Topic:"System Reliability" in M12558

Five-Year Reliability Plan 2025-2029 Nova Scotia Power December 20, 2024 NON-CONFIDENTIAL

AI summary The document is titled 'Five-Year Reliability Plan 2025-2029' and was submitted by Nova Scotia Power on December 20, 2024. It is marked as non-confidential and outlines a plan for ensuring electricity system reliability over the next five years.

- 2 A detailed plan with targeted reliability investments to mitigate the risks associated with 3 the impacts of escalating weather events, and - 4 An overview of the expected improvements in reliability for customers as NS Power 5 execute...

AI summary NS Power outlines a detailed plan with targeted reliability investments to mitigate risks from escalating weather events. The plan includes approximately $1.3 billion in investment over 2025-2029, aimed at improving grid reliability and resilience against moderate stress and extreme weather events like hurricanes.

DATE FILED: December 20, 2024 Page 5 of 40 1 1) Improve the customer reliability experience by reducing SAIDI by 20 percent from 2 the current five-year average of 5.10 and achieving the Performance Standards 3 1 SAIFI target of 2.05. 0F 4...

AI summary The document outlines NS Power's commitment to improving customer reliability by reducing SAIDI by 20% and enhancing grid resilience against climate change impacts. It references significant storms like Hurricane Dorian and highlights the importance of evaluating the economic value of outages for investment decisions.

M11692 2025 Storm Cost Recovery Rider (SCRR) 1 customer engagement. In other jurisdictions in the United States and Canada, surveys have been 2 distributed to customers to gather this information, which is then presented to regulators for...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's approach to customer engagement and reliability investment planning, emphasizing the importance of considering customer input and the need for flexibility in the 2025 Storm Cost Recovery Rider (SCRR) and 2026 ACE Plan. It also references the 2022 Annual Capital Expenditure Plan and highlights the need for balancing system resilience with cost considerations and ratepayer impacts.

M11169, NSUARB Decision, Nova Scotia Power 2022 ACE Plan Distribution Routines D0008 ATO, June 27, 2024, at paras. 39-40. 1 2 3 disruptive events but could help to reduce damage and could also facilitate the 5 recovery from a disrupted sta...

AI summary The document highlights the importance of balancing investment decisions in reliability and resiliency with rate impacts, emphasizing the need for open dialogue among NS Power, customers, and government to align system performance and costs. NS Power hopes the 2022 ACE Plan and the regulatory process will facilitate this balance.

1 2.0 HISTORICAL SYSTEM-WIDE RELIABILITY PERFORMANCE 2 12 16 Over the past five years, the causes of power outages and how they contributed to the customer hours of interruption (CHI) are shown in Figure 2 . While there is year-over-year v...

AI summary The document discusses the historical reliability performance of the power system in Nova Scotia, highlighting that tree contacts, particularly during adverse weather, have been the leading cause of power outages over the past five years, contributing to approximately 50% of customer hours of interruption. Addressing this issue is emphasized as key to reducing SAIDI and SAIFI in the next five years.

3.0 RELIABILITY PROGRAMS Nova Scotia Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan includes three key reliability programs that address tree contacts and adverse weather (the primary causes of outages as outlined in the previous section), as well as...

AI summary Nova Scotia Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan includes three key reliability programs: Storm Hardening - Vegetation Management, Storm Hardening - Targeted Equipment Replacements and Upgrades, and Advanced Grid Modernization. These programs aim to reduce outages caused by tree contacts, adverse weather, and aging infrastructure by investing in rights-of-way, equipment upgrades, and advanced grid technologies.

across the province. While these are the primary areas of focus in 2025, NS Power will continue to reassess these priorities on an ongoing basis over the course of 2025 and this Plan. NS Power will also continue to respond appropriately to...

AI summary NS Power outlines its focus areas for 2025, emphasizing ongoing reassessment of priorities and commitment to reliability improvements through investments, with further details provided in the following section.

3.1 Estimated Improvements in Reliability NS Power estimates that the programs included in this Plan will deliver an improvement in Performance Standards SAIDI of approximately 20 percent and achievement of the SAIDI metric included in the...

AI summary NS Power estimates that the proposed programs will improve SAIDI by 20% by 2029, reducing annual outage duration by one hour. These investments will also improve SAIFI by approximately 16%, and both metrics are strongly correlated. Reliability improvements include automated reclosers that reduce outage frequency and duration.

4.0 STORM HARDENING – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT 2025-2029 Forecast Investment: $265.0 million Estimated Performance Standards SAIDI Reduction: 0.70 to 1.25 hours The Storm Hardening - Vegetation Management Program is designed to proactively re...

AI summary The Storm Hardening - Vegetation Management Program aims to reduce tree contact with power lines, a primary cause of outages, by widening distribution and transmission corridors and implementing proactive vegetation control strategies. The program includes targeted strategies such as corridor widening and tree trimming, with a forecast investment of $265.0 million for 2025-2029. NS Power uses an asset management mechanism to prioritize tree cutting based on criticality and condition ratings.

4.4 Trimming and Removal of Trees Around Existing Power Lines

AI summary This section discusses the trimming and removal of trees around existing power lines, a critical aspect of maintaining grid reliability and preventing service interruptions.

DATE FILED: December 20, 2024 Page 22 of 40 1 5.0 STORM HARDENING – TARGETED EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS AND 2 UPGRADES 3 4 2024-2029 Forecast Investment: $916 million 5 Forecasted Performance Standards SAIDI Reduction: 0.13 to 0.24 hours 6 7 N...

AI summary NS Power's Storm Hardening Program aims to strengthen the power system through targeted equipment upgrades and replacements, focusing on distribution, transmission, and substation infrastructure. The program seeks to improve reliability, reduce unplanned outages, and adapt to evolving challenges such as worsening weather conditions. Forecast investment for 2024-2029 is $916 million, with $487 million allocated to distribution system upgrades.

In 2025, $9.2 million is planned to be invested to modernize and replace aging or obsolete equipment such as hydraulic reclosers, older devices that contain PCBs and step-down transformers. These multi-year programs are designed to improve...

AI summary In 2025, NS Power plans to invest $9.2 million to modernize and replace aging equipment, including devices containing PCBs and transformers, to improve reliability and environmental compliance. The program also includes the installation of new protective devices such as reclosers to enhance grid resilience.

DATE FILED: December 20, 2024 Page 37 of 40 1 APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS 2 3 DERs (Distributed Energy Resources): 4 Small-scale, decentralized power sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage 5 systems that are connecte...

AI summary This document defines key terms and performance standards related to the electrical grid, including definitions for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), reliability, resilience, and metrics such as SAIDI and SAIFI. It also references a regulatory order from April 7, 2022, approving performance standards compliance.

DATE FILED: December 20, 2024 Page 39 of 40 - 1 Significant Event Day (SED): A day when the daily cumulative hours of interruption exceed the - 2 Significant Event Threshold. The Significant Event Threshold is calculated annually using the...

AI summary The text defines 'Significant Event Day (SED)' as a day when cumulative hours of interruption exceed the Significant Event Threshold, calculated annually using the 2.0 beta method.

Introduction and Background In the Board's decision on the 2023 Annual Performance Standards (M11624), the Board directed that: …a comprehensive written version of NS Power's five-year reliability plan is needed to understand how service i...

