Topic:"Stakeholder Engagement" in M12619

1 The 2026 ACE Plan also includes the following information provided as separate appendices: 2 3 • Confidentiality Matrix (Appendix A) – The confidentiality matrix provides a listing of 4 capital items submitted for approval, their attachm...

AI summary The 2026 ACE Plan includes appendices such as a confidentiality matrix, project listings, updated capital reports, and revised capital expenditure justification criteria. These materials aim to enhance transparency and provide the Board with detailed information for evaluation.

1 transmission line replacement and upgrade projects completed since filing of the 2025 2 ACE Plan application. 14 Please refer to Appendix I. 3 14. The Board directs that NS Power consult with stakeholders about incorporating a 4 definiti...

AI summary The NSEB directed NS Power to consult stakeholders on updating the CEJC to include a definition of Scope Change for the 2026 ACE Plan. NS Power held an engagement session and received feedback from the Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate, and Industrial Group, with the SBA suggesting aligning the Scope Change definition with the definition of Scope.

1 single ATO or, if the project is complete, a FIN application with explanatory commentary rather 2 than filing a separate Scope Change application. This approach consolidates all known information 3 into one filing, ensuring transparency...

AI summary NS Power proposes consolidating Scope Change applications into a single ATO or FIN application to improve regulatory efficiency. The focus on prudency emphasizes significant changes over routine adjustments. NS Power is open to updating the CEJC to include scope changes when alternatives in the project rationale shift. The Company values stakeholder input and collaboration.

continues to believe that the stakeholder engagement process provides an open and 24 collaborative forum to address areas of interest. 25 26 Please refer to Appendix D, which includes the stakeholder engagement materials, the list of CEJC...

AI summary The document discusses the stakeholder engagement process and the submission of the Detailed and Summary CEJC by NS Power, requesting their acceptance and approval. It also references the 2026 ACE Plan, which is marked as confidential.

Not Applicable (NA) NR NR E. Technology Selection Process Technology Not Applicable (NA) F. Strategy Contracting/Sourcing Preliminary (P) NR P Escalation Not Applicable (NA) NR G. Planning Logistics Plan Preliminary (P) P P P Integrated Pr...

AI summary The document outlines various project planning and management components, including logistics, integrated project plans, project codes of accounts, schedules, regulatory approvals, risk registers, stakeholder management plans, work breakdown structures, and start-up plans. Environmental impact assessments are noted as not applicable.

Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Defined (D) NR P D D D Risk Register Preliminary (P) NR P Stakeholder Consultation/Engagement/Management Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Defined (D) NR P D...

AI summary The text outlines various project planning and regulatory documentation stages, including definitions, risk registers, stakeholder engagement, work breakdown structures, and technical deliverables. It highlights the preliminary and defined status of several components, with some items marked as not applicable.

D Escalation Not Applicable (NA) NR G. Planning Logistics Plan Not Applicable (NA) Integrated Project Plan Not Applicable (NA) NR Project Code of Accounts Not Applicable (NA) NR Project Schedule Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval &...

AI summary The text outlines project planning and documentation status for a regulatory proceeding, indicating that several planning and study components are not applicable (NA), while others such as the project schedule and start-up plan are defined or complete.

Defined (D) P P P D D Integrated Project Plan Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Code of Accounts Defined (D) NR P D D D Project Schedule Defined (D) NR P D D D Regulatory Approval & Permitting Preliminary (P) NR P Risk Register Preliminary (P...

AI summary The text outlines various project management and regulatory planning documents, including the Integrated Project Plan, Project Code of Accounts, and Work Breakdown Structure. It also mentions preliminary stages of regulatory approval and permitting, risk registers, and stakeholder engagement plans. Some studies, such as routing options and environmental assessments, are defined or not applicable.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix E Page 2 of 17 Mersey Hydro Update Non-Confidential 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 3 4 2.0 SUST...

