Topic:"System Reliability" in M12916

). The creation of the Independent Energy System Operator of Nova Scotia (IESO, IESO Nova Scotia) has implications for the continued ownership of these filing requirements, which are described herein. NS Power and IESO Nova Scotia have bee...

AI summary The document discusses the transition of responsibilities for the Load Forecast and 10-Year System Outlook (10YSO) reports between NS Power and the newly created IESO Nova Scotia. NS Power will prepare the Load Forecast report while IESO Nova Scotia will take over the 10YSO report, avoiding duplication of efforts. The 10YSO report is an annual assessment of system capacity and resource adequacy, reflecting progress toward 80% renewable energy and the phase-out of coal by 2030.

t [https://irp.nspower.ca/documents/pre-irp](https://irp.nspower.ca/documents/pre-irp-deliverables/)[deliverables/](https://irp.nspower.ca/documents/pre-irp-deliverables/) on behalf of NS Power and IESO Nova Scotia. [6](#page-8-1) The outp...

AI summary This section discusses the results of an ELCC study conducted on behalf of NS Power and IESO Nova Scotia, which updated ELCC factors for wind, solar, energy storage, and demand response. The study accounted for saturation effects and identified diversity benefits from combining different resources, contributing to firm capacity and resource adequacy.

Winter 2026/ 2027 2027/ 2028 2028/ 2029 2029/ 2030 2030/ 2031 2031/ 2032 2032/ 2033 2033/ 2034 2034/ 2035 2035/ 2036 1 Load Forecast 2 System Peak (with DSM) 2,497 2,526 2,549 2,563 2,593 2,620 2,652 2,689 2,730 2,765 3 Interruptible Load...

AI summary The table presents a 10-Year System Outlook (10YSO) with load forecasts, system peak, required capacity, existing and new firm resources, retirements, and reserve margin percentages for various years from 2026/2027 to 2035/2036. It outlines the capacity additions and retirements, including wind, storage, and coal-to-gas conversions, along with the resulting reserve margins.

5.3.1 Western Valley Transmission System The Western Valley transmission study was initiated to identify if load growth and new generation in the area necessitate system upgrades and/or protection scheme changes. System upgrades could incl...

AI summary The Western Valley transmission study was initiated to assess if load growth and new generation in the area require system upgrades or changes to protection schemes. Upgrades may include reactive power sources, while protection changes may involve Automatic Action Schemes (AAS) or Remedial Action Schemes (RAS). The study covers 2027 and 2032 for both normal and N-1 scenarios, with 2027 results identifying necessary upgrades.

5.4 Planned Projects The transmission plan presented in this section provides a summary of the planned reinforcement of the Nova Scotia transmission system. The proposed projects are required to maintain system reliability and security and...

AI summary This section outlines planned transmission system reinforcements in Nova Scotia to ensure reliability, security, and compliance with standards. Projects are based on system impact studies and may change due to technical studies, load forecasts, or other factors determined by IESO Nova Scotia.

6 CONCLUSION This report constitutes IESO Nova Scotia's 10-Year System Outlook for the 2026-2036 horizon and satisfies the requirement under Section 3.3.1.3 of the Nova Scotia Wholesale and Renewable to Retail Electricity Market Rules . Th...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia's 10-Year System Outlook (2026-2036) outlines the province's transition to 80% renewable energy and coal phase-out by 2030. The report highlights the need for successful implementation of projects to maintain system adequacy and meet decarbonization targets, while studying impacts of load and generation, including inverter-based resources, to ensure system reliability.

- b) For any item identified in the response to part (b) that has does not have a firm delivery date consistent with the target in-service date of 2028, please describe IESO-NS's understanding of any risk mitigation plan for late delivery....

AI summary The response refers questions about the NS-NB Reliability Intertie project to the project owner, Wasoqonatl Transmission Incorporated, and outlines contingency plans for delays in the project's completion by 2028, including potential operation as an electrical island and maintaining system reliability.

Request IR – 8 - Reference: Exh. N-1, Table 9, and Matter M12592 regarding the ECC Dynamic Line Rating - (DLR) project with a cost of $7 million, including $5.2 million in NRCan funding. - a) Please explain why this project is not included...

