Topic:"Renewable Energy" in M12591

Why do this project? As the NS Power power system evolves to meet provincial and federal renewable energy and decarbonization targets, it will increasingly incorporate variable energy resources and phase out dispatchable coal-fired thermal...

AI summary This project aims to modernize NS Power's dispatch and communication systems to handle increased renewable energy integration and system variability. Manual processes are becoming unsustainable, and automation is needed for real-time system analysis, status updates, and economic optimization. The project also addresses recommendations from past audits and aims to align NSPSO with industry-standard tools.

Why do this project now? The planned addition of significant volumes of variable energy resources, including at least 1,000 Megawatts of contracted variable renewable generation by 2030, combined with the mandated retirement of coal-fired...

AI summary NS Power is implementing new tools to manage increased variability from renewable energy and retire coal plants. The project, deemed in service in March 2025, includes the Outage Request Platform and other technology solutions with a final cost date in September 2026. The 2018–2019 FAM Audit Dispatch Study supported the urgency of these changes.

CI C0032664 – Energy Control Centre – Optimization Tools (NSEB M12591) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-1: 2 3 (a) Please explain the detail functions of the three new interrelated software solutions in 4 plain lang...

AI summary NS Power is explaining the functions of three new software solutions for the Energy Control Centre, including the ECCPO tool, which is designed to optimize real-time economic dispatch and streamline processes in line with decarbonization targets.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 workflows for the sharing of information on the current state of the system. Use of the SDD by 2 System Operators to automate manual tasks will reduce cognitive load and improve situational 3 awareness and allow more att...

AI summary The document discusses the need for improved information sharing workflows and the implementation of the System Data Dashboard (SDD) and Outage Request Platform (ORP) to enhance system reliability and manage increased complexity from renewable energy integration and grid-enhancing technologies.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL ID Recommendation Deliverables & Technology short gas positions. This flexibility could address the inherent variances of timing in terms of when the gas market trades and the electricity market scheduling for the Day Ahea...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations related to gas market flexibility, real-time system optimization, and the integration of intermittent renewable resources. It emphasizes the need for Nova Scotia Power to enhance its analytical tools and IT platforms to support real-time system status and dispatch requirements.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 8 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY SECTION 1:

AI summary The document presents the final version of the NS Power Dispatch Study, specifically Section 1, which includes a redacted page from a regulatory proceeding. The section appears to focus on dispatch-related information, though the content is partially confidential and not fully visible.

3. Uniqueness of Nova Scotia's System Nova Scotia's system is quite unique in many ways and this uniqueness defines some of the challenges that give rise to the need for this Dispatch Study. Some of the features that make the Nova Scotia s...

AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity system is unique due to limited interconnectivity and a transition from legacy thermal generation to increasing renewable resources. The system faces challenges related to this shift, as highlighted in the Dispatch Study. Renewable energy now makes up over 35% of installed capacity and is expected to grow further.

4. Observations and Recommendations Concentric finds that the current practices for dispatch as implemented by NS Power are in alignment with industry's best practices and are appropriate for the current grid configuration. Recommendations...

AI summary Concentric Energy Advisors finds that NS Power's current dispatch practices align with industry best practices but recommends updates to prepare for a grid transition toward increased renewables and phasing out thermal generation within three years. The report emphasizes the need for future tooling and procurement processes to align with this transition.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 12 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Concentric conducted several interviews and reviewed numerous documents, including documents that informed the 2018-201...

AI summary Concentric Energy Advisors evaluated NS Power's dispatch practices and found them aligned with industry best practices. The report recommends upgrading analytical tools and communication platforms to handle increased complexity from renewable integration. Current practices are deemed appropriate, though future investments may be necessary.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 14 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY - O5: Natural gas and fuels markets do not follow the same dynamics and schedule of electricity markets and, as a resul...

AI summary The dispatch study discusses the challenges of aligning natural gas procurement with electricity market schedules, highlights the role of fuel switching at Tufts Cove, and explains how Wreck Cove and Tufts Cove will function as swing units as renewable energy grows. It also notes the use of PortOps® and PLEXOS® for economic dispatch and long-term planning.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 15 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY - O10: As the portfolio grows in complexity with the retirement of coal generation and the addition of significant volu...