AI summary The document outlines the Mersey Hydro Update as part of the 2026 ACE Plan Appendix E, covering investment sustainability, project development, NPV analysis, and upcoming IRP considerations. Sections include redevelopment, decommissioning costs, and stakeholder engagement, though content is partially redacted.

2026 ACE Plan Appendix E Page 4 of 17 Mersey Hydro Update Non-Confidential 1 The sections below provide NS Power’s response, including: 2 3 • An update on the incremental sustaining investments that have been incorporated into the 4 Hydro...

AI summary NS Power outlines updates on Mersey Hydro redevelopment, including sustaining investments in the Hydro Interval Plan (HIP), stakeholder engagement with First Nations and government, an NPV analysis comparing redevelopment options, and cost estimates for preliminary engineering and procurement for 2028. The analysis includes assumptions and engagement details.

1 3.0 ONGOING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND MI’KMAQ AND STAKEHOLDER 2 ENGAGEMENT 3 4 While active project work on the Mersey Redevelopment remains paused, NS Power continues to 5 build an understanding of requirements resulting from the recent s...

AI summary NS Power is paused on the Mersey Redevelopment project but continues engaging with Mi’kmaq communities, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and Nova Scotia government departments to address new environmental regulatory requirements, including compliance with the modernized Fisheries Act (2019) and fish passage obligations. These requirements are expected to significantly impact project timelines, costs, and scope.

requirements associated with fish passage, which 23 has resulted in subsequent impacts to project timing, cost and scope. NS Power has maintained 24 regular engagement with DFO to improve information sharing and feedback on upcoming projec...

AI summary NS Power has faced project delays and cost increases due to fish passage requirements, necessitating engagement with DFO and Mi’kmaw communities. The company is applying lessons from past projects like Roseway Asset Decommissioning and Ruth Falls Main Dam Refurbishment to improve stakeholder collaboration and alignment with regulatory priorities.

1 6.0 CONCLUSION 2 3 NS Power has increased the incremental sustaining investment in the MHS to maintain safe and 4 reliable operation of the system, while deferring a major investment for customers until the future 5 of the MHS is determi...

AI summary NS Power defers major redevelopment of Mersey Hydro Station (MHS) until the next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to avoid long-term commitments, aligning with Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan and prioritizing affordability. Incremental investments maintain safe operations while conducting preliminary studies and stakeholder engagement.

600 Total Fuel Conversions 609 Load Management Initiatives 150 2025-2029 2025-2029 Total Coal Phase Out 1,229 1 1 Timing has been updated to reflect that this wind project will come online in phases. Please refer to Section 6.1.3.3 2 for f...

AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia Power's strategy to integrate renewable and dispatchable resources through the Evergreen IRP Action Plan, emphasizing collaboration with stakeholders including the government, IPPs, EfficiencyOne, Mi’kmaw partners, and IESO-NS. It highlights flexibility in resource additions and coordination for The Path to 2030, incorporating load management and green hydrogen development.

complete work to regulated model, review and enable including issuance of transmission competitive required connection to procurements for authorizations. Salisbury, NB. required products • Advocate for and services. federal support • Work...

AI summary The text outlines initiatives for transmission expansion, competitive procurements, and collaboration with the NB Government on projects like Salisbury, NB, and Point Lepreau. It emphasizes the role of IESO-NS in implementing TPIF and Fast-Acting Generation resources, along with regulatory coordination.

4 4.1 Wildfire Mitigation 5 6 NS Power actively engages with wildfire risk stakeholders across Nova Scotia to inform and 7 prioritize reliability and vegetation management initiatives. As part of NS Power’s Wildfire 8 Mitigation Plan, whic...

AI summary NS Power collaborates with stakeholders on wildfire mitigation, including community-specific risk assessments and accelerated vegetation management. In 2025, 11 km of rights-of-way management was prioritized in Glen Haven and Grand Lake, while emergency resources were deployed during the Long Lake wildfire to remove fire-compromised trees.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 2026 ACE Plan Condition Inputs 19 20 (a) Please provide an update on these stakeholder discussions, and an update on the 21 potential use of the "resilience gap" metric by NS Power. 22 23 (b) Please calculate NS Power's "R...

