HALIFAX, NS- Nova Scotia Power has filed its 2009 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update with the Utility and Review Board (UARB). The IRP is a forecasting and planning tool used by NS Power to produce long-term plans for meeting the electricity requirements of Nova Scotians. The IRP also serves as a framework for the UARB and stakeholders to help them understand the future direction of NS Power. This filing is an update to the 2007 IRP.
The 2009 IRP Update was a strategic planning activity that reflected changes in assumptions about the economy, environment, fuel pricing and electricity demand since the 2007 IRP. The 2009 update has confirmed the direction of the 2007 IRP by identifying conservation and energy efficiency as an important component of NS Power’s resource planning over the next 25 years. Renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro, and biomass, along with continued investments in NS Power’s existing facilities were also identified as cost-effective and flexible means of meeting future electricity demand in Nova Scotia.
The IRP process was completed by NS Power, working jointly with UARB staff and consultants. The process also included consultation with multiple stakeholders representing residential customers, industry, government, and environmental organizations.
The 2009 IRP Update uses a 25-year load forecast to model the long-term electricity demand for Nova Scotia. Based on these load forecasts, the IRP develops various scenarios to help NS Power determine the best way to meet that demand, in a cost-effective manner that is environmentally-compliant with Nova Scotia’s Renewable Energy Standard and emission regulations such as caps on carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury.
NS Power has analyzed the results of the 2009 IRP and developed an updated IRP Action Plan. The IRP will continue as a living document with status reports on the IRP action items shared with the UARB and stakeholders on an annual basis.
To view the complete plan and answers to frequently asked questions, visit
www.nspower.ca/irp