N-1Terms of Reference - Clean
9 passages
INTRODUCTION The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a comprehensive planning exercise focused on evaluating energy system adequacy to meet future electricity demand. An IRP assesses both supply-side and demand-side resources within the cont...
AI summary The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) transitioned from Nova Scotia Power Inc. to the Independent Energy System Operator of Nova Scotia (IESO) under the More Access to Energy Act (MAEA). Key activities include stakeholder engagement, an ELCC study, and development of the IRP Terms of Reference (ToR) with feedback from 17 stakeholders. The ELCC study, mandated by the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB), aims to assess resource capacity values.
PROCESS IESO Nova Scotia is proposing following an approach which builds on the process that was successfully used in previous IRP studies in Nova Scotia. [Figure 1](#page-4-0) depicts the phases of the IRP Process with stakeholder engagem...
AI summary The document outlines Nova Scotia's Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and pre-IRP studies. Key studies include the ELCC analysis, hybrid-heating research, and DSM potential assessments. The Terms of Reference (ToR) guide the IRP's execution, including evaluation criteria and timelines.
Technical Working Group IESO Nova Scotia is proposing the establishment of a technical working group to collaborate with throughout the IRP. The focus of the TWG will be to provide technical input on the overall approach to the analysis. I...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia proposes a Technical Working Group (TWG) to provide technical input on the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The TWG includes representatives from regulatory bodies, utilities, NGOs, and Indigenous groups. Net-Zero Atlantic was selected for the NGO seat after a selection process. Meeting minutes will be publicly shared to ensure transparency.
EVALUATION CRITERIA The IRP will assess a range of scenarios and sensitivities in order to develop a plan that is robust across a range of potential outcomes. Importantly, there must be a means for evaluating the scenarios and selecting a...
AI summary The IESO proposes using a scorecard to evaluate Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) scenarios, balancing least-cost objectives with sustainability goals from the MAEA. The scorecard incorporates stakeholder feedback and secondary metrics, with the highest-scoring plan selected as preferred. This approach marks Nova Scotia's first use of such a method for IRP selection.
TIMELINE The IRP is expected to be complete in December 2026. The below IRP schedule outlines the completion dates for key activities, planned stakeholder sessions with interested parties, and targeted dates for the dissemination of backgr...
AI summary The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with key activities, stakeholder sessions, and background report dissemination dates outlined in the provided timeline.
April 2026 - Apr 17 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topics: Dunsky IRP Review Report and the ToR - Apr 24 Deadline for written comments on the ToR
AI summary In April 2026, a stakeholder engagement session focused on the Dunsky IRP Review Report and Terms of Reference (ToR), with a deadline set for April 24 for written comments on the ToR.
June 2026 - Jun 8 Deadline for written comments on assumptions, scenarios and sensitivities - Jun 19 Assumption set two published - Jun 25 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topics: Review assumption set two and updates to scenarios and se...
AI summary In June 2026, the regulatory proceeding includes a deadline for written comments on assumptions, publication of assumption set two, and a stakeholder engagement session focused on reviewing assumptions and scenario updates.
August 2026 - Aug 12 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topics: Preliminary modelling results - Aug 24 Deadline for written comments on preliminary modelling results
AI summary In August 2026, a stakeholder engagement session was held to discuss preliminary modelling results, with a deadline set for August 24 for written comments on those results.
October 2026 - Oct 15 Modelling results and draft action plan published - Oct 22 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topics: Modelling results and draft action plan
AI summary In October 2026, modelling results and a draft action plan were published on October 15, followed by a stakeholder engagement session on October 22 to discuss these materials. The session focused on topics related to the modelling outcomes and proposed actions.
N-1-(i)Terms of Reference - Tracked Changes
7 passages
INTRODUCTION The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a comprehensive planning exercise focused on evaluating energy system adequacy to meet future electricity demand. An IRP assesses both supply-side and demand-side resources within the cont...
AI summary The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) transitioned from Nova Scotia Power Inc. to IESO Nova Scotia under the More Access to Energy Act (MAEA). Key steps include stakeholder engagement, a Request for Proposals (RFP) with Dunsky, and collaboration with E3 on an ELCC study. The IRP process involves public consultation and regulatory directives, with a draft Terms of Reference finalized in April 2026.