AI summary The document discusses a request for an update on stakeholder discussions regarding the use of the 'resilience gap' metric by NS Power and a request to calculate the 'Resilience Gap' for the past five years. NS Power responds that no specific discussions have taken place and that the metric does not provide significantly more insight than existing metrics.

7.0 Site Location, Control, and Access

AI summary This section outlines the considerations related to site location, control, and access in the context of energy infrastructure planning and management. It includes details about regulatory processes, stakeholder involvement, and technical standards for ensuring reliability and safety.

12.2 Employee Information and Training The following section describes the methods, practices and policies incorporated by the Company to assure appropriate training of employees. - − At the employee's initial assignment. - − Whenever a ne...

AI summary The section outlines the Company's policies for employee training, including initial assignment training, training upon introduction of new hazards, reassignment training, and annual refreshers conducted during Toolbox Meetings.

Tufts Cove Shoreline Sheet Pile Rock Revetment RFP-06/2025-545 Contracto or Safety Management Program - Appen dix B – NSPI F Hazard Anal lysis Page 4 d , Boating Contractor Approval A Α Qualified Workers С Α SPI SWPs: NP 01 – Devision from...

AI summary The document outlines safety management programs and risk categories for a shoreline revetment project, including requirements for boating contractor approval, qualified workers, and various safety practices. It also identifies applicable and not applicable risk areas such as regulatory compliance, environmental impacts, and stakeholder engagement.

ELLIOT EXCAVATORS LTD. Employee Training Courses Transportation of Dangerous Goods Feb 15/26

AI summary The document outlines employee training courses, specifically focusing on the Transportation of Dangerous Goods, scheduled for February 15 and 26.

Q: Are there topics from the Path to 2030 Report that you wish to discuss? A: Yes. I am concerned that there has not been adequate stakeholder consultation regarding the Synchronous Condensers (ECEI) project (C0072808). The synchronous con...

AI summary The respondent is concerned about insufficient stakeholder consultation on the Synchronous Condensers (ECEI) project (C0072808). The project was first introduced in the 2025 ACE Plan with a budget of $244 million, but the Path to 2030 Report does not adequately reflect recent developments, such as the increased budget of $365 million for up to 9 units.

Q: Why is the status of the synchronous condenser project concerning? A: In contrast to, for example, the NS-NB Reliability Intertie Project, there has been no stakeholder presentation explaining why synchronous condensers have been select...

AI summary The status of the synchronous condenser project is concerning due to the lack of stakeholder presentation explaining why this technology was chosen for wind integration. The Board may face a dilemma between delaying 2030 compliance milestones or approving a potentially flawed project if the application does not provide a strong case for the selected technology.

response and cross-answer testimony on Avista's 2024 General Rate Case on behalf of the WUTC Staff. Net power expenses. Impact of carbon emissions policy. Revision to energy recovery mechanism (ERM). Nova Scotia UARB Matter No. M11689, dir...

AI summary The text outlines various regulatory proceedings and expert testimonies related to energy and utility matters in Nova Scotia and Washington. Topics include rate cases, load forecasts, fuel adjustment mechanisms, and the prudency of power purchase agreements, with a focus on carbon emissions policy and electrification impacts.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 3 1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 4 2.0 RESPONSE TO CA (WILSON) EVIDENCE 5 5 2.1 Recommendation 1 – Work Management and Scheduling & Dispatch 5 6 2.2 Recommendation 2 – Maximo/Salesforce Capabilities5 7 2.3 Recomm...

AI summary This document outlines Nova Scotia Power's 2026 Annual Capital Expenditure (ACE) Plan, which includes capital investments for 2026 and future spending forecasts up to 2030. It discusses responses to evidence from the Consumer Advocate and other stakeholders, as well as recommendations related to work management, project contingency, and reliability planning.