AI summary The document outlines challenges and considerations in real-time dispatch optimization as the energy portfolio becomes more complex with the integration of renewable resources and the retirement of coal generation. It emphasizes the need for dynamic system updates, the role of the Control Center, and limitations of current optimization tools and communication processes.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 17 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY results and the economic dispatch output. Future adjustments to this flexibility could be informed by historical perfor...

AI summary The document discusses the need for Nova Scotia Power to enhance its dispatch study by incorporating historical performance data and market trading variances. It emphasizes the role of the Control Center in real-time optimization and the need for improved IT platforms to ensure transparency. Additionally, it highlights the importance of accounting for operating reserves when calculating the contribution of intermittent resources.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 18 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY SECTION 2:

AI summary The document is a final section of a dispatch study conducted by NS Power, which is part of a larger regulatory proceeding. This section appears to be related to the analysis of dispatch processes and system operations, though the content is partially redacted.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 19 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY 1. Limited Interconnectivity. When compared to other neighboring electric systems such as those in the Northeastern par...

AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity system is characterized by limited interconnectivity compared to other systems in North America and is transitioning from a legacy thermal generation model to one incorporating more renewable and intermittent resources. NS Power operates as a vertically integrated utility, responsible for most of the province's generation, transmission, and distribution.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 20 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY large-scale coal-fired assets. It also implies that thermal resources with quick ramp-up capabilities that had traditio...

AI summary The document discusses the evolving role of thermal resources in supporting renewable energy integration and highlights differences in dispatch optimization between the Marketing Desk and the Control Center at NS Power. It notes that the Marketing Desk's data lags behind real-time data used by the Control Center, affecting the accuracy of economic dispatch within short timeframes.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 22 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY information from the Control Center. The Control Center adjusts the economic optimization as prepared by the Marketing...

AI summary The document discusses the dispatch process in Nova Scotia's electric system, highlighting the current roles of the Marketing Desk and Control Center in optimization. It emphasizes the need for improved real-time integration and analytical capabilities in the Control Center as the system transitions to more renewable energy sources.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 25 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY SECTION 3:

AI summary The document is a page from a final NS Power Dispatch Study, specifically Section 3, which is part of a regulatory proceeding. It contains technical information related to energy dispatch and operations, though specific details are redacted.

Tufts Cove is supplied with fuel by the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline ("M&NP")-Canada, so all deliveries of natural gas to the plant must be transported through M&NP-Canada. There is little gas produced in Maritimes Canada, therefore th...

AI summary NS Power relies on the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline (M&NP) and other long-term firm contracts with TransCanada Pipeline Limited (TCPL) and Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) to transport natural gas from Alberta to Tufts Cove in Nova Scotia. The gas is sourced from Empress, Alberta, and delivered via a series of pipeline segments to meet the needs of Tufts Cove Units 4, 5, and 6.

3.5.1 Historical Over the last decade, the use of Tufts Cove has changed with the evolution of NS Power's overall generation portfolio. As documented in NS Power's IRP the overall generation from the plant has declined over time; however,...

AI summary Over the last decade, Tufts Cove's role in NS Power's generation portfolio has evolved from a baseload facility to a flexible resource supporting renewable intermittency. Units 4, 5, and 6 are particularly important for their ramping capabilities and ancillary services during off-peak hours.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 35 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY The gas traders understand the potential pipeline penalties that could be incurred if their gas use differs significant...

AI summary The document discusses the challenges NS Power faces in balancing natural gas usage at Tufts Cove with electricity generation needs, including potential pipeline penalties and the timing differences between gas and electric days. It notes that these challenges are common across North America and references a 2015 NAESB adjustment to gas nomination windows.

3.8 Observations and Recommendations Based on our analysis, Concentric concludes that Tufts Cove is currently being modeled appropriately in PortOps® using gas pricing and gas purchase information that is as current as possible and that th...

AI summary Concentric concludes that Tufts Cove is modeled appropriately in PortOps® using current gas pricing and purchase information. The discrepancy between forecasted and actual dispatch is attributed to the flexibility of Tufts Cove Units 4, 5, and 6 and the increasing use of intermittent renewable generation, which affects their utilization in balancing output.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 36 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY As a result, Tufts Cove Units 4, 5, and 6 are often not ultimately dispatched based on the cost of their energy product...