PROCESS IESO Nova Scotia is proposing following an approach which builds on the process that was successfully used in previous IRP studies in Nova Scotia. Figure 1Figure 1 depicts the phases of the IRP Process with stakeholder engagement a...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia outlines an IRP process with stakeholder engagement at each phase, referencing pre-IRP studies like the ELCC study and DSM Potential Study. The process includes defining terms such as 'sustainable development' and 'sustainable prosperity' based on Nova Scotia legislation, with studies led by IESO, Nova Scotia Power, Net Zero Atlantic, and EfficiencyOne.
Technical Working Group IESO Nova Scotia is proposing the establishment of a technical working group to collaborate with throughout the IRP. The focus of the TWG will be to provide technical input on the overall approach to the analysis. I...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia proposes a Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), comprising 8 members from diverse sectors. The TWG aims to provide technical input, with membership including organizations like NS Power, Efficiency One, and Net-Zero Atlantic. Meeting minutes will be publicly shared, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit expressions of interest for the NGO seat.
May 2026 - May 8 ToR submitted to the NSEB - May 1219 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topic: ELCC Study - May 21 Draft assumptions and scenarios published - May 228 ToR published and submitted to the NSEB - May 25 Assumption set one and...
AI summary In May 2026, the NSEB received Terms of Reference (ToR) submissions, hosted stakeholder sessions on the ELCC Study and ToR updates, and published draft assumptions, scenarios, and sensitivity analyses as part of a regulatory proceeding.
June 2026 - Jun 5 8 Deadline for written comments on assumptions an,d scenarios and sensitivities - Jun 19 Assumption set two published - Jun 25 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topics: Review assumption set two and updates to scenarios...
AI summary June 2026 timeline includes a deadline for written comments on assumptions, scenario updates, and a stakeholder engagement session focused on reviewing assumption set two and scenario sensitivities.
August 2026 - Aug 12 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topics: Preliminary modelling results - Aug 1924 Deadline for written comments on preliminary modelling results
AI summary In August 2026, a stakeholder engagement session was held on August 12 to discuss preliminary modelling results, with a deadline for written comments set from August 19 to 24.
October 2026 - Oct 15 Modelling results and draft action plan published - Oct 22 Stakeholder engagement session - o Topics: Modelling results and draft action plan Oct 29 - Deadline for written comments on modelling results and draft actio...
AI summary In October 2026, modelling results and a draft action plan were published, followed by a stakeholder engagement session on October 22. Written comments on these materials were due by October 29, focusing on discussions around the modelling outcomes and proposed actions.
102117Responses to Stakeholder TOR Feedback - IESO
22 passages
APRIL 17 STAKEHOLDER SESSION QUESTIONS Question/Comment Response As stakeholders are engaged, how will they be educated, informed and supported in understanding health and health impacts? This question is out of scope for the IRP process....
AI summary Stakeholders asked about education on health impacts, engagement with hard-to-reach groups, technology neutrality in RFPs, and inclusion of subject matter experts in the technical working group. Responses indicated that some questions were out of scope for the IRP process, while engagement strategies and flexibility in expert inclusion were confirmed.
BATES WHITE Question/Comment Response The ToR should clarify that the process of identifying, considering and selecting model scenarios and sensitivities will involve close consultation with stakeholders Stakeholders will have the opportun...
AI summary The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) have been updated to ensure close stakeholder consultation in the process of identifying, considering, and selecting model scenarios and sensitivities.
The reference in the final sentence to the LOLE study appears unconnected to the discussion of the ELCC study commissioned by the IESO. It may be that the final sentence attempts to explain how the ELCC study will be conducted, and that th...
AI summary The text discusses the ELCC study commissioned by the IESO and suggests clarifying the final sentence regarding the LOLE study. It also recommends specifying which stakeholders were involved in developing the ELCC study scope of work, noting that feedback was received from various groups in 2025.
this IRP objective to include all resource cost assumptions. The ToR would benefit from additional specificity regarding the pre-IRP studies that have been commissioned by the IESO, which will allow stakeholders to plan their resources for...