AI summary Request IR–8 seeks clarification on the exclusion of the ECC Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) project from Table 9, the significance of the project, and its impact on transmission line interruptions and system operations. The request also explores IESO-NS's views on the purpose and benefits of DLR, including congestion relief, renewable integration, and safety improvements.

- a) Please provide a status update on each of the projects listed in Table 8 and the System Impact Studies being completed, and whether IESO-NS has any updated new large load interconnection requests since the completion of this report in...

AI summary The questions focus on the status of projects in Table 8, their load classifications, system impact analyses, reliability impacts, integration into load forecasts, and implications for system peak, net system requirement, and planning reserve margin.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL d) All new connections to the Nova Scotia Transmission System must meet applicable reliability standards to connect. This includes maintaining system reliability under expected design conditions over the life of a project....

AI summary The document discusses requirements for new connections to the Nova Scotia Transmission System, emphasizing compliance with reliability standards and the need for a determined tariff class to assess impacts on system reliability. It also mentions the incorporation of IRL-04 into the load forecast and the dependency of impacts on service type and associated generation.

Response IR - 1 meter solar. Adjustments to system peak were not needed. NSPI is required to provide back-up capacity, including associated reserve margin, to the municipal electric utilities and renewable-to-retail customers taking supply...

AI summary The response discusses the impact of behind-the-meter solar on system peak demand, stating that no adjustments are needed as peak design conditions occur after sunset. NSPI is required to provide backup capacity to municipal utilities and renewable-to-retail customers.

Request IR – 6 - If the new 450 MW of fast-acting combustion turbines generating capacity is not in service by - 2030, please describe IESO Nova Scotia's specific plan to meet projected system load, as well as - maintain system reliability...

AI summary The request asks IESO Nova Scotia to outline a plan to meet system load and maintain reliability by 2030 if new 450 MW of fast-acting combustion turbines are not in service, while also complying with NS Power's requirements to phase out coal and achieve 80% renewable electricity generation.

Request IR – 7 - Please describe IESO Nova Scotia's contingency plan to meet projected system load, as well as - maintain system reliability and NPCC compliance, if IESO Nova Scotia has not put 250 MW of - battery storage in-service by 202...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia explains that even without the 250 MW battery storage in-service by 2029/2030, the system can still maintain a 20% planning reserve margin due to other resource additions and a forecasted reserve margin surplus of 108 MW.

- b) Rows 2 and 3 in the table below show the amount of DSM included in the System Peak forecast; the remainder of the table is consistent with Table 4 as published in the 2026 10 Year System Outlook. Winter 2026/ 2027 2027/ 2028 2028/ 202...

AI summary The table shows the impact of demand-side management (DSM) on the System Peak forecast for various years, with rows 2 and 3 illustrating the difference between the system peak with and without DSM. The data is consistent with Table 4 from the 2026 10 Year System Outlook.

Request IR – 12 - Please provide graphs showing historical and predicted annual system peak and annual net - system requirement values for review, including the past 10 years and next 10 years, similar to - Figures 1 and 2 in the 2025 10-Y...

AI summary The request asks for historical and predicted annual system peak and net system requirement values for the past and next 10 years, similar to figures in the 2025 10-Year System Outlook. The response refers to the 2026 Load Forecast Report and notes that certain loads are not included in the energy requirement calculations.

Request IR – 1 - a) How will the results of the current Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that is underway be reflected in, or incorporated into, future 10-Year System Outlook (10YSO) Reports? - b) Where differences arise between the conclusi...

AI summary The response to Request IR-1 explains that the 2026 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will be the central planning scenario for future 10-Year System Outlook (10YSO) Reports. The IRP will be the primary basis for resource procurement decisions, while the 10YSO serves as an annual checkpoint to ensure alignment with planning assumptions and reserve margin targets.

- 8: Large-Load SIS. - a) For each of the nine projects listed in Table 8, please provide the expected in-service date, ramp schedule for load growth, load factor, and any interruptible or curtailment provisions. - b) Are these loads inclu...

AI summary The response to the SBA's information requests regarding nine large-load projects discusses in-service dates, ramp schedules, load factors, and interruptible provisions. It notes that ramp rates are not yet determined and that load factors are not considered during the System Impact Study. The response directs further questions to another document.