AI summary The Board directed NS Power to provide a comprehensive five-year reliability plan, including specific investments and performance goals. The plan recommends $1.3 billion in investments from 2025 to 2029, with a focus on storm hardening and grid modernization. Synapse was engaged to assess the plan and report findings.

Scope of TOR Synapse will include the following topics in its assessment: - Review of NS Power's historical reliability performance standards and current SAIDI and SAIFI targets. - Review and summary of recent NS Power annual performance s...

AI summary Synapse will assess NS Power's reliability performance, including historical data, current targets, and community-specific reliability analysis. It will also evaluate NS Power's methodology for setting reliability goals, compare performance with other utilities, and assess the 5-year plan's effectiveness in meeting 2025 targets.

- that shows the $1.8 billion broken out by Distribution, Transmission and Vegetation Management. Year Transmission Distribution Vegetation Management Total 2014 50.4 51.7 1.8 103.9 2015 53.5 59.8 3.7 117.0 2016 52.3 68.0 6.1 126.4 2017 82...

AI summary The document provides a breakdown of NS Power's expenditures of $1.8 billion across Distribution, Transmission, and Vegetation Management from 2014 to 2023, with detailed statistics on customer interruptions, including SAIDI and SAIFI metrics from 2015 to 2024.

- 1 before they occur, while reactive investments are essential to address unavoidable failures and 1 Request IR-7: 2 3 Has NS Power assessed reliability performance for the following customer types? 4 5 (a) end users in different rate cla...

AI summary NS Power does not assess reliability performance by specific customer classes or types, tracking reliability on a system-wide and feeder basis instead. It can identify customer rate classes on individual feeders but does not use this information to assess reliability performance or prioritize reliability by customer type.

- As a result, sub-program investment totals for 2025–2029 represent a planning-level allocation of - program-level investment based on the 2025 ACE Plan portfolio, and do not represent a forecast - of specific work or project scope in the...

AI summary The text discusses the allocation of sub-program investments for 2025–2029 based on the 2025 ACE Plan, noting that these are planning-level estimates rather than forecasts of specific projects. Investment levels in Figure 1 are based on high-level cost-effectiveness estimates rather than detailed project-level costs.

This includes 147 projects presented in ACE 2025 categorized as reliability investments Section Investment Category 2025 Storm Hardening - Vegetation Management Establish New Rights-of-Way $ 2,922,584 6% $265,000,000 $17,210,770 Storm Hard...

AI summary The text discusses 147 reliability investment projects from the ACE 2025 report, including storm hardening, vegetation management, equipment upgrades, and grid modernization. It also requests detailed data on outage causes from the Reliability Plan in Excel format.

CI = Customer Interruptions Total number of customers without power CHI = Customer Hours of Interruption Combination of customers and duration SAIFI = Average Outage Frequency Customer interruptions / # of customers SAIDI = Average Outage...

AI summary The text defines key metrics used to measure power interruptions, including Customer Interruptions (CI), Customer Hours of Interruption (CHI), System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), and Average Outage Duration (CAIDI). These metrics help assess the reliability and performance of the electricity distribution system.

Unknown/other Interruptions with no apparent cause or reason identified that could have contributed to the outage

AI summary The text refers to interruptions with no apparent cause or reason identified that could have contributed to the outage, indicating an area of concern for system reliability and fault detection.

Loss of supply Interruptions due to problem in the bulk electricity system (transmission)

AI summary The document discusses interruptions in the bulk electricity system, specifically focusing on transmission-related issues that lead to loss of supply.

Defective equipment Interruptions resulting from equipment failures

AI summary The document discusses interruptions caused by defective equipment, focusing on the impact of equipment failures on service reliability and customer experience.

Adverse environment Interruptions due to equipment being subjected to abnormal environmental conditions (e.g. Salt spray, contamination, humidity, corrosion, vibration, fire, or flooding)

AI summary The text discusses interruptions in service caused by equipment exposure to abnormal environmental conditions such as salt spray, contamination, humidity, corrosion, vibration, fire, or flooding.

Human element Interruptions due to errors of utility staff in construction, maintenance, or operations

AI summary The document discusses interruptions caused by errors made by utility staff during construction, maintenance, or operations, highlighting the human element in service reliability.

1 Request IR-20: 2 3 Did NS Power consider changes to the frequency and severity of these root causes over time 4 as part of its Reliability Plan? 5 6 (a) If so, what changes to the root causes were considered and how was each change 7 fac...

AI summary NS Power considers root causes of outages as inputs to risk identification and mitigation measures in its Reliability Plan. It uses leading indicators such as inspection results and vegetation conditions, and accounts for emerging risks like climate change. The plan also includes new distribution standards to address risks such as high winds.

2025 Performance Standards Report Appendix I Page 8 of 10 2019 CKAIFI 2020 CKAIFI 2021 CKAIFI 2022 CKAIFI 2023 CKAIFI 2024 CKAIFI 2025 CKAIFI 2019 CKAIDI 2020 CKAIDI 2021 CKAIDI 2022 CKAIDI 2023 CKAIDI 2024 CKAIDI 2025 CKAIDI Avg + 2 St. D...

AI summary The table presents performance data for various feeders from 2019 to 2025, including average values, standard deviations, and averages plus two standard deviations for CKAIFI and CKAIDI metrics. This data likely relates to performance standards and reliability metrics for the electricity grid.

- 11 1) Improve the customer reliability experience by reducing SAIDI by 20 percent from the 12 five-year average (2019-2023) of 5.10 and achieving the Performance Standards SAIFI 13 target of 2.05. - 15 2) Continue to strengthen grid resi...

AI summary The text outlines goals to improve customer reliability by reducing SAIDI and achieving SAIFI targets, as well as enhancing grid resilience to climate change. These efforts aim to ensure faster service restoration after major weather events, with some positive results already observed.

1 October 31, there is a 53 percent reduction in customer interruptions and a 29 percent reduction in 2 customer hours of interruption due to device failure in 2025 over 2023 levels. 3 4 The benefits of the program and the impact on the re...

AI summary The document highlights a 53% reduction in customer interruptions and a 29% reduction in customer hours of interruption due to device failure in 2025 compared to 2023. NS Power acknowledges the need for stakeholder reassurance regarding the effectiveness of reliability investments and agrees with the NSEB and stakeholders on balancing reliability and affordability. The Board directed NS Power to provide annual updates on the progress of its Five-Year Reliability Plan.

1 Figure 2: Contribution to CHI by Outage Cause (2020 – 2024) Performance Standards

AI summary Figure 2 illustrates the contribution to Customer Hours Interrupted (CHI) by outage cause from 2020 to 2024, highlighting performance standards related to outage management and reliability.

4 2.1 Demonstrated Vegetation Program Impacts 6 [Figure 3](#page-187-1) below shows the Performance Standards annual customer hours of interruption due to 7 tree contacts for 2020-2025 Projected Year-End and shows positive signs that veget...

AI summary The text discusses the impact of vegetation management programs on reducing outage frequency and duration, using projected data from 2020 to 2025. It highlights improvements in system reliability as rights-of-way corridors are widened and clearances between trees and power lines are enhanced.

1 Figure 3: Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (CHI) due to Tree Contacts – Performance 2 Standards

AI summary The text references Figure 3, which illustrates Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (CHI) due to tree contacts and performance standards. It includes known acronyms such as RTUs, FLISR, and ACE.

Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (Tree Contacts) - Performance Standards

AI summary The document presents a figure related to Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (Tree Contacts) - Performance Standards, highlighting metrics around service interruption performance.

6 2.2 Distribution Targeted Devices 8 [Figure 4](#page-188-0) shows the contribution of device failure to Performance Standards customer hours of 9 interruption for 2020-2025 Projected Year-End and shows positive trends in reduced overall...

AI summary The document discusses improvements in distribution equipment through replacements and upgrades, leading to reduced outage duration and frequency. Storm hardening initiatives and equipment upgrades are highlighted as core elements of the plan, contributing to positive trends in performance standards.

1 Figure 4: Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (CHI) due to Failure of Equipment –

AI summary The text references Figure 4, which illustrates Annual Customer Hours of Interruption (CHI) caused by equipment failure. This figure is relevant to understanding system reliability and outage management within the regulatory context.

- 3 Completed replacement of two substation transformers in 2025 with three additional 4 substation transformer replacements in progress. These replacements are improving 5 substation condition and contributing to increased reliability and...

AI summary The document outlines various infrastructure improvements completed and in progress, including transformer replacements, new substation construction, transmission structure upgrades, and transmission line reconductoring, all aimed at enhancing reliability and grid resilience.

5 3.1 Demonstrated Reliability Impact/Benefit - 7 As detailed in the Reliability Performance Analysis section above, the trends in 2025 YTD SAIDI - 8 performance reflect early outcomes from the overall reliability tracks as outlined in the...

AI summary The text discusses the early outcomes of the Five-Year Reliability Plan, noting that while initial reliability performance shows positive trends, the full impact will take time to materialize. The projected path to achieving the SAIDI target of 4.10 by 2029 is outlined in Figure 6.

8 Figure 6: Updated Path to Improving SAIDI by 20% 7 9 10 12

AI summary The document presents Figure 6, which outlines an updated path to improving SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) by 20%. The figure likely includes strategies or initiatives aimed at enhancing grid reliability and reducing outage durations.

1 All feeder plans for 2025 are underway or complete; work will continue on all in progress work 2 until completed. 3 4 APPENDIX B: Work Completed (C) and In Progress (P) on 2025 Priority Feeders presents 5 a summary of the work completed...

AI summary The document outlines the progress on 2025 feeder plans and highlights the importance of vegetation management as part of NS Power's reliability strategy. It includes investment forecasts, performance standards, and details on the work completed and planned for vegetation management initiatives to reduce outages.

4 4.3 Transmission Corridor Widening with Managed Rights-of-Way (ROW) > 69KV 6 2025-2029 Forecast Investment: $15 million 7 2025 Anticipated Year End Investment: $3.0 million 9 Similarly to distribution corridor widening activities, expand...

AI summary The document discusses the 2025-2029 forecast investment of $15 million for transmission corridor widening with managed rights-of-way (ROW) over 69kV. It notes that 87% of the 2025 program is completed and on track for full completion by year-end, with the project aimed at improving reliability by increasing separation distance between transmission conductors and the forest edge.

1 Figure 15: Completed Trimming and Removal of Trees Around Existing Power Lines 2 3 4 As described in the previous sections, NS Power expects to see improvement in tree-related 5 outages on feeder segments that have received targeted vege...

AI summary NS Power anticipates a reduction in tree-related outages following targeted vegetation management investments. Figures 16 and 17 show examples of improved distribution Right-of-Ways (ROWs) in Shelburne, Trenton, and Little Harbour, which increase visibility for inspections and outage restoration, supporting reliability and safety.

1 5.0 STORM HARDENING – TARGETED EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENTS AND 2 UPGRADES 3 4 2024-2029 Forecast Investment: $916 million 5 Forecasted Performance Standards SAIDI Reduction: 0.13 to 0.24 hours 6 7 2025 Anticipated Year End Investment: $152.4...

AI summary The document outlines a 2024-2029 forecast investment of $916 million for storm hardening through targeted equipment replacements and upgrades on the distribution, transmission, and substation systems. The initiative aims to improve grid reliability and resilience by reducing outage frequency, increasing capacity, and integrating advanced monitoring technologies.

- 17 These efforts are part of NS Power's ongoing commitment to improving system reliability, 18 enhancing customer experience, and supporting a more resilient energy future for the province. 1 5.1.1 Upgrade and Replace Aging Equipment 2 3...

AI summary NS Power is upgrading aging equipment and installing protective devices to improve system reliability, reduce outages, and enhance safety. Efforts include replacing aging assets and installing reclosers, with progress tracked across various regions.

4 5.3 Substation Upgrades and Replacements 6 2025-2029 Forecast Investment: $233 million 7 2025 Anticipated Year End Investment: 38.8 million 9 In 2025, NS Power continues to implement a range of initiatives targeting substations, supporti...

AI summary NS Power is investing $233 million from 2025 to 2029 for substation upgrades and replacements, including transformer replacements at multiple locations and the completion of the Mount Uniacke substation to improve system reliability and capacity.

9 6.1.1 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) - 11 2025-2029 Forecast Investment: $ 21 million - 12 2025 Anticipated Year End Investment: $2.2 million 14 Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) enhance substation reliability by enabling real-time monitoring,...

AI summary NS Power is investing $21 million between 2025 and 2029 for RTUs, which improve substation reliability. As of now, six of the 11 planned RTUs have been installed, with the remaining units expected to be completed by year-end and early 2026. The project is under regulatory review, and NS Power will update the RTU plan based on the review outcome.

24 shift introduces new complexities for power utilities, particularly with respect to maintaining 1 reliability and operational flexibility. To address these challenges, enhanced visibility, automation, 2 and control of DERs is important....

AI summary The integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) presents new challenges for power utilities, especially in maintaining system reliability and operational flexibility. NS Power is working on a DER Integration Roadmap and evaluating a DERMS project to coordinate DERs, aligning with the province's Clean Power Plan and enhancing system reliability and decarbonization.

3 2026 Forecast Investment: $45 million 2 4 9 12 14 17 19 21 5 In 2026, NS Power has committed $45 million to remove trees from near power lines. This 6 investment will improve the reliability performance of over 860 kilometers of the powe...

AI summary In 2026, NS Power has committed $45 million to remove trees near power lines, aiming to improve the reliability of over 860 kilometers of the power system. This investment is part of an established vegetation management program, with regional planning details outlined in Figure 33.

1 7.2.1.2 Distribution System Build to Roadside - 3 To improve accessibility and reduce outage duration, NS Power is planning to relocate 7.1 - 4 kilometers of distribution lines to roadside in 2026. This investment aligns with NS Power's...

AI summary NS Power plans to relocate 7.1 kilometers of distribution lines to roadside in 2026 to improve accessibility and reduce outage duration, aligning with its broader reliability strategy and targeting areas with access limitations that have historically caused extended outages.

3 In 2026, NS Power plans to complete approximately 30.9 kilometers of line and phase extensions 4 to enhance system reliability and operational flexibility. These projects are designed to improve 5 load balancing, reduce voltage drops, an...

AI summary NS Power plans to complete 30.9 kilometers of line and phase extensions by 2026 to enhance system reliability, improve load balancing, and support growing customer demand in rural and developing areas.

4 7.2.3 Substation Upgrades and Replacements 6 2026 Forecast Investment: $52.0 million 8 In 2026, NS Power plans to invest approximately $52.0 million in substation programs aimed at 9 strengthening system reliability and supporting region...