AI summary The dispatch of Tufts Cove Units 4, 5, and 6 is influenced by wind conditions and system flexibility rather than purely cost-based decisions. These units are held back to maintain system security and are not always available due to gas price fluctuations. Their dispatch must be evaluated within the context of the broader portfolio, which includes intermittent wind assets and other generation sources.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 37 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY take advantge of this optimization is extensive and will continue to increase with the complexity of the system. Consis...

AI summary The document discusses the optimization of real-time electricity markets and the challenges of aligning natural gas procurement with electricity dispatch schedules. It emphasizes the importance of flexibility in gas procurement and the role of fuel switching at Tufts Cove. The integration of intermittent resources and the use of tools like PLEXOS® and PortOps® in economic dispatch and ancillary service modeling are highlighted.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 38 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY value of newly added ancillary services should be available via the terms of future contracts for renewable energy and...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations for improving the dispatch and optimization processes within the Nova Scotia Power system, including the separation of responsibilities between the Marketing Desk and the Control Center, enhancing analytical capabilities, and improving data communication and gas procurement flexibility.

WRECK COVE The Bates White Audit recommended that NS Power should investigate options available in PortOps® to determine Day-Ahead and Real-Time schedules that consider economic optimization in the determination of target levels for Wreck...

AI summary The Bates White Audit suggests that NS Power should explore PortOps® to optimize Wreck Cove's scheduling, considering economic factors. Wreck Cove is currently dispatched based on physical limitations and hydrology, but its optimization potential is constrained. The report discusses modeling Wreck Cove within PortOps® to improve dispatch and address concerns raised by the auditor.

4.1 Types of Hydropower Plants According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are three main types of hydropower facilities: impoundment, diversion, and pumped storage.50 The most common type is an impoundment facility that is configure...

AI summary The text discusses the three main types of hydropower facilities: impoundment, diversion, and pumped storage, as defined by the U.S. Department of Energy. It describes impoundment facilities as using dams to store water in reservoirs and diversion facilities as channeling a portion of river flow.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 40 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY a river through a canal and/or a penstock to utilize the natural decline of the river bed elevation to produce energy....

AI summary The document discusses hydropower facilities, focusing on pumped storage and impoundment types. It highlights the unique characteristics and restrictions of the Wreck Cove facility, including topography, water availability, and environmental factors.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 41 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Flowage, Gisbourne Lake, MacMillan Lake, and Chéticamp Lake. All of these lakes are linked by canals and tunnels and gu...

AI summary The NS Power Dispatch Study describes the Wreck Cove hydroelectric station's use of natural topography and water systems to generate renewable energy. It highlights the station's role in Nova Scotia's decarbonization efforts and its importance in meeting the province's 80% renewable energy target by 2030.

4.4.1 Weather, Environmental Regulations The scheduling and economic dispatch of Wreck Cove for energy relies on parameters set by the facility's operators who manage water flows and optimization through the PortOps® model. Monthly hydro t...

AI summary The scheduling and economic dispatch of Wreck Cove depends on water flow management and optimization via the PortOps® model, with monthly hydro targets influenced by seasonal factors and weather variables.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 44 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY forecast precipitation, forecast temperature, freezing and melting conditions and expectations, and other operational r...

AI summary The document discusses the operational challenges faced by Wreck Cove due to unpredictable weather patterns in Nova Scotia, which impact water levels and facility operations. It also outlines how GHG emission costs are integrated into the energy optimization process through a shadow price mechanism used in dispatch planning.

4.6 Water Optimization Considerations. The optimization of water supply facilities relates not only to the physical operating limitations of hydro facilities, but also to the parameters under which the broader network is run.62 As noted by...

AI summary This section discusses the complexities of optimizing water supply facilities, emphasizing the need for informed water release decisions and the challenges of balancing conflicting goals such as cost mitigation and environmental outcomes. It highlights the reliance on domain expertise and simulation models for effective reservoir operation management.

4.8 Prospective Operation and Performance As noted above, Wreck Cove is one of NS Power's most flexible and valuable generating stations. Its value cannot be singularly assessed through its energy and capacity contributions, but rather nee...

