits, finding them inconsistent with promoting renewable energy. The 2022 amendments to the Electricity Act and Renewable Electricity Regulations have largely replaced the net metering program under Regulation 3.6 for new installations, while legacy arrangements continue under the Electricity Act.
limiting a retail supplier to generating or purchasing its supply of renewable low-impact electricity at the transmission level, or that its supply cannot include spilled energy from retail customers. [41] As noted earlier, the Electricity...
AI summary The Electricity Act does not explicitly address how retail suppliers can procure renewable low-impact electricity. Renewall argues that the legislation does not need to mandate specific programs or billing methods, and that retail suppliers can generate or purchase renewable electricity, which must be transmitted through NSPI's monopoly transmission and distribution system.
Section 3A states: Program for customer to generate electricity 3A (1) In this Section, "customer" means all metered accounts registered to the same person or entity under the same rate code in a distribution zone. (2) A public utility may...
AI summary Section 3A of the Electricity Act allows customers to generate electricity for their own use and sell excess to the public utility at the same rate they pay. However, it does not permit third-party purchases or direct sales to other customers. NS Power emphasizes that net metering provisions under Section 3A only apply to customer-generated electricity for their own consumption, not for renewable to retail services.
oach also aligns with established regulatory principles, aimed at safeguarding reliability, system integrity, and customer equity. [Emphasis in original] [NS Power Submissions, August 15, 2025, p. 2] [47] Noting that NS Power had some form...
AI summary NS Power reiterates its approach aligns with regulatory principles of reliability and customer equity. Renewall argues that the Electricity Act does not create new self-generation rights but mandates NS Power to expand net metering, including removing caps and allowing smaller generators without approval. The legislation requires NSPI to purchase excess electricity up to a customer's annual usage, ensuring customer compensation for surplus energy production.
- 3G 22 (1) Notwithstanding Section 77 of the Public Utilities Act , on or before the applicable date prescribed by the regulations, Nova Scotia Power Incorporated, or the IESO in relation to matters falling under its scope of authority pu...
AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB) outlines requirements for Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) and the Independent Energy System Operator (IESO) to develop and maintain tariffs and procedures to facilitate the purchase of renewable low-impact electricity. The Board clarifies that the use of 'maintain' does not imply freezing existing standards in time.
98662Letter NSPI re: Reply Response to Board letter
8 passages
July 23, 2025 Crystal Henwood Clerk of the Board Nova Scotia Energy Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Re: M12339 – Renewall Energy Inc Request for Tariffs for the Renewable to Retail Market Dear Ms. Henwood: On J...
AI summary NS Power responds to Renewall Energy Inc.'s request for tariff amendments to enable distribution-connected generation and net billing in the Renewable to Retail market. NS Power argues that the issue lies within the legislative framework, not tariffs, and emphasizes its ongoing engagement with Renewall on the matter.
Section 3A states: Program for customer to generate electricity 3A (1) In this Section, "customer" means all metered accounts registered to the same person or entity under the same rate code in a distribution zone. (2) A public utility may...
AI summary Section 3A of the Electricity Act allows customers to generate electricity for their own use and sell excess to the public utility at the same rate they pay. However, it does not permit third-party purchases or direct sales to other customers. This restriction is reinforced by NS Power's Reply Evidence under M06214, which clarifies that net metering provisions apply only to the customer-generator and NS Power, not to the RtR Market.
1. Maximum Spill Capacity Background In May of 2023, NS Power and Renewall met to discuss the Energy Balancing Service (EBS) and Maximum Spill Capacity. NS Power directed Renewall to section 5 of the EBS, which states: (5) Maximum Spill Ca...
AI summary NS Power and Renewall have been discussing Maximum Spill Capacity under the Energy Balancing Service (EBS). Renewall proposed spill targets and a discounted rate for over-spill, while NS Power emphasized adherence to existing tariffs and the need for balance between spill and top-up. NS Power deferred regulatory changes and supported the development of the RtR market.
Next Steps NS Power requests a written proposal from Renewall regarding the process and terms by which it, or its customers, will repay the FAM imbalance caused by migrating customers. NS Power will consider the available methodologies for...
AI summary NS Power is requesting a proposal from Renewall on repaying the FAM imbalance due to customer migration and is considering cost methodologies and potential amendments to the POA to accommodate the RtR market, as outlined in the AAR proceeding.