AI summary NS Power plans to invest $52.0 million in 2026 for substation upgrades and replacements to enhance system reliability and support regional growth. This includes $19 million for transformer replacements and additions, with specific projects outlined in a figure.

1 approaches capable of delivering the required reliability improvement, rather than relying 2 on detailed modeling of every potential solution. 3 4 (e) NS Power did not evaluate cost-effectiveness using separate models for specific custom...

AI summary The text discusses NS Power's approach to reliability improvements, highlighting the lack of separate cost-effectiveness models for specific customer classes and the use of feeder risk profiling. It also includes a request for detailed data and explanations related to SAIDI improvements and a response indicating that reliability improvements were forecast at the program level using estimated factors per unit of investment.

of the plan based on the highest risks, which would typically focus on substations with large customer counts and consequently large potential for reliability improvements. However, in later years of the plan, these high impact locations w...

AI summary The reliability improvement plan prioritizes substations with high customer counts for initial installations, with subsequent efforts focusing on lower impact areas. The program's effectiveness is limited by the finite number of RTU installation locations. NS Power acknowledges the complexity of predicting precise SAIDI improvements due to various influencing factors such as equipment, location, and weather variability.

2025-2029 Five Year Reliability Plan Review IR-38 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 1 2019-2023 5-Year Average SAIDI 5.10 Grid Modernization -0.10 Targeted Device Replacement -0.15 Vegetation Management -0.75 2029 SAIDI 4.10

AI summary The document provides a summary of reliability improvements over a five-year period, showing reductions in SAIDI from 5.10 in 2019-2023 to 4.10 in 2029, with contributions from grid modernization, targeted device replacement, and vegetation management.

2025-2029 Five Year Reliability Plan Review IR-38 Attachment 2 Page 1 of 1 Investment Track Sub-Program Scalability Notes Section SAIDI H lour Per $1M (Low) SAIDI Hou r Per $1M (High) Proposed Incremental Investment SA DI Reduction (Low) S...

AI summary The document outlines investment tracks and sub-programs for the 2025-2029 Five Year Reliability Plan, focusing on storm hardening through vegetation management and equipment upgrades. It provides scalability ratings, investment amounts, and projected reductions in SAIDI and IDI metrics.

1 Response IR-42: 2 (a) Transmission corridor widening with managed Rights-of-Way (ROWs) is a high-priority initiative focused primarily on NERC-regulated transmission lines, in alignment with NERC FAC-003-5 requirements. This approach hel...

AI summary The response outlines a high-priority initiative to widen transmission corridors with managed Rights-of-Way (ROWs), focusing on NERC-regulated lines to improve reliability and storm-hardening against tree-related disruptions. The initiative is informed by LiDAR and field data, with exceptions for non-NERC facilities where landowner permission is granted.

While residual risk remains, the proposed work supports sustaining transmission line reliability performance by reducing vegetation‑related exposure under severe weather conditions. Line Number Line/Structure Number VEG_POLYGO CONDUCTOR_ R...

AI summary The proposed work aims to sustain transmission line reliability by reducing vegetation-related risks under severe weather conditions, though residual risks remain.

82V-402 1 Request IR-44: 30 loading. Specifically, for TripSaver installations, there is also consideration for the ability to 1 improve fault isolation, reduce outage duration, and enhance restoration times through the 2 application of au...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's investment in TripSaver installations, highlighting their potential benefits in improving fault isolation, reducing outage duration, and enhancing restoration times. It also notes the variability in reliability benefits depending on feeder configuration and topography, making it difficult to project improvements at the individual installation level.

6 (a) Please refer to the table below. CI# Project Title 5 YR 2025 Forecast Total Reliability Improvements Reason for work not completed Structure Replacement and availability and C0041812 L6040 Replacements and Upgrades $445,437 Upgrades...

AI summary The table lists two projects related to reliability improvements in the power grid. The first project, L6040 Replacements and Upgrades, has a 5-year forecast total of $445,437 and involves structure replacement and upgrades. The second project, the 2022/2023 Wood Pole Retreatment Program, has a forecast total of $79,470 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 2 (c) The remainder of the 2025 forecasted spending went towards routines "T011 – Provincial 3 Planned Transmission Line Replacements - $6,055,257" and "T001 – Provincial 4 Transmission Line Replacements - $3,274,053". T...

AI summary The document outlines forecasted spending for 2025, including transmission line replacements and projects related to ECC Facility Ratings and NERC compliance. It also includes a request for detailed information on substation upgrades, reliability improvements, costs, and unaccomplished projects.

(ii) The purchase of the two spare units would provide coverage for transformer failures across the province. Having these spares in place ensures that if there is a transformer failure then NS Power has an available unit to put in its pla...

AI summary The document discusses the replacement of aging transformers at several locations in Nova Scotia, emphasizing the importance of having spare units to mitigate potential outages. It highlights the risks associated with transformer failures, particularly at generation sites and the only transformer serving Mahone Bay. The replacements were delayed due to resource availability.

IDI reduction range of 0.70 to 1.25 hours by 2029 was derived using the total proposed investment level rather than deterministic project‑level attribution. Please refer to Synapse IR-38 Attachment 2. Ultimately, the specific projects for...

AI summary The IDI reduction range of 0.70 to 1.25 hours by 2029 is based on total investment rather than individual project attribution. Annual reviews and risk assessments guide NS Power's capital expenditure decisions, balancing reliability improvements with operational constraints and prioritizing high-risk assets.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 26 Plan. but were targeted for reliability investment in 2025. 27 28 (v) Why did NS Power implement programs on substations it had not originally 29 planned on targeting? Please provide all qualitative and quantitative a...

AI summary NS Power implemented programs on substations not originally targeted due to alignment with asset management mechanisms and feeder risk profiles. The response includes quantitative and qualitative analysis, referencing project risk scores and data provided in attachments.

RTU Connectivity Substation Description Substation Criticality Substation Customers Feeder Criticality 58C 58C Southwest Margaree 5 3128 4 22C 22C Cleveland 3 4291 5 4N 4N Tatamagouche 5 4811 5 16W 16W Hebron 5 3452 5 89W 89W Bridgewater E...

AI summary The document discusses RTU connectivity, focusing on substation and feeder criticality, customer counts, and requests for information regarding lessons learned from previous projects related to downline connectivity and Control Center integration.

CI C0071528 – FLISR Implementation (NSEB M12417) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 (c) As noted in part (b), the project is not designed or intended to prevent outage events from 2 occurring, but improvements in reliability per...

AI summary The document discusses NS Power's FLISR implementation, noting that the project does not aim to prevent outages but improve reliability performance through faster restoration. Performance will be evaluated using asset management frameworks and risk-based assessments, with data from ADMS and AMI used for validation. A formal cost-benefit analysis was not conducted due to FLISR's unique functionality.

Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration NS POWER ASSESSMENT 2025

AI summary The document outlines an assessment by Nova Scotia Power (NS Power) related to Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) for the year 2025. It focuses on improving service reliability and outage management.

2.1 FLISR Technology FLISR is a system of distribution protection devices sited to allow automatic and remote reconfiguration of the distribution grid. Its purpose is to improve feeder reliability by minimizing the number of customers affe...