AI summary Wreck Cove is a flexible generating station whose value extends beyond energy and capacity contributions to include ancillary services. Its operation depends on water levels and management, factors outside the control of operators. As NS Power adds more intermittent renewables, Wreck Cove's role will shift toward system support, with improved dispatch algorithms enhancing its efficiency.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 47 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY even adapted and given different user interfaces and sold as a different product and it is still being used at PJM ISO....

AI summary The document discusses the challenges of modeling hydroelectric generation in economic dispatch platforms, noting the complexity of hydro configurations compared to fossil fuel plants. It highlights that while no platform perfectly models all variations, tools like PCI's Gentrader® can handle Nova Scotia's hydro assets effectively, supporting grid transition efforts.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 48 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY But due to the availability and water management, the facility is less flexible and more complicated to operate than th...

AI summary The document discusses the unique configuration and operational complexity of the Wreck Cove hydroelectric facility, noting its hybrid characteristics between impoundment and run-of-the-river systems. It highlights the challenges in modeling such facilities with economic dispatch platforms like PLEXOS® and PortOps®, emphasizing that discrepancies in generation forecasts stem from the asset's uniqueness rather than model inaccuracies.

a. Observations O7: Wreck Cove is currently configured within PortOps® to optimize its economic value for Day Ahead and Intraday markets and includes optimization of both its energy and ancillary contribution to the portfolio (see O1). As...

AI summary Wreck Cove is optimized in PortOps® for Day Ahead and Intraday markets, with dispatch increasingly determined in Real Time by the Control Center. As renewable energy grows, the dispatch differences between Wreck Cove and Tufts Cove's gas units will increase, but this is expected as both become swing units for the system.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 49 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY and additional options for ancillaries will be included in the optimization calculation. The value of newly added ancil...

AI summary The document discusses the optimization of energy and ancillary services in the context of Nova Scotia Power's dispatch study. It outlines the need to allow the Marketing Desk to focus on Day Ahead and Intraday markets while the Control Center handles Real-Time dispatch optimization. The use of PCI's GenManager® is highlighted for its capabilities in Real-Time market calculations.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 50 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY SECTION 5:

AI summary This section of the NS Power Dispatch Study discusses the final analysis and findings related to the dispatch process. It includes detailed information on energy control systems, real-time economic dispatch, and other related procedures used in power management.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 54 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Figure 10: NS Power System91 Over the past 10 years, Nova Scotia Power has reduced coal generation and produced more el...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power has reduced coal generation over the past decade and increased renewable energy production, including wind and biomass. In 2019, wind energy supplied 18% of annual energy demand. Starting in 2021, the Maritime Link provided firm capacity and zero-carbon hydro from Muskrat Falls. NS Power plans to retire one coal unit after full delivery of Muskrat Falls energy. The company also purchases energy from independent power producers and COMFIT developers through PPAs.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 55 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Finally, NS Power imports power via an interconnection with New Brunswick through one 345 kV tie and two 138 kV tie lin...

AI summary NS Power imports electricity through interconnections with New Brunswick and Newfoundland, enabling access to zero-carbon electricity and dispatchable firm capacity, which supports long-term rate stability.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 56 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY MP-11, Scheduling and Dispatch, describes the process and format for the submission of both the Day Ahead Schedules and...

AI summary The document discusses the need to update MP-11, the scheduling and dispatch rules, to allow for the submission of a full set of Price Quantity (P-Q) pairs for generating facilities, rather than a subset. It highlights the inefficiencies of the current method, particularly in the context of increasing intermittent renewable generation, and notes the unique structure of Nova Scotia's power system due to NS Power's vertical integration.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 57 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY The trend in regions with a high penetration of renewable resources, such as the California Independent System Operator...

AI summary The document discusses the need for NS Power to improve dispatch efficiency, particularly with increasing renewable energy integration. It highlights practices from the California Independent System Operator (CAISO), such as enhanced intraday scheduling and real-time dispatch, to improve system reliability and economic efficiency as intermittent resources become more prevalent.

b. Recommendations - R9: The Open Access Transmission Tariff ("OATT") Standards of Conduct for the Provision of Wholesale and Renewable to Retail Electric Transmission Service ("OATT Standards of Conduct") that govern communications betwee...