NOVA SCOTIA ENERGY BOARD IN THE MATTER OF: The Public Utilities Act , RSNS 1989, c 380 as amended - and - IN THE MATTER OF: Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator's 2026 10-Year System Outlook Report

AI summary The Nova Scotia Energy Board is considering the 2026 10-Year System Outlook Report submitted by the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator under the Public Utilities Act, RSNS 1989, c 380 as amended.

Request IR-7: - Please describe IESO Nova Scotia's contingency plan to meet projected system load, as well as - maintain system reliability and NPCC compliance, if IESO Nova Scotia has not put 250 MW of - battery storage in-service by 2029...

AI summary The request asks IESO Nova Scotia to describe its contingency plan for meeting projected system load and maintaining system reliability and NPCC compliance if 250 MW of battery storage is not in-service by 2029/2030.

Request IR-12: - Please provide graphs showing historical and predicted annual system peak and annual net - system requirement values for review, including the past 10 years and next 10 years, similar to - Figures 1 and 2 in the 2025 10-Ye...

AI summary Request IR-12 asks for graphs showing historical and predicted annual system peak and annual net system requirement values over the past and next 10 years, similar to those in the 2025 10-Year System Outlook.

Request IR-17: - Referencing Planned Projects, on pdf page 24, IESO Nova Scotia stated: - The proposed projects are required to maintain system reliability and security and comply with System Design Criteria and other standards. - a) Provi...

AI summary The document requests the provision of 'System Design Criteria and other standards' related to planned projects, emphasizing the need for system reliability and security compliance.

Request IR-11 Refer to the 2026 Report Section 3.2.3 – NS Community Solar, page 13, which states that "The forecast commercial operation date for the first three projects approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy is Q3 2027." - a. P...

AI summary The document requests information about the development status and potential risks of three Community Solar projects, as well as a reconciliation of additions and retirements in two resource plans. It emphasizes the importance of meeting commercial operation dates and understanding differences in resource planning.

Request IR-19 Refer to the 2026 Report 5.2.2 Large Load Interconnection Requests, page 23, referring to Table 8: Large-Load SIS. - a. For each of the nine projects listed in Table 8, please provide the expected in-service date, ramp schedu...

AI summary Request IR-19 asks for details on nine large-load interconnection projects, including their expected in-service dates, load factors, and impact on resource adequacy. It also inquires if these loads are included in the load forecast and the implications for capacity requirements.

7 Reference: Section 5.2.2 Large Load Interconnection Requests; Table 8: Large-Load SIS. - 8 (a) Please provide a status update on each of the projects listed in Table 8 and 9 the System Impact Studies being completed, and whether IESO-NS...

AI summary The document requests an update on the status of large load interconnection projects, details on load classifications, system demand analysis, reliability impacts, load forecast inclusion, and the implications of adding these loads to the forecast. It focuses on the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator (IESO-NS) and its processes.

6 Request IR-3: - 7 Reference: Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Regional Electricity - 8 Cooperation and System Integration, signed July 23, 2026: - 9 [https://www.gnb.ca/en/org/energy/energy-publications/maritime-regional-electrici...

AI summary This section of the regulatory proceeding requests information about IESO-NS's involvement in a Maritime Regional Electricity Cooperation and System Integration Memorandum of Understanding. It asks about IESO-NS's role, impact on planning and forecasting, implications for Nova Scotia's energy import/export capacity, and whether the MOU's outcomes will be reflected in future planning documents.

Request IR-6: Reference : Exh. N-1, Appendix A - a) Please provide a discussion of this table, with a particular focus on the forecast surplus of 3 GWh in 2030 and also a discussion of IESO-NS's expectations for 2031 and 2032 compliance. b...

AI summary Request IR-6 asks IESO-NS to discuss a forecast surplus of 3 GWh in 2030 and expectations for 2031 and 2032 compliance. It also inquires about IESO-NS's plans for addressing potential shortfalls in renewable energy and load exceedances.

Request IR-8: - Reference : Exh. N-1, Table 9, and Matter M12592 regarding the ECC Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) project with a cost of $7 million, including $5.2 million in NRCan funding. - a) Please explain why this project is not included i...

