2009 Integrated Resource Plan Update

Working towards a cleaner energy future for Nova Scotia Power requires a long-term plan for electricity generation.

Like many utilities in North America, NS Power uses an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) as a forecasting and planning tool. The IRP is used by NS Power to produce long-term plans for meeting the electricity requirements of Nova Scotians.

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 Action Plan identifies conservation and energy efficiency programs, additional renewables such as wind, hydro and biomass, and updates to existing energy generation facilities as important components for NS Power’s plans over the next 25 years.

Click here to view the 2009 IRP Update Final Report.

Click here to view the 2009 IRP filing news release.

Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is an IRP?

An Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is a long-term planning activity used by electric utilities to assess options to meet future customer requirements for the generation of electricity. An IRP provides NS Power with a roadmap that informs and confirms our strategic direction, rather than prescriptive solutions. Investment decisions flowing from the key findings and recommendations in the IRP Action Plan would require UARB approval. The 2009 IRP is an update to the 2007 IRP.

2) What does the 2009 IRP update suggest?

The 2009 IRP Update results have led to the creation of an IRP Action Plan for NS Power. The Action Plan recommends continuation of Conservation and Energy Efficiency programs and support for the new Administrator through the transition period. The Action Plan also recommends the addition of new renewable energy in the province, such as developing new wind generation and assessing the sustainability and supply of biomass as a renewable fuel source. The plan also includes continual investments in existing facilities to optimize capacity, efficiency and environmental performance.

3) What did the 2007 IRP recommend?

The 2007 IRP suggested that the most cost effective approach for NS Power to meet customer demand for electricity was to invest in Conservation and Energy Efficiency programs, the addition of renewable generation and investment in the capacity and environmental performance of existing generation facilities.

These conclusions from 2007 remain directionally consistent in the 2009 IRP Update.

4) Why was an IRP update necessary after two years?

There have been a number of public policy changes in Nova Scotia since the 2007 IRP was completed, including updated caps on carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury. The 2009 update reflects these updates and other known changes to the basic assumptions since that time (such as updated load and fuel forecasts).

5) What renewables will be added? What facility upgrades will be done?

The recommendations from the 2009 IRP Update confirm NS Power’s current strategy. For example, the IRP Update suggests that renewables such as wind generation should be pursued and should continue to be added to our energy mix. NS Power is currently working to develop the Nuttby Mountain wind farm near Truro, and has a number of contracts in place with independent wind power producers. NS Power will assist with other stakeholders in the government’s assessment of the sustainability and supply of biomass as a renewable energy source. Biomass co-firing in NS Power’s existing facilities is a new supply option introduced in the 2009 IRP Update. NS Power has been testing the viability of co-firing biomass in a number of its facilities in 2009. The co-firing of biomass is an economic alternative because it would allow NS Power to use existing assets, such as thermal generating stations.

6) How could the IRP affect customer rates?

An IRP is a long term planning model that recommends the most cost-effective and environmentally compliant ways for NS Power to meet future load demand over time. It is intended to provide a directional path. The IRP is not directly related to rates and does not predict customer rates. We know that affordable power rates are important to our customers. As part of NS Power’s long-term planning, we will work to remain cost effective and to provide good value to customers.

7) How will these recommendations be used?

The IRP is a long-term planning tool. The 2009 IRP Update Action Plan includes continued emphasis on Conservation and Energy Efficiency programs, adding new renewable resources, and continued investment in upgrades at existing facilities. The results of the IRP Update and the initiatives laid out in the IRP Update Action Plan both confirm the path that NS Power is on. NS Power will continue to evaluate the findings of the 2009 IRP Update, and will implement many of the elements of the Action Plan over time, with approval from the UARB as required for specific initiatives.

8) How does the IRP team determine the plan’s key findings?

The 2007 IRP and the 2009 IRP Update were developed by NS Power, working jointly with UARB staff and its consultants. The 2009 update process included updating the basic assumptions used in the 2007 IRP, determining plan themes, analyzing possible scenarios, and conducting sensitivity analyses of resource plans to ensure they remained economic under different circumstances. The results were then compiled in a final report. Stakeholders have participated in the IRP update process, with opportunities for input and feedback.