Background The Board Decision in which it approved the Company's RtR Tariff application did not address the issue of interruptible service in the RtR Market. NS Power's application for the approval of RtR tariffs in Matter number M06214 at...
AI summary The document discusses challenges in implementing interruptible service in the RtR market, including the need for revised tariff provisions, penalties for non-compliance, and coordination with the LRS and NPCC. NS Power and Renewall have discussed potential solutions, including performance commitments and similar commercial terms to existing agreements.
Summary of Outstanding Issues To date, the challenges identified above have not been adequately addressed. NS Power is not stating that a customer could not take interruptible service in the RtR market; however, the Company needs to unders...
AI summary NS Power acknowledges that customers could take interruptible service in the RtR market but emphasizes the need for Renewall to clarify enforcement mechanisms and pricing strategies to prevent negative impacts on customers.
Background On December 19, 2023, NS Power wrote to Renewall seeking to understand how Renewall envisions its Net Billing program working in the RtR Market. NS Power provided two scenarios with questions. Scenario #1 – Net Billing Customer...
AI summary NS Power sought clarification from Renewall on how its Net Billing program would function within the Real-Time Retail (RtR) Market. NS Power presented Scenario #1, which details a Net Billing Customer <101 kW, and Renewall responded with answers in red text.
Next Steps It remains NS Power's position that, while the allowable uses of the distribution system by non-NS Power entities include the use of the NSUARB-approved Distribution Tariff to deliver energy to RtR customers, they do not include...
AI summary NS Power maintains that the distribution system's allowable uses by non-NS Power entities do not include the sale of surplus customer self-generated energy to a Licensed Retail Supplier in the RtR Market, and the EBS tariff is not intended to facilitate such sales, making net metering/billing unavailable in the RtR Market under current regulations.
98902Submissions - Renewall
6 passages
Delivered by E-mail Crystal Henwood Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 3rd Floor, 1601 Lower Water Street PO Box 1692, Unit "M" Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Henwood: Re: M12339 – Renewall Energy Inc. Reque...
AI summary Renewall Energy Inc. (REI) is requesting the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to establish a process for amending or creating a new tariff to enable the purchase of renewable energy from distribution-connected generators and surplus customer generation. REI argues that such activities are permitted under the Electricity Act and related regulations, and that the Board has the jurisdiction to address the tariff structure.
the Board's approval of tariffs and procedures "necessary to facilitate the purchase of renewable low-impact electricity as provided for in Section 3C." Nova Scotia Power Incorporated obligations - 3G (1) Notwithstanding Section 77 of the...
AI summary The text discusses the Board's authority to approve tariffs and procedures necessary for the purchase of renewable low-impact electricity as outlined in Section 3C. Nova Scotia Power Incorporated has obligations to develop and file these tariffs and procedures with the Board, including open access transmission, distribution, and interconnection procedures.
Net Metering and Excess Electricity Aggregation The Electricity Act currently provides for several programs in which individual NSPI customers can self-generate and be compensated for excess energy that flows back to the distribution grid...
AI summary The document discusses the existing and proposed mechanisms for compensating customers who generate excess electricity, including residential and commercial net metering programs, the Community Solar Program, and the Solar Energy Credit Rider. It also outlines Renewall Energy Inc.'s proposal to mirror NSPI's credit mechanisms and aggregate distributed energy for redistribution.
ns and requirements in the Regulations do not restrict generation to transmission-connected, and it appears the same hurdles would apply for a distribution connected generator to be certified as such. There are regulations for the intercon...
AI summary The document discusses the regulation of distribution-connected generation, noting that current regulations do not restrict generation to transmission-connected systems. It highlights the lack of a comparable mechanism to the OATT for the distribution system and suggests that allowing purchase of small distribution-connected renewable energy under a tariff would support renewable energy goals and market competition.
Conclusion It is respectfully submitted that the Electricity Act , and regulations which apply to the creation and regulation of the RtR market permit tariffs to enable net billing and distribution-connected generation by an LRS. Not only...
AI summary The submission argues that the Electricity Act and related regulations allow for the creation of tariffs that enable net billing and distribution-connected generation by an LRS, promoting a competitive RtR market and fair service for Nova Scotians. It also highlights the benefits of enabling small renewable energy generators, including reducing grid congestion and advancing the Clean Power Plan.