AI summary The document discusses revisions to the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), including adding specificity regarding pre-IRP studies, incorporating sensitivities into assumption development, and improving stakeholder engagement language. Stakeholders also raised concerns about meeting participation limits and the need for written requests for information.
EAST COAST ENVIRONMENTAL LAW these categories or, at minimum, consider reductions to their weights in the evaluation process. Eastward notes that the time periods in the proposed IRP schedule for stakeholders to provide written comments fo...
AI summary Eastward suggests extending the comment period for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) from one week to 10 days following engagement sessions to allow stakeholders more time to provide feedback. Eastward also offers to participate in the Technical Working Group (TWG) to provide expert opinion on a specific area.
NOVA SCOTIA POWER Question/Comment Response NS Power notes the TOR and Report will be filed with the NSEB. Will the feedback provided by stakeholders be captured as part of an IR process with the NSEB for these phases or will feedback be p...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power is engaging stakeholders in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process. Stakeholders have asked about how feedback will be handled and whether the feedback period can be extended. IESO Nova Scotia has responded by extending the feedback window from 7 to 10 days and ensuring that stakeholder comments and responses are available on the IESO-NS system planning website.
NRSTOR Question/Comment Response the committee. As the largest load in the province, PHP does not feel any of its interests will be represented by any member of the TWG, as PHP is not represented by any consumer group in Nova Scotia . PHP...
AI summary PHP, the largest load in Nova Scotia, argues that it is not represented by any consumer group and urges the IESO to add it to the TWG. PHP is a fully integrated asset on the grid and a critical resource for the system operator.
SMALL BUSINESS ADVOCATE Question/Comment Response The Draft TOR does not include explicit discussion of risk Scenarios and sensitivities will be used to vary and test analysis, aside from the "Technology Risk" factor included in different...
AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) raises concerns about the Draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), emphasizing the need for explicit risk considerations and clarity in the scoring methodology. The IESO Nova Scotia responds by acknowledging the need for stakeholder engagement and updating the TOR to address these issues.
SYNAPSE Question/Comment Response 2. The Effective Load Carrying Capacity (ELCC) study – led jointly by IESO Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power 3. Hybrid-heating study - led by Net- Zero Atlantic 4. DSM Potential Study – led by EfficiencyOn...
AI summary The document outlines several studies being conducted, including the Effective Load Carrying Capacity (ELCC) study led by IESO Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Power, a hybrid-heating study led by Net-Zero Atlantic, and a DSM Potential Study led by EfficiencyOne. It also suggests increasing stakeholder involvement in scenario selection for the ELCC study.
2. Model scenarios The ToR states that "IESO Nova Scotia will strive for a reduced set of crisp, focused scenarios which (a) are designed to support key decisions, (b) are anchored around one 'most likely' base case, (c) represent holistic...
AI summary The ToR's language on model scenarios is criticized for being vague and restrictive, with concerns about limiting scenarios to a 'reduced set' and overemphasizing a 'most likely' base case. Stakeholder consultation is recommended, and transparency in data sharing is emphasized.
8. Strengthening commitment to engage with stakeholders The ToR indicates that the IESO "intends to engage with stakeholders as it progresses through the different phases of the IRP."[19](#page-58-2) We recommend replacing the words "inten...
AI summary The document recommends replacing 'intends to' with 'will' in the Terms of Reference to emphasize the IESO's commitment to stakeholder engagement during the Integrated Resource Plan process. It also suggests enabling stakeholders to submit written information requests to the IESO.
9. Relaxing restrictions on Technical Working Group participation We agree with the ToR that Technical Working Group sessions should be productive, and it is possible that allowing for unlimited membership would hinder that goal. However,...
AI summary The text agrees with the Terms of Reference (ToR) goal of productive Technical Working Group (TWG) sessions but argues that proposed membership limits may be overly restrictive. Stakeholders note that limiting participation to one member per organization could exclude valuable expertise and recommend alternatives like minimizing participants or designating a single speaking representative.
2. Technical Work Group Membership Overall, IESO Nova Scotia has proposed a reasonable membership roster for the 2026 IRP technical work group. I concur that the membership should be small in order to facilitate deep engagement. Similar co...
