N-1Distributed Energy Resource Integration Roadmap Cover Letter and Attachments
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June 30, 2026 Crystal Henwood Clerk of the Board Nova Scotia Energy Board 1601 Lower Water Street, 3rd Floor Halifax, NS B3J 3S3 Re: M12177 – Nova Scotia Power Inc. – Smart Grid Nova Scotia - Final Report Decision Directive – Distributed E...
AI summary The letter outlines key developments in Nova Scotia's electricity sector since the direction was issued to NS Power to develop a DERIR. These include the establishment of the Nova Scotia Energy Board, the creation of the IESO-NS, and ongoing proceedings related to DSM plans and the IRP. These changes impact DER integration and are shaping the regulatory framework.
Why DERs? Nova Scotia's electricity system is facing an evolving energy landscape shaped by three key trends: Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are recognized as key enablers of decarbonization goals, system flexibility, and load managem...
AI summary Nova Scotia's electricity system is adapting to trends that include the growing adoption of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), which offer benefits such as decarbonization and grid flexibility. However, scaling DERs introduces operational challenges, requiring a coordinated approach to ensure grid reliability, affordability, and clean energy delivery.
State of Play in Nova Scotia In Nova Scotia, DER adoption and electrification has increased. From 2019 to 2024, EV vehicle registrations have increased significantly from 160 annual registrations in 2019 to over 2,800 in 202[4](#page-14-0)...
AI summary Nova Scotia has seen significant growth in DER adoption and electrification, with EV registrations increasing from 160 in 2019 to over 2,800 in 2024, and net-metering interconnections tripling. Heat pump installations are also growing, with the 2026 Load Forecast Report projecting that 50% of homes will use heat pumps for heating by 2026. This growth is expected to increase system peak demand by 28% between 2024 and 2035, necessitating proactive planning.
Guiding Principles The goal of the DERIR is to provide a path that unlocks both grid and customer benefits from DERs, to support a more affordable, reliable, and clean electricity system for Nova Scotia. The following principles will guide...
AI summary The DERIR aims to integrate distributed energy resources (DERs) in a way that delivers grid and customer benefits, ensuring affordability, reliability, equity, adaptability, and collaboration with stakeholders like E1 and IESO-NS.
Qualitative Assessment Criteria Assessment Rationale Strategic Fit ●●● HIGH Enhanced DER forecasting and analysis supports planning for capacity, reliability, and DER integration. It aligns with current provincial climate goals and grid mo...
AI summary The qualitative assessment highlights the strategic fit and benefits of enhanced DER forecasting and analysis. It supports planning for capacity, reliability, and DER integration, aligns with provincial climate goals, and can improve distribution planning, reliability, and operational efficiencies while advancing decarbonization and economic objectives.
Overview This strategy does not propose bypassing established legislative and regulatory processes. Instead, it recognizes that as the electricity system and DER landscape evolve, policy and regulatory frameworks in Nova Scotia may also ne...
AI summary This strategy emphasizes the need for regulatory adaptation to support DER innovation and flexible utility planning. Stakeholders stress the importance of regulatory oversight at all stages, express concerns about delays from slow processes, and raise questions about alignment with ongoing NSEB proceedings and affordability.
Qualitative Assessment Criteria Assessment Rationale Strategic Fit ●●● HIGH Grid modernization helps ensure safe and reliable distribution operations and compliance with government reliability performance standards. As DER penetration incr...
AI summary The qualitative assessment highlights the strategic fit, benefits, cost favourability, and risk management of grid modernization. It emphasizes the importance of grid modernization for reliability, DER integration, and operational efficiency, while noting the significant upfront costs and implementation risks.
Jurisdictional Scan Overview – Utilities Reviewed
AI summary The document provides an overview of a jurisdictional scan of utilities reviewed, including technical systems and infrastructure such as AMI, ADMS, and SCADA. It includes a reference to a picture on page 73.