Board Electricity Retailers Regulations (Nova Scotia) Annual Forecast a) Sales plan showing the forecasts of the sales of renewable low-impact electricity, including numbers of customers differentiated by NS Power's rate classes and foreca...
AI summary The document outlines the annual forecast under the Board Electricity Retailers Regulations (Nova Scotia), including plans for renewable low-impact electricity sales, contractual agreements with renewable generators, and certification processes. Key details include a wind project with Mersey River Wind Inc. and a solar project with a medium industrial customer.
98978Submissions - SBA
5 passages
August 15, 2025 VIA EMAIL Ms. Crystal Henwood Clerk of the Board Nova Scotia Energy Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Henwood: Re: Ml2339 - Renewall Energy Inc. - Request for Tariffs for the Renewable to...
AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) is submitting comments on Renewall Energy Inc.'s request to amend or create a new tariff for the Renewable to Retail Market in Nova Scotia. The SBA emphasizes the need for careful statutory interpretation of the Electricity Act and associated regulations to assess the request and determine if amendments to the Board Electricity Retailers Regulations and Code of Conduct for Renewable Low-Impact Electricity Sales in Nova Scotia are necessary.
Statutory Interpretation The SBA respectfully submits that all of the legislation, and the associated regulations, and the intention of the legislature when the legislation was introduced, must be consid~red when assessing whether there is...
AI summary The SBA argues that statutory interpretation must consider the full context of legislation and its intent, noting that while the legislation may not explicitly prohibit purchasing excess renewable energy from distribution-connected customers, it is not entirely silent on the matter, as section 3AA of the Electricity Act addresses this.
Customer may generate and sell electricity 3AA (1) A Nova Scotia Power Incorporated customer may, as ofright, with no requirement to participate in a Nova Scotia Power Incorporated program, install a renewable low-impact 4 Ml2339 - Renewal...
AI summary The legislation allows customers of Nova Scotia Power Incorporated to install renewable low-impact generators or energy storage devices up to 27 kW. The legislation requires NSPI to purchase excess electricity from these customers, but only up to the customer's annual usage. The SBA argues that this provision implies permission for others to sell excess electricity, even if they exceed the 27 kW limit.
1 Defined Terms (pp) Net Billing Services - means a metering service and billing practice that enables the Customer to generate electricity from a Qualifying Generating Facility to offset part of, or all, of the Customer's Energy requireme...
AI summary The document defines 'Net Billing Services' and 'Qualifying Generating Facility,' specifying that the latter must be owned by the customer, use renewable energy, be located at the customer's premises, and meet safety and performance standards.
Net Billing/Net Metering Renewall offers Net Billing where a customer can install behind-the-meter generation and isn't limited to a maximum capacity. Surplus energy produced on-site will be purchased by Renewall. Up to 50% of the customer...
AI summary Renewall Energy Inc. offers a Net Billing program allowing customers to install behind-the-meter generation and sell surplus energy at different rates depending on the amount produced. Up to 50% of the customer's Average Annual Load is purchased at the Retailer Charge, while anything above that is purchased at 70% of the Retailer Charge. The program may have tax and GST/HST implications.
100025Board Decision
12 passages
IN THE MATTER OF THE ELECTRICITY ACT - and - IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION by Renewall Energy Inc. for directions for an expedited process to amend existing Renewable to Retail tariffs or create new tariffs to enable distribution-connect...
AI summary The Board has jurisdiction to approve tariffs, procedures, and standards of conduct for the renewable to retail market related to distribution-connected generation and net billing. It directed Nova Scotia Power to engage with interested parties to file an application by April 1, 2026.
- [1] Renewall Energy Inc. is a licensed retail supplier under the renewable to retail provisions in the Electricity Act , SNS 2025, c 18, Schedule. These provisions were added to the Electricity Act in 2013 and came into force in 2014. Th...
AI summary Renewall Energy Inc., a licensed retail supplier in Nova Scotia, has requested the NSUARB to expedite a process to amend or create new tariffs for distribution-connected generation and net billing. NS Power argues the Board lacks jurisdiction, but the Board asserts it has the authority to approve such tariffs and directs NS Power to engage with stakeholders and file an application by April 1, 2026.
Retail customer and renewable low-impact electricity - 18 (1) A retail supplier who meets the requirements in Section 19 may sell renewable low-impact electricity generated within the Province and a retail customer, other than a customer o...