AI summary IESO Nova Scotia's proposed membership for the 2026 IRP technical work group is deemed reasonable, with a recommendation to include a stakeholder representative for renewable energy development based on the Dunsky assessment. Concerns about potential bias from selecting individual resource developers are acknowledged, but the process benefits are considered greater.
3. Pre-IRP Studies The IESO NS should consider holding workshops with the technical work group in advance of finalizing pre-IRP studies. It may be too late for this to occur in some or all cases, but this should be established as a practic...
AI summary The IESO NS is advised to hold workshops with the Technical Working Group prior to finalizing pre-IRP studies to ensure stakeholder engagement in the process.
Stakeholder Input Timing Eastward notes that the time periods in the proposed IRP schedule for stakeholders to provide written comments following the engagement sessions for each of the draft assumptions and scenarios, preliminary modellin...
AI summary Eastward argues the proposed one-week comment period following IRP engagement sessions is insufficient, as stakeholders may need more time to process information and provide feedback. They recommend extending the period to 10 days after each of the three engagement sessions.
• Technical Working Group o NRStor is glad to see the recommendation for enhanced engagement with the Mi'kmaq. Beyond engagement, there should be direct Mi'kmaq representation (as the rightsholders) in the Technical Working group, as is th...
AI summary NRStor supports enhanced Mi'kmaq engagement in the Technical Working Group, advocating for direct representation as rightsholders, citing Ontario IESO's regional planning process as a model.
Nova Scotia Power TOR Section Details/Component NS Power Feedback/ Questions Process Phases of the IRP, which includes the following: - Pre-IRP studies - Terms of Reference - Assumption and Scenario development - Modelling - Analysis and C...
AI summary Nova Scotia Power supports the phases of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as outlined in the Terms of Reference (TOR), including stakeholder engagement and iterative modelling. They inquire whether stakeholder feedback will be captured in an IR process with the Nova Scotia Energy Board (NSEB) or shared publicly by the IESO-NS.
Below are PHP comments on the ToR: - Transmission and distribution, as well as needed ancillary services, are key parts of the development of the grid that do not appear to be included in the IRP, as was the case for the previous IRP. The...
AI summary PHP emphasizes the need to include transmission, distribution, and ancillary services in the IRP, advocate for building on prior IRP findings, reduce scenario complexity while retaining sensitivities, and ensure stakeholder representation. They request adequate time for review, integration of the 10-year system outlook, and inclusion of large-scale projects in the IRP scorecard.
Small Business Advocate Good Afternoon, With apologies for the delay in getting these comments to the group, please find the SBA's comments on the draft Terms of Reference outlined below. I note that we also echo many of the comments made...
AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) submits comments on the draft Terms of Reference (ToR), aligning with other stakeholders' inputs. The SBA emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and transparency in the regulatory process, ensuring small businesses' concerns are addressed in the ToR.
Score card approach should be informed by stakeholder engagement [1] [https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007115/ontario-secures-groundbreaking-national-energy-corridor](https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnew...
AI summary The Draft TOR's proposed score card approach for portfolio optimization lacks clarity on scoring elements and portfolio creation. Concerns include arbitrary metrics (e.g., 1 point deduction for 5% NPV from emerging tech) and potential over-reliance on prescriptive methods. The IESO is urged to engage stakeholders during the IRP process to refine the approach.
RE: Written Feedback on 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) Please see below Solar Nova Scotia (SNS)'s written feedback on the draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 2026 IESO-NS Integrated Resource Plan (IRP...
AI summary Solar Nova Scotia (SNS) requests transparency in stakeholder feedback during the 2026 IESO-NS IRP process and recommends explicitly defining 'energy resources' in the ToR using the More Access to Energy Act (MAEA) definition, which includes demand-side management, storage, and other resources.
- 1. Allow for more intensive stakeholder involvement in the selection of scenarios to be considered. This may include holding a few specific scenario slots to be defined fully by stakeholders. It would be useful to use the May 28th sessio...
AI summary Synapse recommends expanding stakeholder involvement in scenario selection for the 2026 IRP, using PLEXOS for extensive scenario modeling (15-20 scenarios), applying an iterative approach during July-August, and enabling written discovery to supplement NS IESO materials. These measures aim to enhance scenario analysis depth and adaptability.