AI summary The recommendations emphasize the need for Nova Scotia Power to adopt a more comprehensive method for calculating the contribution of intermittent resources to day-ahead and real-time dispatch, while also aligning with real-time system status through an IT platform. These changes aim to improve the accuracy and reliability of transmission service and dispatch calculations.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 64 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Real time economic optimization of ancillary services is performed by the System Operator referring to the economic dis...

AI summary The document discusses the real-time economic optimization of ancillary services by the System Operator using data from the Control Center and Marketing Desk. It highlights the current reliance on coal-fired and natural gas units for ancillary support and suggests future reliance on wind with AGC, transmission lines, and smart grid initiatives. The communication between departments is noted as being manual, with a recommendation for an IT platform to standardize and automate information sharing.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 65 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY in our perspective, it is consistent with the auditor's Recommendation IX-1103 for NS Power to take steps to increase c...

AI summary The document discusses the need for NS Power to enhance its IT platform to improve the accuracy of derate reporting and align economic dispatch optimization with real-time market conditions, referencing examples from PJM and Alberta's ISO. It emphasizes the importance of real-time analytical tools for the Control Center to reoptimize dispatch within two hours.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 67 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY PortOps® to support their economic dispatch decisions. Both PLEXOS® and PortOps® explicitly model ancillary services wi...

AI summary The document discusses Nova Scotia Power's use of PortOps® and PLEXOS® for economic dispatch and resource planning, emphasizing their role in optimizing energy and ancillary services. As renewable energy increases, the difference between Day Ahead, Intraday, and Real Time dispatch is expected to grow, with Wreck Cove and Tufts Cove becoming swing units. Ancillary services will need to be valued in future contracts.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 68 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platform should allow for full integration with existing databases. An example of suc...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations for improving the dispatch study process at NS Power, including the need for an IT platform to integrate with existing databases, dynamic updates to PortOps®, enhanced analytical capabilities for the Control Center, and improved data transfer between systems. These recommendations aim to support the integration of additional renewable energy capacity.

a. Observations - O15: The Marketing Desk can only realistically participate in the Day Ahead and Intraday market as it provides an expected dispatch of the facilities, but, due to market rules, cannot realistically determine the real-time...

AI summary The document highlights the limitations of the Marketing Desk in real-time dispatch and the need for the Control Center to handle real-time optimization due to increasing renewable integration. The Marketing Desk's role is more strategic, such as fuel purchasing, rather than real-time operations.

b. Recommendations R7: Plan natural gas procurement based on the Day-Ahead market and allow the flexibility to accommodate a potential swing in usage to support real-time economic dispatch optimization (long or short). The allowable swing...

AI summary The recommendation suggests planning natural gas procurement based on the Day-Ahead market, allowing flexibility to adjust for potential usage swings. This flexibility should be informed by historical data and economic dispatch outputs, with future adjustments based on performance and cost considerations.

a. Observations - O1: The Marketing Desk optimizes the dispatch schedule to solve for the economics of the dispatch of the facilities for energy and ancillary services that yield the smallest cost possible. The Control Center reassesses an...

AI summary The document outlines the optimization processes of the Marketing Desk and Control Center in managing energy and ancillary services. It highlights the differences in market dynamics between electricity and natural gas, the role of fuel switching at Tufts Cove, and the use of tools like PortOps® and PLEXOS® in economic dispatch and ancillary service modeling to minimize system costs.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 75 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY requirements and prices.116 As the complexity of the system increases (see O9 above), new and additional options for an...

AI summary The document outlines recommendations for improving the optimization of energy dispatch and ancillary services in the Nova Scotia Power system. It suggests enhancements to the Marketing Desk and Control Center functions, data transfer between systems, and flexibility in natural gas procurement based on market conditions.

a. Observations O16: For an optimum dispatch of facilities in the Real Time markets, the Control Center cannot simply rely on the schedule from the Marketing Desk that may be stale by at least two hours. As more intermittent non-dispatchab...

AI summary The Control Center cannot rely on outdated schedules from the Marketing Desk for optimal Real Time market dispatch, especially as more intermittent renewable resources are integrated, increasing dispatch complexity beyond current capabilities.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 77 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY contracts for renewable energy and ancillaries. Implementation of this inclusion within the optimization calculations i...