AI summary FLISR technology uses distribution protection devices to automatically reconfigure the grid during outages, improving feeder reliability. It includes automated segmentation, decentralized, and centralized approaches, each suited for different feeder configurations and grid complexity.

2.3.1 Reliability and Resilience Improvements - FLISR reduces the frequency, impact, duration of outage events improving reliability indices. - Devices make real time autonomous decisions to reconfigure the grid during outage conditions, r...

AI summary FLISR technology improves grid reliability by reducing outage frequency, impact, and duration through real-time autonomous decisions, minimizing human intervention and enhancing fault response.

2.3.3 Operational Efficiency - FLISR Schemes improve cost effectiveness by reducing manual switching and fault patrols, lowering field technician hours, truck rolls, vehicle maintenance, and GHG emissions. - When fault location data is ava...

AI summary Operational efficiency is improved through FLISR schemes, which reduce manual switching and fault patrols, thereby lowering field technician hours, truck rolls, vehicle maintenance, and GHG emissions. Fault location data enables better crew deployment and outage prioritization.

The deployment of FLISR presents a few key technical and operational challenges that must be managed as described in the table below: Risk / Challenge Mitigation Communications infrastructure must be robust for some FLISR technologies to b...

AI summary The deployment of FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) faces challenges related to communications infrastructure, ADMS grid model accuracy, training for grid operators, and investment support. Mitigation strategies include telecom planning, grid model validation, OCM plans, and exploring government funding programs.

3.0 Jurisdictional Scan FLISR technology is being deployed and expanded across North America. The primary goals across these utilities are improving reliability, minimizing outage durations, and increasing operational efficiency through FL...

AI summary FLISR technology is being deployed across North America to improve reliability, minimize outage durations, and increase operational efficiency. Utilities have shared publicly available results and metrics demonstrating these improvements.

3.1 US FLISR Deployments

AI summary This section discusses US FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) deployments, focusing on technologies and strategies used in the United States for grid reliability and outage management.

3.2 Canada FLISR Deployments

AI summary This section discusses FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) deployments in Canada, focusing on their implementation and impact on grid reliability and outage management.

3.2.2 Oshawa Power[12](#page-192-2) Background: Oshawa Power initiated the deployment of its FLISR system in December 2021. As of year-end 2023, more than 40% of their grid is now connected to the FLISR system. This implementation represen...

AI summary Oshawa Power has deployed its FLISR system since December 2021, with over 40% of its grid connected as of year-end 2023. The FLISR system is part of a broader grid automation strategy aimed at modernizing distribution operations, improving system reliability, and enhancing customer service through a two-layer automation approach.

3.2.3 Enova[13](#page-192-3) Background: Enova, and its two legacy utilities, leverage the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and FLISR deployments to lower the frequency and severity of unplanned power outages across its servi...

AI summary Enova utilizes the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and FLISR technology to reduce the frequency and severity of unplanned power outages. These technologies, including SCADA and grid modernization devices, enable automatic self-healing and rapid power restoration during faults.

4.0 Conclusion & Recommendations FLISR capability is fundamental to grid management and is identified in the NS Power Five Year Reliability Plan as a subprogram of advanced grid modernization. The prevalence and experience of FLISR deploym...

AI summary The document emphasizes the importance of FLISR (Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration) in grid modernization, noting its critical role in improving reliability. It outlines deployment options and highlights support from government programs like NRCan and US DOE initiatives, which can provide funding for FLISR and other smart grid technologies.

1 Request IR-5: 2 3 The application notes implementation of three versions of FLISR technologies and 4 equipment in four geographic areas within Nova Scotia. 5 6 (a) Keeping the reasons for outages noted above in mind, please list the rati...

AI summary The response to Request IR-5 explains the rationale for selecting different FLISR technologies for different feeders in Nova Scotia. Radial feeders (85S-401 and 11S-401) use devices for enhanced fault location and segmentation, while feeders in areas with alternative power flow sources (129H-412 and 137H-414) use a decentralized FLISR scheme for rapid response and partial restoration during outages.

1 Feeder Circuit or FLISR Type Count of Outages (>100 cust) [outages per year] Average Outage Duration (> 100 cust) [hrs] 85S-401 25.9 4.6 11S-411 13.2 3.6 Centralized 103H-433, 104H-433, 104H-423, 2H-411, 2H 421 19.7 2.7 Decentralized 129...

AI summary The text presents a table comparing different feeder circuits and FLISR types, detailing the count of outages and average outage duration for each. The data highlights variations in outage frequency and duration across centralized and decentralized FLISR systems in Nova Scotia.

3 Evidenced by the jurisdictional scan and experience, as described in IR-4 Attachment 1, 4 the expected reduction in impacted customers during outage conditions ranges from 40-60 5 percent.

AI summary The text references an expected reduction in impacted customers during outage conditions, ranging from 40-60 percent, based on a jurisdictional scan and experience outlined in IR-4 Attachment 1.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL Feeder Circuit or FLISR Type Average Outage Duration (> 100 cust) [hrs] FLISR Restoration Time (min) Average FLISR (10-25%) Reduced Outage Duration [hrs] 85S-401 4.6 1 3.8 11S-411 3.6 1 3.0 Centralized 2.7 10 2.3 Decentral...

AI summary This table presents data on FLISR performance and associated cost savings for different feeder circuits and FLISR types, including average outage durations, restoration times, and potential avoided operational costs. The data suggests that implementing FLISR systems can significantly reduce outage durations and associated labor and overhead costs.

2024 Annual Performance Standards Report (NSEB M12185) NSPI Responses to NSEB Information Requests 1 Request IR-12: 2 3 Another aspect of the reliability plan is a forecast expenditure of $13 million related to fault 4 location, isolation,...

AI summary The response to an information request discusses a self-healing grid project in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and the installation of FLISR technology on 113H Dartmouth East feeders in Nova Scotia. It highlights the benefits of such projects in reducing customer interruptions and improving grid reliability.

Five Year Reliability Plan 2025-2029 (NSEB M12558) NSPI Responses to Synapse Energy Economics Information Requests 1 Request IR-66: 2 3 Please refer to NS Power's response to IR-7 (a-g) which states, "NS Power does not assess 4 reliability...

AI summary NS Power responded to an information request regarding reliability plans, stating that reliability is tracked system-wide and on individual feeders, but not by customer class. The response also identified 30 feeders serving Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia communities and provided details on the feeder system.

CONFIDENTIAL (Attachment Only) 1 Request IR-76: 2 3 Please refer to NS Power's response to IR-21 which states, "Electricity Canada's 4 methodology for calculating performance metrics does not account for behind-the-meter 5 generation or ot...

AI summary The response to IR-76 discusses Electricity Canada's methodology for calculating performance metrics, specifically how interruptions are defined as the loss of service to a metered service, and clarifies that behind-the-meter generation or backup power does not mitigate interruptions for reporting purposes.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL 1 determine investment SAIDI reduction used to produce the projections are provided in 2 Attachment 1. 3 4 (d) Specific years were not used to develop the estimates for SAIDI reduction projections and 5 are rather based on...

AI summary The document discusses the methodology used by NS Power to estimate SAIDI reduction projections, noting that specific years were not used and that estimates are based on internal expertise and mitigation strategies selected since 2009. High and Low ranges are adjusted by +30% and -30% from the original projections.

