Topic:"Stakeholder Engagement" in M08059

Appendix 5.1 Terms of Reference Response to Stakeholder Comments on Proposed Terms of Reference Plexos Optimization Analysis / NSPI Thermal Fleet Retention August 1, 2017 Synapse has reviewed comments received in response to the June 29, 2...

AI summary Synapse Energy Economics adjusted the Terms of Reference for a Plexos Optimization Analysis to assess the cost-effectiveness of retaining NSPI’s thermal fleet through 2030. Key changes include extended stakeholder input periods, scenario analysis with varied assumptions, and clarification that the study is a planning exercise, not an operational assessment. The analysis will compare thermal fleet retention against alternatives like retirement and renewable integration.

of these load scenarios will be accounted for outside of PLEXOS and will be based on a to-be- determined utility cost per MWh saved (energy) and utility cost per kW of firm peak reduction. We have not estimated these costs at this point in...

AI summary The document outlines that load scenarios outside PLEXOS will use utility costs per MWh saved and per kW of firm peak reduction. These costs have not yet been estimated but will be determined with stakeholder feedback as part of the project.

do so, with stakeholder feedback, over the Synapse Energy Economics, Inc. Modeling Plan and Key Input Assumptions 3 Appendix 5.6 REDACTED

AI summary The text references a modeling plan by Synapse Energy Economics, Inc., with stakeholder feedback, though the content is heavily redacted and incomplete. Key details about the plan or its assumptions are not visible.

llions of dollars of projected sustaining capital on those facilities still remains outstanding. In addition, analysis of storage options and wind capacity contributions deserve greater consideration. In order to move forward with these ma...

AI summary The Board will engage Synapse to analyze generation resource utilization and cost-effective options, requiring data from NSPI. Reclassifying thermal units for capacity purposes is deferred due to the 2017-2019 rate stabilization period. Stakeholders will review Terms of Reference, and the Board acknowledges stakeholder input.

PO Box 910 ● Halifax, Nova Sco a ● Canada ● B3J 2W5 April 27, 2017 Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M” Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Re: M07540...

AI summary This letter from Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power) to the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (UARB) outlines the company's response to a February 2017 directive to host a Technical Conference addressing thermal fleet analysis and engagement process improvements, following the UARB's December 2016 decision on the 2014-2015 FAM Audit.

consensus building approach. We have experienced this in the 2013 Cost of Service Proceeding, the 2015‐2016 Renewable to Retail Proceeding and in recent Annual Capital Expenditure Plan proceedings. The Company proposes to begin this same t...

AI summary NS Power proposes a collaborative engagement process with stakeholders to enhance resource adequacy planning, referencing past proceedings like the 2013 Cost of Service and 2015-2016 Renewable to Retail. The approach aims to improve knowledge-sharing, clarify assumptions, and establish a long-term stakeholder framework for resource planning in Nova Scotia.

with greater coordination of unit commitment, dispatch, and reserve planning than is currently the case). f. Include additional constraints in NS as needed to reflect stability, voltage, inertia, minimum unit commitment, operation reserve...

AI summary The document outlines steps for enhancing grid modeling through Plexos, including stakeholder input, technical conferences, and regulatory hearings. It emphasizes coordination in unit commitment, dispatch, and reserve planning, with NSPI providing technical data. The process involves iterative modeling, quality assurance, and final reporting.

conference in Halifax; solicit feedback at conference and from post-conference comments. d. Prepare final report post technical conference, addressing feedback. e. Attend hearing on final report.

AI summary The text outlines procedural steps involving a technical conference in Halifax, soliciting feedback, preparing a final report addressing that feedback, and attending a hearing on the report. These steps align with regulatory processes for stakeholder engagement and standardized filings.

ity Association, International Energy Association, GE reports, NERC, and other publicly available and current data on cost trajectories, price forecasts, and related parameters. Timeline for Analysis The table below contains a list of and...

AI summary The text outlines data sources (IEA, NERC, GE) for cost and price analysis, details a project timeline with milestones (modeling, reporting, conferences), and references an appendix with Synapse comments post-2017 technical conference. Key dependencies include timely data delivery from NSPI.

t will likely increase the number of interruptions and the cost to customers (including lost production). At some point the costs of these more frequent interruptions will drive a switch to firm load. The Industrial Group recommends that S...

AI summary The Industrial Group highlights risks of increased interruptions and costs to customers, recommending Synapse explore interruptible load for demand response. They stress the need for stakeholder input on assumptions and modeling, and sufficient time to address feedback before finalizing the report.

orated into the study: 1. Revenue Requirement Minimization - Primary 2. Annual Average Price of Electricity 3. Environmental / Emissions T: 902-835-8544 F: 902-835-4310 E: [email protected] www.blackburnlaw.ca SUITE 231 BEDFORD HOUSE, S...