AI summary The document discusses recommendations for optimizing energy and ancillary services markets, including allowing the Marketing Desk to focus on Day Ahead and Intraday markets while the Control Center handles Real-Time dispatch optimization. It also suggests enhancing the Control Center's analytical capabilities to manage the dispatch of energy as more renewable capacity, specifically 350 MW of wind generation, is added.

5.11.Operating Reserves As the participation of renewables in the portfolio continues to increase, NS Power will need to carry incremental operating reserves to support the intermittency of renewables. Given the existing generation portfol...

AI summary As renewable energy increases in the generation portfolio, NS Power will need additional operating reserves, likely sourced from existing thermal units, leading to decreased capacity factors and increased cycling. The 2020 Integrated Resource Plan confirms that existing reserves are adequate, but Concentric suggests future analyses should consider economic dispatch optimization and variability in wind availability.

5.12.Unit Performance Measurement The Audit Report reflects an inertia of previous audits where the power plant performance is analyzed one unit at a time.122 Given the uniqueness of NS Power's system where there is a dominant player and w...

AI summary The audit report highlights the limitations of analyzing power plant performance on a unit-by-unit basis, arguing that NS Power's system optimization occurs at the portfolio level. This approach may misrepresent individual asset performance, especially with the increasing use of flexible assets for system stability and the displacement of thermal units due to high wind penetration.

6.4 Industry Tools Commercial software vendors continue to work to improve the quality and scope of the tools used for security-constrained economic dispatch. Because RTOs manage significantly greater resource fleets than vertically integr...

AI summary The text discusses advancements in industry tools for security-constrained economic dispatch (SCED) by commercial software vendors, with examples from NYISO and PJM. These tools help manage larger resource fleets and intermittent renewable energy sources, improving grid efficiency and reliability.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 83 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY interval. Under the long-term reforms, RT SCED cases will be manually selected by the PJM dispatcher in a new "pre-appr...

AI summary The document discusses the long-term reforms to RT SCED case approval processes under PJM, where manual selection by dispatchers or automatic approval by software will maintain the same periodicity as previous cases unless intervention is required. It also highlights future challenges and opportunities in grid management due to increased renewable penetration and technological innovations like AI and Big Data.

b. Recommendations - R1: Investigate the creation of an IT Platform similar to other jurisdictions where the information about the system is shared live so the Marketing Group can update its Dispatch Schedule expectations. Such an IT Platf...

AI summary The recommendations focus on enhancing IT platforms for real-time energy dispatch and improving analytical capabilities in the Control Center. The proposal includes creating an IT platform similar to PJM's Data Viewer and utilizing PCI's GenManager® for optimization. These changes aim to support the integration of renewable energy and improve market operations.

7.1 Context Renewable energy procurements and grid modernization programs are becoming key features of the transition to a cleaner grid. Utilities are pursuing a range of solutions, including grid-scale investments in renewables and demand...

AI summary The transition to a cleaner grid involves renewable energy procurements and grid modernization. Utilities are investing in renewables and demand-side management, while managing challenges from intermittent generation and the retirement of baseload thermal generation. The distribution grid is evolving into a platform with advanced technologies to support system reliability and economic dispatch.

7.2 Smart Grid Nova Scotia The Smart Grid Nova Scotia Project, approved by the NSUARB on May 7, 2020,141 will result in the construction and connection of a 2 MW community solar garden, three commercial deployments of rooftop solar and bat...

AI summary The Smart Grid Nova Scotia Project, approved by the NSUARB in 2020, involves deploying 2 MW of community solar, rooftop solar with battery storage, and smart EV chargers connected to an Energy System Platform. The project aims to evaluate the feasibility of large-scale DERMS deployment, focusing on grid reliability, economic benefits, and cost-effectiveness.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 88 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) FINAL NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY evaluated several use cases, including the DERMS' ability to provide situational awareness, manage capacity constraints...

AI summary The document discusses the evaluation of DERMS systems, including a PG&E demonstration project that showcased DERMS capabilities in managing distributed energy resources. It also mentions the Smart Grid Nova Scotia pilot, highlighting the need for further evaluation of DERs and DERMS applications in grid operations.

7.4 Dynamic System Inertia Constraints to Future Levels of Wind Resources Inertia, traditionally provided by large rotating generators, plays an important role in maintaining grid reliability. The stored energy in these generators can temp...