17 (g-h) The High and Low ranges for SAIDI reductions in each program are the multiplication of 18 the High and Low SAIDI Hour Per $1M with the Proposed Incremental Investment. 2025-2029 Five Year Reliability Plan Review IR-83 Attachment 1...

AI summary The text refers to the calculation of SAIDI reduction ranges based on investment and mentions the filing of an attachment related to a reliability plan review.

15 (d) As previously discussed in IR-7, NS Power does not assess reliability by specific customer 16 classes or customer types. Reliability is tracked on both a system-wide basis and on an 17 individual feeder basis regardless of the break...

AI summary NS Power does not assess reliability by specific customer classes or types. Reliability is tracked system-wide and on an individual feeder basis, and reliability improvements are not projected by rate class in the Five-Year Reliability Plan, consistent with the calculation of Performance Standards SAIFI and SAIDI.

From: [Painting-MacLean, Kimberly](mailto:[email protected]) To: [Painting-MacLean, Kimberly](mailto:[email protected]) Subject: FW: M12558 - Review of NS Power"s Five-Year Reliability Plan 2025-...

AI summary The email pertains to the regulatory review of NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan 2025-2029, with stakeholders involved in the proceeding. The subject line references the matter number M12558.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: Nova Scotia Power Inc. 2025 – 2029 Five Year Reliability Plan Review

AI summary This document pertains to the Nova Scotia Energy Board's review of Nova Scotia Power Inc.'s Five Year Reliability Plan for the period 2025 – 2029.

Request IR-1: - Please provide NS Power's planned SAIDI and SAIFI, with and without major events, from - 2015-2025 on an annual basis. Please provide in Excel with all supporting data and - calculations.

AI summary Request IR-1 asks NS Power to provide planned SAIDI and SAIFI metrics from 2015 to 2025, with and without major events, in Excel format with supporting data and calculations.

Request IR-3: - Please provide NS Power's actual SAIDI and SAIFI, with and without major events, from 2015- - 2025 on an annual basis. Please provide in Excel with all supporting data and calculations.

AI summary The request asks NS Power to provide actual SAIDI and SAIFI values from 2015 to 2025, both with and without major events, in an Excel format with supporting data and calculations.

Request IR-5: - Please provide NS Power's actual SAIDI and SAIFI, with and without major events, from 2015- - 2025 on an annual basis, related to transmission system level outages. Please provide in Excel - with all supporting data and cal...

AI summary Request IR-5 asks NS Power to provide actual SAIDI and SAIFI values from 2015 to 2025, with and without major events, related to transmission system level outages, in Excel format with supporting data and calculations.

Request IR-6: - Please provide the planned and actual overall reliability improvement (e.g., change in SAIDI and - SAIFI) from Reliability Plan investments in 2025. Please provide all supporting evidence, - calculations, and quantitative d...

AI summary Request IR-6 asks for the planned and actual reliability improvements in 2025, specifically changes in SAIDI and SAIFI, along with supporting evidence, calculations, and explanations for any differences between planned and actual values.

Request IR-7: Date Filed: April 1, 2026 Page 2 - Has NS Power assessed reliability performance for the following customer types? - a. end users in different rate classes; - b. the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia; - c. customers who are medically-de...

AI summary Request IR-7 asks NS Power to assess reliability performance for various customer types, including end users, Mi'kmaq communities, medically-dependent customers, and others. The request seeks detailed results of these assessments.

Request IR-8: - If NS Power has not assessed reliability performance for these customer types to date: - a. Has NS Power identified the prevalence of each of these customer types on each feeder? If so, please provide this data. - b. If not...

AI summary Request IR-8 seeks information from NS Power regarding the assessment of reliability performance for specific customer types, including whether they have identified the prevalence of these customer types on each feeder, any barriers to identification, and future plans for assessment.

Request IR-12: - In developing its performance goals and Reliability Plan, did NS Power consider its reliability - performance as compared to other U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions? - a. If so, which ones and why did NS Power focus on those...

AI summary Request IR-12 asks NS Power whether it compared its reliability performance to other U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions when developing its Reliability Plan, and if so, which jurisdictions were considered and how that influenced the plan. If not, the request also seeks to understand which jurisdictions should be compared moving forward.

Request IR-13: - Please provide the actual SAIDI and SAIFI, with and without major events, of all other Canadian - utilities from 2015-2025 on an annual basis. Please provide in Excel with all supporting data and - calculations. Please exp...

AI summary The request asks for SAIDI and SAIFI metrics of Canadian utilities from 2015 to 2025, with and without major events, in Excel format. It also asks for a comparison of NS Power's reliability with other Canadian utilities.

Request IR-14: - In developing its performance goals and Reliability Plan, did NS Power examine the reliability - practices of U.S. and Canadian utilities? - a. If so, which utilities and how did this examination inform the Reliability Pla...

AI summary Request IR-14 asks NS Power whether it examined the reliability practices of U.S. and Canadian utilities in developing its performance goals and Reliability Plan, and if so, which utilities were studied and how this informed the plan.

Request IR-15: - Please explain how NS Power defines a "reliability" investment. Would any investment or - expenditure on or around overhead powerlines enhance reliability? - a. How does NS Power determine which investments should be inclu...

AI summary The request seeks clarification on how NS Power defines a 'reliability' investment and whether expenditures on overhead powerlines contribute to reliability. It also asks how NS Power selects investments for the Reliability Plan and which reliability-related investments are covered by other plans.

Request IR-16: - Are the Reliability Plan investments intended to capture "proactive" investments (e.g. before it is - necessary), "reactive" investments (e.g. when it is necessary for either compliance or to fix broken - equipment), or bo...

AI summary The text asks whether the Reliability Plan investments are intended to be proactive, reactive, or both, and seeks an explanation for the inclusion of these investment types in the plan.

Request IR-17: - Please quantify which of the Reliability Plan investments and expenditures are "proactive" (e.g. - before it is necessary) versus "reactive" (e.g. when it is necessary for either compliance or to fix - broken equipment). P...

AI summary The request asks for a quantification of investments and expenditures in the Reliability Plan, distinguishing between proactive and reactive spending, categorized by type of expenditure and provided annually and in total.

Request IR-19: - Please provide Figure 2: Contribution to CHI by Outage Cause 2019-2023 (Including all Storms) - on page 9 of the Reliability Plan, in Excel with all supporting data, calculations, and work papers. - a. Please provide all d...

AI summary The request seeks detailed data on outage causes contributing to the Customer Hours Interrupted (CHI) from 2010 to 2025, including adjustments to cause codes, definitions of outage categories, and supporting methodology from Electricity Canada.

Request IR-20: - Did NS Power consider changes to the frequency and severity of these root causes over time as part of its Reliability Plan? - a. If so, what changes to the root causes were considered and how was each change factored into...

AI summary The document asks whether NS Power considered changes in the frequency and severity of root causes over time in its Reliability Plan, specifically inquiring about wildfire risk and how such changes were factored into the plan.

Request IR-21: - Did NS Power consider backup power as a potential solution to reliability issues? - a. If so, how was it considered? - b. If so, why doesn't this solution appear in the plan? - c. If not, why not?

AI summary Request IR-21 asks whether NS Power considered backup power as a solution to reliability issues, and if so, how and why it was not included in the plan, or if not, why not.

Request IR-22: - Can NS Power identify the prevalence of customers with backup power on feeders? How robust - is NS Power's data on customers with backup power? Does NS Power have data on all - installations of backup power, or only a subs...