DATE FILED: April 8, 2026 Page 4 of 19 1 2.0 RESPONSE TO CA (WILSON) EVIDENCE 2 3 The Wilson Evidence makes 15 recommendations and raises two additional concerns without 4 associated recommendations: (1) stakeholder consultation regarding...

AI summary The document responds to the Wilson Evidence, which includes 15 recommendations and two concerns regarding stakeholder consultation on synchronous condensers and uncertainty around the Mersey Hydro project. The response addresses the first recommendation related to reporting requirements for the Work Management and Scheduling & Dispatch project.

Residual hydrocarbor conditions in indoor of Surface soils are not No dirt basement floo Confirmed that correct Confirmed that correct Default Site Charact Issue Depth to groundwate Impacted soil thicknet Default foundation craft. is do no...

AI summary The text discusses site assessment and tier I/II table checklist, including residual hydrocarbon conditions, soil types, and depth to groundwater. It confirms that certain conditions do not create objectionable odours or explosive risks, and addresses site characteristics and foundation considerations.

boration to support a transparent, efficient, and fair transition to an lESO-administered electricity system. [Emphasis in original] [Letter from the Office of the Minister of Energy, April 15, 2026] [203] The Board notes there were no pro...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's updated Synchronous Condenser project with a $365 million cost, an increase from the original estimate due to a scope change involving nine condensers instead of four. This change was linked to additional planned wind farms beyond the Rate Based Procurement. The need for coordination between the IESO Nova Scotia, NS Power, and provincial policy directives was emphasized.

NOTICE OF INTERVENTION OF: CONSUMER ADVOCATE TAKE NOTICE that the Consumer Advocate hereby intervenes in the above Application and proceeding. The Consumer Advocate represents the interests of residential ratepayers, who may be impacted by...

AI summary The Consumer Advocate intervenes in the proceeding, representing residential ratepayers. They will address issues raised by the Energy Board and any other relevant matters. Legal representation is provided by Pink Larkin, with John Wilson as a consultant.

027. 3. Please confirm that this work, and the related cost estimates, also includes Mi’kmaq and stakeholder engagement activities. 4. If not confirmed, please explain. Partial Decommissioning Costs: 1. On page 638, NS Power states: “The M...

AI summary The document requests clarification on the inclusion of Mi’kmaq and stakeholder engagement in cost estimates and questions discrepancies in the partial decommissioning cost of the MHS. It highlights differences between the stated cost and an attachment, and seeks explanation on the scope of decommissioning activities.

n year-over-year routine capital growth, and there is no trigger that requires NSPI to explain why routine capital has increased by a specific magnitude. As testified by Mr. Beaton, on behalf of NSPI: No, we don't necessarily put a cap on...

AI summary The text discusses the lack of a cap on routine capital growth by NSPI and the need for stakeholder engagement to determine if additional justification for routine spending should be required. It highlights the importance of cost reduction efforts without compromising reliability or safety.

CONCLUSION The Industrial Group respectfully requests that the Board: - 1. Direct NSPI to provide a more complete Year 3 update to the Five-Year Reliability Plan, including a reconciliation of planned versus actual spending, an explanation...

AI summary The Industrial Group requests the Board to direct NSPI to provide more detailed updates to the Five-Year Reliability Plan, revise the Scope Change definition, enhance cost-variance disclosure, and improve stakeholder engagement and coordination with IESO-NS in future filings.

- administrative matter for the Board and stakeholders to consider in future proceedings. - Specifically, NS Power respectfully submits that there may be value in reassessing the extent of - information and the number of figures included i...

AI summary NS Power suggests that the 2026 ACE Plan may benefit from a reassessment of the information included, particularly in Section 11.1.4, due to potential confusion and lack of probative value. It also proposes moving reliability-related information to the Five-Year Reliability Plan update to consolidate and streamline data presentation for the Board and stakeholders.