AI summary This section discusses how the displacement of conventional fossil-based generation by inverter-based systems like wind and solar reduces grid inertia, potentially affecting system reliability. It notes that while this reduces inertia, it may also reduce the inertia needed, and solutions like Fast Frequency Response (FFR) help mitigate these issues. NS Power is examining these constraints as it expands renewable generation.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 1 Page 91 of 92 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) NS POWER DISPATCH STUDY The most challenging issues are its ability to export excess power to neighboring systems via the existing ties and to surviv...

AI summary The document discusses challenges related to Nova Scotia Power's ability to manage high renewable energy penetration, including the need for reliability studies, export of excess power, and reliance on ancillary services. It highlights the potential for wind generation to meet all load during summer and the need for incremental reserves due to system uncertainty.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 3 Page 2 of 9 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) 374 out of 2,292 MWs of installed capacity. Given new provincial legislation, the generation capacity is expected to evolve to accelerate thermal retir...

AI summary The document discusses the evolution of Nova Scotia's power generation capacity, including the retirement of thermal plants and increased reliance on renewables. It highlights the need for NS Power to manage a more complex system with higher renewable integration and reduced coal use, suggesting the need for independent analytical capabilities to optimize dispatch in real-time.

Information Sources To characterize the variability of wind relevant to Nova Scotia, Concentric compiled historical information of wind patterns across different time horizons and differing periods of observations. Most of this information...

AI summary Concentric used historical wind data from the U.S. National Solar Radiation Database and NREL's System Advisor Model to analyze wind variability and its impact on electricity generation in Nova Scotia. The analysis included scaling wind farm configurations and using stochastic modeling to predict energy generation.

Probability of Loss The source for the probability of loss of generation is driven by the probabilistic distribution of wind speed and the associated generation at each probability of wind speed. Given the historical record and using a pes...

AI summary The probability of loss of generation is determined by wind speed variability. Under a 1% probability scenario, wind conditions can change significantly over four hours, requiring the NSPSO to re-optimize the system. This variability highlights the importance of renewable portfolio changes.

Table 1: Probabilistic Loss of Wind at Different Minutes in the Future 0 10 20 30 60 120 180 240 300 Jan 0% -14% -18% -25% -50% -70% -80% -83% -85% Feb 0% -14% -17% -22% -50% -69% -75% -80% -84% Mar 0% -13% -17% -20% -43% -65% -73% -78% -7...

AI summary Table 1 presents probabilistic losses of wind energy at different time intervals in the future for each month of the year, showing a consistent decline in wind energy availability as time increases, with the highest losses observed in December and the lowest in January.

Existing Variability (Theoretical) With a portfolio that includes 1,095 MWs of generation, the stochastic distribution of wind and the associated stochastic distribution of generation, Table 2 shows the probabilistic variability of the sys...

AI summary The document discusses the theoretical variability in a system with 1,095 MW of generation, highlighting a 45% probability of losing 29 MW of generation due to wind variability. It estimates the annualized cost of suboptimal dispatching at $1.3 million if replacement generation is needed.

Variations to the Analysis Table 2 also uses an incremental $5/MWh delta as an example of the cost of suboptimization, but the distribution of this price delta is also a stochastic process that is not explored in this Memorandum. This mean...

AI summary The text discusses the use of an incremental $5/MWh delta in Table 2 to illustrate the cost of suboptimization, noting that the distribution of this delta is a stochastic process not explored in the Memorandum. It highlights that when wind is unavailable, it may be replaced by fuel-oil, natural gas, or water generation, each with its own economic dynamics. Adding a layer of stochastic dynamics to the price delta is feasible but not elaborated.

C0032664 NSEB IR-5 Attachment 3 Page 9 of 9 REDACTED (CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REMOVED) materially change the theoretical approximation of the economic benefits. Table 2 summarizes the impact of hourly suboptimization but given the variabi...

AI summary The text discusses the economic impact of hourly suboptimization in the context of wind variability, noting that while Table 2 summarizes the impact, a more granular measurement is needed due to the variability of wind as shown in Table 1.

Concluding Thoughts This memorandum defines the economic impact of investing in Automation and Optimization Tools to manage a portfolio that may be dominated by non-dispatchable resources. As the wind-speed changes, the wind availability w...