AI summary This section outlines the rules for the sale of renewable low-impact electricity within Nova Scotia, defining terms such as 'retail customer' and 'retail supplier' and stating that Nova Scotia Power cannot refuse service to a retail customer purchasing such electricity. It also specifies that emission credits must be transferred in these transactions.
rs to their customers that would otherwise be the responsibility of Nova Scotia Power and its customers. - [22] While it is not explicitly addressed in the legislation, it is understood that retail suppliers must be able to secure a supply...
AI summary The text discusses the responsibilities of retail suppliers in Nova Scotia, particularly their need to secure renewable low-impact electricity generated in the province. It notes that while this is not explicitly addressed in legislation, the Board indirectly regulates this through its approval of tariffs, procedures, and standards of conduct.
3.3 Net Metering [26] The net metering provisions in the Electricity Act are found in s. 6 and s. 7:
AI summary Section 3.3 of the document discusses net metering provisions under the Electricity Act, specifically referencing sections 6 and 7. These provisions are central to the regulatory framework governing net metering in Nova Scotia.
Program for customer to generate electricity - 6 (1) In this Section, "customer" means all metered accounts registered to the same person or entity under the same rate code in the same distribution zone. - (2) A public utility may develop...
AI summary This section outlines a program allowing customers to generate electricity for their own use and sell excess electricity to Nova Scotia Power at the rate they pay for electricity. The program applies to specific customer classes and generators with nameplate capacities over 27 kW. It also includes regulatory requirements for approval, data collection, and oversight by the Board.
Customer may generate and sell electricity - 7 (1) A Nova Scotia Power customer may, as of right, with no requirement to participate in a Nova Scotia Power program, install a renewable low-impact generator or energy storage device with a t...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power customers may install renewable low-impact generators or energy storage devices up to 27 kW without requiring participation in a program. The utility is required to purchase excess electricity up to the customer's annual usage at the same rate, but is not obligated to compensate for electricity beyond that. Existing net-metering contracts will transition to this new program but remain in effect until terminated under specific conditions.
Prohibition on system access charges and standard terms and conditions - 8 (1) A public utility may not create a fee structure, nor impose system access charges, that discourage customers from developing, installing and using their own ren...
AI summary The regulation prohibits public utilities from imposing system access charges that discourage customers from using renewable energy generators or energy storage. Nova Scotia Power is required to develop standard terms and conditions for all customers and must maintain a program for renewable low-impact electricity generation, which must be approved by the Board.
limiting a retail supplier to generating or purchasing its supply of renewable low-impact electricity at the transmission level, or that its supply cannot include spilled energy from retail customers. [41] As noted earlier, the Electricity...
AI summary The text discusses the Electricity Act and its lack of explicit provisions regarding the procurement of renewable low-impact electricity by retail suppliers. Renewall argues that the legislation does not need to address every aspect of the renewable to retail market and highlights that NS Power's 2016 application for renewable to retail tariffs included distribution-connected generation.
Section 3A states: Program for customer to generate electricity 3A (1) In this Section, "customer" means all metered accounts registered to the same person or entity under the same rate code in a distribution zone. (2) A public utility may...
AI summary Section 3A of the Electricity Act allows customers to generate electricity for their own use and sell excess to the public utility at the same rate they pay. However, it explicitly restricts third-party purchases and retail arrangements, with NS Power emphasizing that net metering provisions apply only to the customer-generator relationship and not to renewable to retail services.
[46] NS Power reiterates this in further submissions in this matter: While [Renewall] asserts that the absence of a prohibition implies permissibility, NS Power respectfully disagrees, as such an interpretation would be contrary to basic p...
AI summary NS Power argues that the absence of a prohibition in the Electricity Act does not imply permissibility, asserting that legislative amendments were intended to explicitly permit self-generation and excess sale programs. They emphasize that such explicit authority is necessary to ensure reliability, system integrity, and customer equity.
3.4.1 Findings [54] The Board agrees with NS Power that its obligations under s. 22 of the Electricity Act are not open-ended and it has no duty to facilitate "any and all" aspects of Renewall's business plans. However, NS Power must "faci...
AI summary The Board agrees with NS Power that its obligations under s. 22 of the Electricity Act are not open-ended, but it must facilitate the purchase of renewable low-impact electricity as outlined in Section 18. The Board also notes that the wording in s. 22 has changed from previous versions in the statute.