AI summary The document highlights concerns from the Small Business Advocate (SBA) regarding the methodology of a study, questioning its ability to produce informative results. It also notes that the Terms of Reference outline a stakeholder engagement process but do not clarify how input will be incorporated into the study.

s through and possibly beyond 2030. The TOR generally outline a thorough and robust process. Accordingly, PHP only has a few comments in respect of the TOR for consideration by Synapse and the Board. Although Synapse proposes to run variou...

AI summary PHP highlights concerns with Synapse's Terms of Reference (TOR) for a modelling exercise, emphasizing the need for stakeholder input on assumptions and critiquing the lack of structured engagement in the TOR. PHP suggests a technical conference for feedback and notes potential issues with the illustrative matrix provided in the TOR.

PO Box 910 ● Halifax, Nova Scotia ● Canada ● B3J 2W5 July 17, 2017 Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M” Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Re: Genera...

AI summary NS Power responds to the Utility and Review Board's request for comments on Synapse's Terms of Reference (TOR) for a study on generation utilization and optimization. NS Power emphasizes cooperation, affordability, and direct interest in the study's scope and outcomes, which will inform recommendations on NS Power's generation assets and capacity options for Nova Scotia customers.

e issues to be resolved by this work. 1 2014 NSPI 2014 IRP Update; M05522, P-884.14, Terms of Reference, Exhibit N-3. Page 2 of 10 July 17, 2017 D. Friis 2. Process and Timeline The Synapse TOR provides a timeline for commencement through...

AI summary NS Power requests greater stakeholder input in the Synapse-led IRP update process, criticizing the limited consultation opportunities and late-stage feedback mechanisms. The current timeline allows minimal engagement, with only a post-draft technical conference for input, which NS Power argues undermines transparency and thoroughness.

o be permitted to review the modelling plan and draft input assumptions and to provide comments and have their comments considered before assumptions are finalized and before modelling work is done. NS Power also requests confirmation in t...

AI summary NS Power requests enhanced stakeholder consultation during a modelling process, including interim technical conferences and advance sharing of draft reports. They express concerns about the proposed timeline, citing 177,147 model runs and a lack of input opportunities until the final stage. The Board is urged to prioritize consensus-building in regulatory processes.

table on page 2 of the Terms of Reference were to be fully modelled, it appears that Synapse would have to perform 177,147 individual runs (as further explained in the attached technical Appendix). The TOR does not state what happens follo...

AI summary NS Power requests clarification on post-Final Report procedures, including filing with the Board and review processes. They emphasize the need for collaboration with Synapse to establish a feasible timeline, citing resource constraints and concurrent projects that may impact data availability and response times.

ders. Some interaction (an exchange of memos, a conference call, or both) between Synapse and the stakeholders in September would allow for input to the final definition of scenarios. Yours truly, William L. Mahody, Q.C. Direct: (902) 429-...

AI summary The letter recommends interaction between Synapse and stakeholders in September to refine scenario definitions, ensuring stakeholder input in finalizing scenarios. The communication is signed by William L. Mahody, Q.C., and includes a reference number #235447.

Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board Mailing address Office PO Box 1692, 3rd Floor, 1601 Lower Water Street Halifax, Nova Scotia Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3P6 B3J3S3 1 855 442-4448 (toll-free) [email protected] 902 424-4448 t http://nsuar...

AI summary The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board requests further stakeholder comments on Synapse Energy Economics Inc.'s amended Terms of Reference (TOR) for M08059 - Generation Utilization and Optimization by August 10, 2017. The Board panel includes Peter W. Gurnham, Roland A. Deveau, and Steven M. Murphy.

the proposed Terms of Reference in response to those comments, and we include herein an amended Proposed Terms of Reference. In summary, to address the thrust of all comments received, Synapse will: 1) Adjust the timeline to allow addition...

AI summary Synapse revises the Terms of Reference to include additional stakeholder input, extended timelines, detailed modeling analysis plans, and scenario-based resource planning in response to feedback.

uns. e. Specify balancing area constructs to model. Research and develop alternatives to model balancing area constructs over the longer-term (e.g., NS alone, with import paths from NB and NL; or 3 combined Maritime provincial balancing re...

AI summary The text outlines steps for modeling balancing area constructs, incorporating technical constraints, and conducting stakeholder reviews using Plexos software. It emphasizes collaboration with NSPI, iterative modeling, and stakeholder feedback through conferences and hearings.

PO Box 910 ● Halifax, Nova Sco a ● Canada ● B3J 2W5 August 10, 2017 Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 1692, Unit “M” Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Re: M0805...

AI summary NS Power provides further comments on Synapse's amended Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Generation Utilization and Optimization Process, noting Synapse's incorporation of stakeholder feedback regarding consultation opportunities and modeling adjustments. The Utility and Review Board (UARB) invited comments on the initial draft TOR, leading to Synapse's revised proposal.

odeling to be done after presentation of their draft report. With respect to other comments filed by interested parties, Synapse provided the following general response: August 10, 2017 D. Friis The overall timeframe for the analysis and t...