AI summary The request asks NS Power to identify how many customers have backup power on feeders, assess the robustness of their data on such customers, and clarify whether their data covers all installations or only a subset.

Request IR-23: - Would it make sense for NS Power to deploy backup power to address reliability issues on feeders - that serve a small number of customers? - a. Why or why not? - b. If so, would backup power be considered to be a temporary...

AI summary The document poses a question regarding whether NS Power should deploy backup power to address reliability issues on feeders serving a small number of customers, and whether such backup power would be considered a temporary or permanent solution.

Request IR-24: - Did NS Power consider diminishing returns in developing its Reliability Plan (e.g., reliability - improvements are harder and more expensive to come by as lower hanging fruit is addressed)? - a. If so, how? - b. If not, wh...

AI summary The document asks NS Power whether it considered diminishing returns in its Reliability Plan, specifically whether reliability improvements become harder and more expensive as easier opportunities are exhausted, and whether there is a point where incremental investments are no longer worthwhile.

Request IR-25: - Did NS Power reflect operational constraints (e.g., how many miles a vegetation crew can clear - in a day) in its Reliability Plan? - a. If so, how? - b. If not, why not? - Request IR-26: - Did NS Power account for the int...

AI summary The document contains three requests (IR-25 to IR-27) directed at NS Power regarding its Reliability Plan. The requests inquire whether operational constraints, interactions between solutions, and alternative plans were considered in the plan's development.

Request IR-28: - Regarding feeder-level prioritization for reliability and risk, please provide the following feeder- - level basis for NS Power's service territory in Excel where possible with supporting data: - a. Feeder ID (unique ident...

AI summary Request IR-28 asks NS Power to provide detailed feeder-level data on reliability, risk, and investment targeting, including metrics like SAIDI, SAIFI, outage causes, and program-specific cost information for the Reliability Plan.

Request IR-36: - Did NS Power design its plan to address disparities in reliability for certain populations, including - but not limited to the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and vulnerable customers? If so, how?

AI summary The document requests NS Power to explain whether its plan addresses reliability disparities for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and vulnerable customers, and if so, how.

Request IR-38: - Regarding Figure 4: The Path to Improving SAIDI by 20 Percent on page 13 of the Reliability - Plan: - a. Please provide this figure and all supporting data and calculations in Excel. - b. Please provide all quantitative ca...

AI summary The request pertains to providing detailed data and calculations related to improving SAIDI by 20 percent as outlined in the Reliability Plan, including Excel files and a narrative explanation.

Request IR-39: - Regarding the Storm Hardening-Vegetation Management program discussed starting on page 15 - of the Reliability Plan: - a. Please provide the derivation of the total cost, including all supporting data and calculations in E...

AI summary Request IR-39 seeks detailed information on the Storm Hardening-Vegetation Management program, including cost derivation, SAIDI reduction calculations, mitigation effectiveness for various strategies, and existing vegetation management standards for NS Power. It also asks how the Reliability Plan exceeds current standards and the criteria for tree removal versus trimming.

Request IR-44: - For each feeder listed in Figure 10: 2025 Trip Saver Installations on page 5 of the Reliability Plan, - please explain and provide all quantitative support for why these feeders were targeted in 2025. - Please reference th...

AI summary Request IR-44 asks NS Power to explain and provide quantitative support for the selection of feeders targeted for 2025 Trip Saver Installations, including reliability improvements, program costs, and reasons for targeting feeders not originally planned.

Request IR-45: - Regarding page 25, lines 11-19, and page 26, lines 1-7 of the Reliability Plan, discussing new equipment and infrastructure projects meant to serve significant demand growth: - a. Please describe why these investments belo...

AI summary The request IR-45 seeks clarification on the inclusion of new equipment and infrastructure projects in the 5-year reliability plan, asking why these investments are included there rather than in another proceeding, and requesting detailed cost information and supporting workpapers.

Request IR-46: - Regarding Figure 11: 2025 Bring-to-Roadside Projects on page 27 of the Reliability Plan and the - Distribution Build-to-Roadside Program: - a. Please explain and provide all quantitative support for why the feeders listed...

AI summary Request IR-46 seeks detailed explanations and data regarding the 2025 Bring-to-Roadside Projects and the Distribution Build-to-Roadside Program, including reliability improvements, costs, and reasons for targeting specific feeders not originally planned.

Request IR-47: - Regarding Figure 12: 2025 Conductor Upgrades by Region on page 28 of the Reliability Plan and - the Distribution System Conductor Upgrades program: - a. Please explain and provide all quantitative support for why the feede...

AI summary Request IR-47 seeks detailed explanations and quantitative support for conductor upgrades in the 2025 Reliability Plan, including reliability improvements, program costs, and reasons for targeting specific feeders. It also asks for a list of feeders not prioritized in the Reliability Plan but targeted for investment in 2025, along with analysis for unplanned upgrades.

Request IR-48: - Regarding the Distribution System Underground Upgrades Program described on pages 28-29 of the Reliability Plan: - a. Please provide a comparison of overhead versus underground reliability basis for 2020- 2025 or recent ye...

AI summary Request IR-48 seeks detailed information on NS Power's Distribution System Underground Upgrades Program, including reliability comparisons between overhead and underground infrastructure, outage statistics, feeder details, cost breakdowns, and reasons for targeting specific feeders for upgrades in 2025.

Request IR-50: - Regarding Section 5.3 (Substation Upgrades and Replacements) on pages 29 and 30 of the - Reliability Plan: - a. What is the expected reliability improvement for these projects? Please explain and provide quantitative suppo...

AI summary Request IR-50 seeks detailed information on substation upgrades and replacements outlined in the Reliability Plan, including expected reliability improvements, project specifics, costs, and reasons for changes in project prioritization and implementation.

Request IR-52: - Regarding the Advanced Grid Modernization Programs program discussed starting on page 31 - of the Reliability Plan: - a. Please provide the derivation of the total cost, including all supporting data and calculations in Ex...

AI summary Request IR-52 seeks detailed information on the Advanced Grid Modernization Programs, including cost derivation, SAIDI reduction calculations, mitigation effectiveness, current grid visibility, and how grid modernization interacts with other reliability plan investments.

Request IR-53: - For each of the listed areas of focus on page 31, lines 18-19 of the Reliability Plan and discussed in Section 5, please provide the following (in Excel with all calculations, where applicable): - a. Assumed or estimated u...

AI summary Request IR-53 seeks detailed cost and reliability improvement data for specific areas of focus in the Reliability Plan, including unit costs, granular cost breakdowns, total cost estimates, and supporting calculations for reliability improvements.

Request IR-54: Regarding Section 6.1 (Connected Assets) on pages 31 to 33 of the Reliability Plan: - a. Please explain and provide examples, at the substation (and associated feeder level), the current level of SCADA deployment. - b. What...

AI summary Request IR-54 seeks clarification on SCADA deployment levels, necessary upgrades, and how reliability plan programs will support implementation, with a request to use data from question 17 and provide additional data in Excel.

Request IR-55: - Regarding Figure 13: Remote Terminal Units Proposed for 2025 on page 32 of the Reliability Plan - and the Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) program: - a. Please explain and provide all quantitative support for why these substat...