The IG does not take a position on any of the individual capital projects but requests that the Board: 1. Direct NSPI to provide a more complete Year 3 update to the Five-Year Reliability Plan; 2. Decline to approve NSPI's proposed Scope C...

AI summary The IG requests several actions from the Board regarding NSPI's capital projects, including updates to the Reliability Plan, revised definitions for Scope Change, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. NS Power opposes these requests, arguing they are unnecessary under the current regulatory framework.

2.4 Stakeholder Engagement to Review "Routine Expenditure" section of the CEJC support the conclusion that the work no longer meets the established definition of routine capital. The IG requests that the Board initiate a stakeholder engage...

AI summary The Intervenor Group (IG) requests the Board to initiate a stakeholder engagement process to review the 'Routine Expenditure' section of the CEJC and assess the need for a materiality threshold for significant year-over-year increases in routine spending. NS Power argues that existing annual review mechanisms already provide sufficient transparency and justification for routine expenditures.

2.4.2 Directives [88] The Board finds that the sustained growth and evolving composition of the Routine Program require requires enhanced prospective transparency. The additional information is intended to preserve the regulatory efficienc...

AI summary The Board requires NS Power to enhance transparency and reporting for the Routine Program, including detailed financial and operational data, to ensure regulatory efficiency and proper cost justification. This includes rolling five-year comparisons, cost breakdowns, and explanations for changes in expenditures.

3.2 CEJC Scope Change Amendments and Recommendations [99] Capital project Scope Change applications are currently addressed in Section 12.2 of NS Power's Capital Expenditure Justification Criteria. These are intended to address changes in...

AI summary The document discusses the need to define 'Scope Change' in the CEJC, as raised by the IG during the 2025 ACE Plan proceeding. The Board agreed and directed NS Power to consult on incorporating a definition into the CEJC for the 2026 ACE Plan.

ight take place. He said NS Power would continue its discussions with the four RFP proponents, which involved minimal costs, until more detail was known about the impact of the subject correspondence. [205] There is no Synchronous Condense...

AI summary The document discusses the lack of a Synchronous Condenser Project before the Board and highlights the need for close coordination between NS Power, the IESO Nova Scotia, and the Province of Nova Scotia to avoid duplication of effort and delays. NS Power spent nearly $1 million on the project before realizing it may not align with the More Access to Energy Act .

I N D E X O F P R O C E E D I N G S April 21, 2026 PAGE NO. 15 received a Notice of Intervention from Eastward Energy, 16 but they've indicated they will not be appearing here 17 today. 18 I should confirm that. I don't see 19 anybody from...

AI summary The document outlines the index of proceedings, including the receipt of a Notice of Intervention from Eastward Energy, and the opening statements from various parties such as the Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate, and Nova Scotia Power. The schedule for cross-examination and the general procedure for the hearings are also mentioned.

NS POWER PANEL 503 Questions, (Murphy) 1 engagement and stakeholder process to really understand 2 the socioeconomic impacts and costs associated with that 3 decommissioning. There would be a significant impact on 4 the residents and prope...

AI summary The discussion centers on the decommissioning of hydro systems, emphasizing the need for extensive stakeholder engagement to evaluate socioeconomic impacts and costs. The Chair questions whether cost comparisons between decommissioning options are being developed at the same level, with a response indicating that full decommissioning may be less costly than partial decommissioning in some cases.

NS POWER PANEL 543 Questions, (Chair) 1 27, obviously, if the plan changed, the future GRAs would 2 have to consider it as well? 3 A. (Beaton) Certainly. 4 If well, I'll leave that Q. 5 aside. I'll ask it later or ask it in a different way...

AI summary The discussion centers on how changes to the Five-Year Reliability Plan may affect future General Rate Applications (GRAs) and whether feedback from ratepayers has been sought regarding potential improvements to performance metrics. NS Power mentions that performance standards will be reviewed, with customer representatives having an opportunity to provide feedback.