AI summary Request IR-8 seeks clarification on the exclusion of the ECC Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) project from Table 9, the significance of the project, and its implications on transmission line interruptions, risk mitigation, and potential benefits such as congestion relief and cost savings. It also requests data analysis, evaluation plans, and comparisons with Ambient Adjusted Rating (AAR) solutions.

Re: M12916 -Nova Scotia IESO-202610-Year System Outlook Report Following its establishment under the More Access to Energy Act, IESO Nova Scotia is now responsible for the province's power supply planning and resource adequacy assessments,...

AI summary The Small Business Advocate (SBA) reviewed IESO Nova Scotia's 10-Year System Outlook report and found it generally reasonable but noted areas of concern regarding resource adequacy and system coordination. The SBA highlights potential risks for future planning and recommends further consideration by IESO Nova Scotia and the Board.

ission needs, which is the responsibility ofIESO Nova Scotia. The SBA respectfully submits that ifNSPI and IESO Nova Scotia plan in parallel but without close coordination, there is a higher risk that 2M12916, Exhibit N-2, IESO-NS Response...

AI summary The SBA is concerned about the lack of coordination between NSPI and IESO Nova Scotia in system planning, which could lead to inefficient investments and higher costs for customers. The SBA recommends closer coordination and broader System Outlooks from IESO Nova Scotia.

2. Resource Adequacy Risks and Contingency Planning The System Outlook forecasts a reserve margin surplus in every year through Winter 2033/2034. 8 However, that surplus depends on many projects being completed on schedule. A significant n...

AI summary The System Outlook forecasts a reserve margin surplus through Winter 2033/2034, but this depends on timely project completion. The SBA argues that the surplus may not be sufficient if multiple projects are delayed, and criticizes the lack of contingency planning by IESO Nova Scotia. NSPI also questions the contingency planning approach.

Submissions Consequently, the SBA respectfully submits that the Board should consider requiring IESO to do the following: - 1. Coordinate with NSPI and other parties to obtain information relevant to system planning, rather than deferring...

AI summary The SBA submits that the IESO should improve coordination with NSPI, develop contingency plans, clarify load forecast criteria, reconsider battery degradation assumptions, and address environmental compliance risks. The submission highlights the need for the Board to ensure transparency and proper division of responsibilities between NSPI and IESO during the transition.

IG notes that the near and medium-term resource adequacy conclusions rely on a number of resources that are not within IESO-NS's direct control and whose in-service timing carries risk. These include: The Reliability Intertie. The NS-NB Re...

AI summary The Industrial Group (IG) highlights concerns about the NS-NB Reliability Intertie project's timeline and risks, noting its critical importance to Nova Scotia's energy system. If the Intertie is not completed by Q4 2028, the system may need to operate as an electrical island at higher costs. IG argues that these issues should be integrated into long-term planning.

4. LARGE-LOAD INTERCONNECTION REQUESTS Table 8 of the 10YSO Report identifies several large-load interconnection requests under study, representing a potentially significant impact on peak demand, especially when combined. IESO-NS has conf...

AI summary The text discusses large-load interconnection requests and their potential impact on peak demand and system reliability. IESO-NS has only studied one project, IRL04, and has not analyzed others. The Industrial Group (IG) recommends that the Board direct IESO-NS to report on the status of these requests in future filings.

3.4.2.1 The NSPSO system plan will address: - (a) transmission investment planning; - (b) DSM programs operated by EfficiencyOne or others; - (c) NS Power generation planning for existing Facilities, including retirements as well as invest...

AI summary The NSPSO system plan addresses transmission investment, DSM programs, generation planning, new generating facilities, and load transitioning. IESO NS confirmed responsibility for the report, which covers system planning issues, load forecasts, generation resources, and compliance with environmental regulations. Intervenors have filed information requests.

D. Large Load Service Requests IESO Nova Scotia has received load interconnection requests for ten proposed projects, mainly commercial and industrial, representing 855 MW of potential new load interconnected by 2029.[18](#page-4-4) Other...

AI summary IESO Nova Scotia has received large load interconnection requests totaling 855 MW, which could significantly impact system capacity and reliability. The IESO has not established formal criteria for including these requests in its load forecasts, raising concerns about potential capacity shortfalls. The Consumer Advocate recommends that IESO Nova Scotia review alternative forecasting practices that account for generation and transmission upgrades.