AI summary Synapse outlines limitations in modeling thermal fleet retention cost-effectiveness due to planning vs. operational scope. NS Power, CA, SBA, IG, and PHP provide feedback on study parameters, stakeholder alignment, modeling clarity, and input opportunities.

for the IG provided comments respecting specific considerations for the modeling plan runs and scope of work and milestones. Finally, PHP’s comments focused on opportunities for stakeholder input. While Synapse has adjusted the timeline to...

AI summary NS Power expresses concerns about Synapse's lack of response to stakeholder comments on the modeling plan, emphasizing the need for transparency, technical feasibility, and alignment with customer interests. It stresses the importance of a clear process for evaluating grid transitions from coal to alternative solutions while balancing affordability and reliability.

Blackburn Law e August 8, 2017 VIA EMAIL Ms. Doreen Friis Regulatory Affairs Officer/Clerk Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax NS B3J 3S3 Dear Ms. Friis: Re: M08059 - Generation Utilization and O...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) critiques Synapse's revised Terms of Reference for the 'Generation Utilization and Optimization' proceeding, noting unresolved concerns about modelling transparency and missing metrics for Synapse's conclusions, despite increased stakeholder involvement.

18”, was received on May 1, 2018 and distributed to participants. The appendices to that report are included with this letter, and the confidential version has been posted in the TitanFile repository. The Board had tentatively reserved the...

AI summary The letter outlines procedural steps for a regulatory proceeding, including the submission deadlines for NSPI's comments on a Synapse report, stakeholder feedback, and Synapse's reply. It also lists the Board panel members assigned to the matter and references the document number and interested parties.

ssed concern about the time required to execute the proposed modeling plan. A copy of NS Power’s correspondence to Synapse dated November 3, 2017 is attached at Appendix A for the Board’s reference. Following receipt of comments, on Decemb...

AI summary NS Power and Synapse Energy Economics collaborated on a modeling plan for a Plexos Optimization Analysis, reducing scenarios from 30 to 12 after stakeholder feedback. NS Power submitted comments to Synapse and the Board, aligning with prior input. A technical conference and draft report were part of the process, with further revisions planned based on attendee feedback.

Analysis – Draft for Comment”. On November 7, 2017, comments were provided to Synapse on its memo by Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NS Power), the Consumer Advocate (CA), the Small Business Advocate (SBA), 1 Terms of Reference, Synapse Energy Eco...

AI summary The document outlines stakeholder involvement in a regulatory proceeding, including NS Power, the Consumer Advocate, and Synapse's engagement process. It references prior proceedings (M07540, M07611, M07745) and ongoing efforts to establish a participant list for M08059. The Terms of Reference were approved by UARB in August 2017, with Synapse's communications copied to Technical Conference participants.

rror that double counted the costs of new Nova Scotia wind, which significantly affected the NPVRR costs associated with all scenarios with increased wind levels, Scenario 13, 14, 16, 17, 25, and 26.” As active participants throughout this...

AI summary PHP highlights an error in Synapse's analysis that double-counted Nova Scotia wind costs, affecting multiple scenarios. While the error didn't alter conclusions, PHP advocates for proactive disclosure of significant changes post-technical conferences to enhance transparency and stakeholder input in future proceedings.

this area. Failure to do so could result in customers, such as small businesses, paying more for their electricity than is necessary and NSPI have a significant amount of ultimately stranded assets. 1 T: 902-835-8544 F: 902-835-4310 E: inf...

AI summary The SBA acknowledges Synapse's report on thermal fleet economic benefits through 2030 but warns against misinterpreting its findings as directives for resource planning. The report's focus was limited to fossil-fueled thermal fleet retention, not broader energy/resource evaluations, which should be addressed in the next IRP. Concerns include potential stranded assets and affordability impacts on small businesses.

8 Page 3 EfficiencyOne thanks the UARB for the opportunity to provide comments on this matter, all of which are respectfully submitted. Yours Truly, THE BRETON LAW GROUP James R. Gogan JRG/jmd cc. M08059 Participants S. Bruce Outhouse, NSU...

AI summary EfficiencyOne submits comments to the UARB regarding a regulatory matter, acknowledging the opportunity provided. The letter is signed by James R. Gogan of The Breton Law Group and copied to participants in matter M08059.

ll of the above pre-IRP analyses by that same date. This will enable proceeding with timely confirmation of appropriate input assumptions for use in the modeling and analysis phase of the IRP process. Also, recognizing that the DSM Potenti...

AI summary The document outlines steps for the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process, emphasizing pre-IRP analyses, stakeholder engagement in the DSM Potential Study, and Synapse's role. It concludes the generation utilization matter and notes ongoing regulatory coordination with NS Power, EfficiencyOne, and other stakeholders.