AI summary Request IR-55 seeks detailed explanations and data on the selection of substations for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) upgrades in 2025, including reliability improvements, costs, and reasons for unplanned substation targeting.

Request IR-56: - Regarding Section 6.1.2 (Downline Connectivity), where NS Power discusses "learnings in field - deployment and Control Center integration" on page 33, line 10 of the Reliability Plan, please - describe the lessons learned...

AI summary The request asks NS Power to detail lessons learned from previous projects related to Downline Connectivity and how these will improve reliability in the proposed Downline Connectivity program outlined in the Reliability Plan.

Request IR-57: - Regarding Figure 14: Downline Reclosers Planned for 2025-2026 on page 33 of the Reliability - Plan: - a. Please explain and provide all quantitative support for why the substation-feeder connections listed in Figure 14 wer...

AI summary The text is a request (IR-57) directed at explaining and providing quantitative support for the targeting of substation-feeder connections in the 2025-2026 Reliability Plan, including reliability improvements, project costs, and reasons for changes in targeting.

Request IR-58: - Regarding Section 6.2 (Fault Location Isolation and Service Restoration) starting on page 34 of the Reliability Plan: - a. Please provide the industry case studies and statistics mentioned on page 34, lines 17- 18, showing...

AI summary Request IR-58 seeks detailed information regarding reliability improvements from grid projects, including case studies, statistical evidence, and cost breakdowns for specific substation and feeder-level installations.

Request IR-63: - Is NS Power planning to incorporate dollar values associated with any other types of benefits - (other than VoLL) into evaluation of cost-effectiveness for reliability planning? If so, which values, - when, and how?

AI summary The document asks whether NS Power plans to include dollar values for benefits other than VoLL in the cost-effectiveness evaluation of reliability planning, and if so, which values, when, and how.

Request IR-64: - Does NS Power think that some investments in its Reliability Plan may not be cost effective? - a. If so, which investments and why would they not be cost-effective? - b. If so, why were these investments included in the Re...

AI summary The document requests NS Power to evaluate whether certain investments in its Reliability Plan may not be cost-effective, and if so, to identify which investments and explain why they were included in the plan.

Request IR-65: - Please discuss how NS Power considered affordability in its Reliability Plan. - a. What metric(s) did NS Power use to evaluate affordability? - b. How did NS Power evaluate affordability? - c. Did NS Power evaluate afforda...

AI summary The document requests NS Power to discuss how affordability was considered in its Reliability Plan, including metrics used, evaluation methods, customer segmentation, comparisons with other investments, and strategies to avoid duplication of investments.

Request IR-66: - Please refer to NS Power's response to IR-7 (a-g) which states, "NS Power does not assess - reliability by specific customer classes or customer types. Reliability is tracked on both a system- - wide basis and on an indivi...

AI summary The document requests detailed information on feeder IDs serving Mi'kmaq communities, as well as investment and reliability metrics for feeders serving these communities and others from 2020 to 2025. The data is to be provided in a specified Excel format.

Request IR-68: - Please refer to NS Power's response to IR-14 which states, "NS Power's participation in working groups within Electricity Canada along with member utilities across Canada as well as reviews of and discussions on the best p...

AI summary The document requests information on best practices for reliability improvements from Canadian utilities and how they were incorporated into NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan, referencing NS Power's prior response to IR-14.

Request IR-72: - Please refer to NS Power's response to IR-18 which states, "Specific projects had not been - defined for 2026–2029, at the time of filing the Five-Year Reliability Plan. Investment levels for - these years therefore reflec...

AI summary The document outlines a request (IR-72) to NS Power regarding asset tracking, large reliability investments, and the determination of reliability investments for feeders with varying condition scores. It asks whether NS Power tracks asset conditions for reliability projections, anticipates large investments in the 2027–2031 period, and explains how it determines when to invest in feeders with specific condition scores.

Request IR-74: - Please refer to NS Power's response to IR-19 (d) (iii). Has the 2025 ransomware attack - compromised reliability in 2025 and/or 2026? - a. For 2025, when was reliability compromised, how, and by how much? - b. For 2026, by...

AI summary The request seeks information on the impact of the 2025 ransomware attack on reliability in 2025 and 2026, including the extent of compromise, proposed reliability investments, and potential updates to the Five-Year Reliability Plan for 2027 to 2029.

Request IR-77: - Please refer to NS Power's response to IR-24 (a) which states, "Diminishing returns were - represented as a reduction in the effectiveness of investments in the later years of the program, - such that an equivalent program...

AI summary The document requests data demonstrating diminishing returns over five years of the Reliability Plan, as mentioned in NS Power's response to IR-24 (a), including all supporting data and assumptions in Excel format.

Request IR-83: - Please refer to Attachment 2 in NS Power's response to IR-38. Please also refer to NS Power's - response to IR-39 (a-b) which states, "As detailed in Synapse IR-38, cost and SAIDI reduction - projections are informed by hi...

AI summary The document outlines a series of requests related to the definition and justification of 'proposed incremental investments' in the Reliability Plan, the discrepancy between these investments and the total Plan's $1.3 billion, and the data sources and calculations used for SAIDI hour per $1M and SAIDI reduction projections in Attachment 2.

Request IR-92: - Regarding NS Power's response to IR-52: - a. Please provide all NS Power forecasts of measure types, number of measures, costs, and SAIDI and SAIFI reductions from these grid modernization investments related to reliabilit...

AI summary The document requests NS Power to provide forecasts related to grid modernization investments from its 2020 to 2026 ACE Plans, including measure types, costs, and reliability improvements, as well as references to previous proceedings where the NSEB evaluated similar investments.

Request IR-95: - Please provide all data for 2005 through 2026 as shown the attached Excel file titled - Synapse_IR_M12558_Set 2 Data Template 2026.05.22.xlsx, in the IR-95 Data Template tab. - Please include the following for each year in...

AI summary The document requests data from 2005 through 2026 related to reliability plans, investments, and performance metrics such as SAIDI and SAIFI, as well as reliability standards met and penalties assessed, to be provided in a specific Excel format.

Request IR-96: - To what degree does NS Power factor an increasing prevalence and severity of minor and major - events into its Reliability Plan? - a. What types and sources of weather data does NS Power use to understand how the prevalenc...

AI summary Request IR-96 asks NS Power to explain how it factors in the increasing prevalence and severity of minor and major events into its Reliability Plan, including the use of weather data, standards, and normalization of metrics.

From: [Painting-MacLean, Kimberly](mailto:[email protected]) To: [Jennifer Power](mailto:[email protected]) Cc: [Alissa Whalen](mailto:[email protected]); [Allison Coffin](mailto:[email protected]...

AI summary This email is from Kimberly Painting-MacLean to Jennifer Power regarding the second set of intervenor responses (IRs) for the review of NS Power's Five-Year Reliability Plan 2025-2029, with attachments including a Word document, a PDF, and an Excel data template.

September 3, 2026 Jennifer Kallay Synapse Energy Economics Re: M12558 – 2025-2029 Five-Year Reliability Plan Review – Feedback on Report – Extension Request Dear Ms. Kallay: Following NS Power's letter of August 21, 2026 requesting an exte...

AI summary NS Power has requested an extension to submit its feedback on Synapse Energy Economics' draft report for the 2025-2029 Five-Year Reliability Plan Review, asking to extend the deadline from September 8, 2026, to September 18, 2026, to ensure a thorough response.