AI summary This memorandum discusses the economic impact of investing in automation and optimization tools for managing a portfolio with non-dispatchable resources, such as wind. It highlights the uncertainty in wind availability and its effect on grid reliability, noting that economic benefits depend on wind speed likelihood and that the estimate of $15 million in benefits is an understatement.

PARTIALLY CONFIDENTIAL 1 Please refer to the table below for a summary of RFP results for the Outage Request 2 Platform system.

AI summary The text refers to a table summarizing RFP results for the Outage Request 2 Platform system, though the details of the table are not provided in the excerpt.

REDACTED 1 Request IR-9: 8 (b) Please provide a time frame over which these cost savings will occur. 9 10 Response IR-11: 11 12 (a-b) As noted in IR-10; the Energy Control Centre Optimization Tools project is not being 13 implemented as an...

AI summary The document discusses the implementation of the Energy Control Centre Optimization Tools project, which aims to enhance dispatch capabilities to support decarbonization targets and variable-renewable generation. It also addresses contingency plans for system unavailability and references an attachment detailing economic benefits.

including New Brunswick Power. The proposed technologies would replace these manual updates with automated functions. NS Power explained the function and requirements of the three software solutions. The Energy Control Centre Portfolio Opt...

AI summary NS Power is proposing the implementation of three software solutions to optimize energy control and grid management. These tools aim to automate manual processes, improve real-time system monitoring, and support the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid. The tools will enhance economic optimization, streamline dispatch processes, and improve information sharing between System Operators and Market Participants.

Conclusion The Board recognizes that Concentric's quantification of the benefits of the new IT infrastructure involved assumptions about real-time wind output and its potential replacement by the next lowest variable-cost generation resour...

AI summary The Board accepts Concentric's quantification of benefits for new IT infrastructure, noting assumptions about real-time wind output and economic dispatch. It finds the project necessary and justifies the associated costs, approving $7,486,068 for NS Power. The project supports the Evergreen IRP objectives and 2030 renewable electricity targets.

Request IR-16: In "Why do this project?", NS Power stated the following: Currently, real-time dispatch optimization of the power system relies on optimized plans provided by NS Power Marketing several hours in advance, combined with operat...

AI summary NS Power is requesting clarification on the current and future management of renewable resources, the sustainability of manual processes, and the benefits of proposed technology solutions for dispatch optimization and grid reliability, particularly as system variability increases.

t functionalities. This implementation will help to support anticipated future system complexities.” 1. Please explain the possible impact to customers and NS Power’s overall reliability performance. Please explain how the proposed new tec...

AI summary The text requests explanations regarding the impact of new technology solutions on customer reliability, their alignment with the Evergreen IRP and renewable targets, details on deliverables, matter numbers related to studies, and operational challenges faced by NS Power ECC. The focus is on understanding the proposed technologies and their role in system modernization.

x, variable, and labour-intensive operating environment could result in inefficient real-time dispatch and may lead to deterioration of economic optimization and increased system reliability concerns. 1. Please explain the volume of tasks...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's need for new technology solutions to manage increasing numbers of variable renewable resources and complex maintenance schedules, as well as the potential benefits of these tools for economic optimization and grid reliability. It also asks for explanations on the current and future volume of tasks and technologies involved.

due to changes to the eligibility dates for Federal Funding which initially extended into the end of Q1 2026. Changes to the funding program resulted in cost eligibility ending at the end of Q1 2025.” 1. Please explain the Electricity Pred...

AI summary The text discusses changes in federal funding eligibility for the Electricity Predevelopment Program (EPP), impacting project timelines and funding amounts for NS Power. It includes questions about the program's explanation, source of funding, reasons for eligibility changes, and project details such as task scope, software solutions, and consulting services.

including New Brunswick Power. The proposed technologies would replace these manual updates with automated functions. NS Power explained the function and requirements of the three software solutions. The Energy Control Centre Portfolio Opt...

AI summary NS Power is proposing the implementation of three software solutions, including the Energy Control Centre Portfolio Optimization tool and the System Data Display (SDD), to automate manual processes and improve real-time grid management. These tools aim to enhance economic optimization, streamline dispatch processes, and improve information sharing, particularly with the increasing penetration of variable renewable energy sources.