Updates
August 17, 2022 - RBP Portfolio Announcement
Coho (formerly CustomerFirst Renewables), as the Procurement Administrator for the Province of Nova Scotia, is excited to announce the selection of a portfolio of renewable energy projects for the Province of Nova Scotia.
The Rate Base Procurement (RBP) portfolio was chosen through an independent, objective and open procurement process. The portfolio is comprised of 5 projects, totaling 372 megawatts or 1,373 gigawatt hours per year of renewable low-impact electricity production. This represents approximately 12% of Nova Scotia’s total electricity consumption.
“Coho is proud to have administered this RFP and ensured a fair, transparent, objective and competitive procurement process,” said Gary Farha, CEO and founder of Coho. “This procurement, created in consultation with the Province and other key stakeholders, was designed to capture renewable energy projects that deliver the best value to ratepayers, meaningful engagement and ownership with the Mi’kmaq and other underrepresented communities, and positive economic impact for local supply chains. CFR is excited to continue driving new renewable energy in Nova Scotia through future procurements.”
The average energy rate of the RBP portfolio is CAD $53.17 per megawatt hour, which delivers tangible value for Nova Scotia ratepayers, by being lower than the average cost of electricity in Nova Scotia. These projects will save ratepayers an estimated $120 million annually over the next 25 years.
The projects will be operational by the end of 2025. They will reduce Nova Scotia’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million tonnes annually. The projects are expected to generate more than $550 million in construction activity and create about 2,000 direct and indirect jobs over their lifetime, mostly in rural Nova Scotia.
All projects have made corporate commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion. Each project has committed to providing benefits to local communities such as training, skill development, capacity building, grants or scholarships.
Each project is majority owned by one or more Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia, ensuring that Indigenous communities are meaningfully engaged and will see positive benefits as a result of renewable development in the province.
The projects that were selected are as follows:
- Benjamins Mill Wind near Falmouth in Hants County, developed by Natural Forces Development and Wskijnu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency Ltd which represents all 13 Mi’kmaw bands
- Ellershouse 3 Wind in Hants County, developed by Potentia Renewables and Annapolis Valley First Nation
- Higgins Mountain Wind Farm near Wentworth in Colchester and Cumberland counties, developed by Elemental Energy and Sipekne’katik First Nation
- WEB Weavers Mountain Wind near Marshy Hope in Pictou and Antigonish counties, developed by SWEB Development and Glooscap First Nation
- Wedgeport Wind Farm in Yarmouth County, developed by Elemental Energy and Sipekne’katik First Nation
Each project will receive a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with Nova Scotia Power for the sale of their renewable electricity. They must secure all required regulatory permits and approvals, including an environmental assessment which involves holding community consultations.
Quotes:
"WMA is pleased to have been successful with its partner Natural Forces for the selection of the Benjamin Mills Wind Project in the Nova Scotia Rate Procurement Process. This is a win-win by providing green energy to Nova Scotia, at a competitive price, while also bringing economic and other benefits to all 13 Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia. WMA is pleased to partner with Natural Forces in this green energy project. Natural Forces has partnered with the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq for over a decade.”
- Crystal Nicholas, President, Wskijinu'k Mtmo'taqnuow Agency Ltd. (“WMA”)
“Along with our project partners at the Annapolis Valley First Nation, Potentia is thrilled that Nova Scotia has awarded a contract to our Ellershouse 3 project under their Rate Base Procurement Program. The Ellershouse 3 project will bring competitively-priced green energy to Nova Scotia’s rate payers while stimulating significant investment and job creation in local economies near the project. We look forward to working together to bring this exciting project into operation.”
- Ben Greenhouse, Senior Vice President, Potentia Renewables
Quick Facts:
- The projects will produce up to 1.3 million megawatt hours of wind power each year--by adding nearly 12% more renewable electricity to the grid
- The projects also support the province’s goals for a 53% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and becoming net-zero by 2050
- This initiative represents the largest potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a single government procurement
Additional Resources:
For Media Inquiries
Department of Natural Resources and Renewables:
Patricia Jreige
902-718-7866
Patricia.Jreige@novascotia.ca
Procurement Administrator:
Kumayl Jacksi
Natural Forces Development:
Amy Pellerin
Potentia Renewables:
Jonathan Bitoun
jbitoun@potentiarenewables.com
Elemental Energy:
Jamie Houssian
SWEB Development:
Jason Parise
July 7, 2022 - Shortlist Portfolio Notification
The Procurement Administrator (PA) is writing to announce that a Shortlist Portfolio has been selected for the Nova Scotia Rate Base Procurement (RBP). The Shortlist Portfolio consists of 9 Proposals, totaling 2250 Gigawatt Hours of production, in accordance with Section 4.2.2.2 of the RFP. This is an important milestone for the Province on its path to achieving significant carbon reductions by 2030 while ensuring the best value for ratepayers.
Shortlisted Proponents will be invited to attend an interview with the PA. The Proponents’ presentations and responses during the interview will be considered during the selection of the final RBP portfolio.
Kindly note that the PA will not be publicly releasing the list of Shortlisted Proposals. The PA expects to select the final RBP Portfolio by August 18, 2022, at which time the PA will publicly release the information set out in Section 2.8 of the RFP.
May 4, 2022 -Proposal submission deadline Reminder
The Procurement Administrator (PA) is writing to remind Proponents that the Proposal Submission Deadline will be at midnight AST on Wednesday, May 11th. For the avoidance of doubt, the deadline will be Wednesday night/Thursday morning.
Proposals shall be irrevocable in the form submitted by the Proponents following the Proposal Submission Deadline. After the Proposal Submission Deadline, the PA will disable the capability for Proponents to submit, withdraw or edit Proposals on the information sharing platform.
The PA encourages Proponents to test uploading and modifying documents on the information sharing platform as soon as possible, to ensure there are no submission issues prior to the Proposal Submission Deadline.
April 18, 2022 -Addendum 6 to the RFP
The Procurement Administrator has issued Addendum 6 to the RFP, titled "Revisions to Section 5.11 Generation Technology and Appendix 8.1 Power Purchase Agreement". This Addenda provides greater flexibility to the existing equipment certification requirements. Please note that the RFP and PPA have been updated to reflect these revisions. The Addendum, the updated RFP, and the updated PPA are viewable on the RFP tab of the RBP website.
April 13, 2022 -Proposal submission deadline announcement
The Procurement Administrator is writing to announce that all Interconnection Feasibility Studies for Proponents that submitted a Notice of Intent to Bid have been completed and returned as of April 12th, 2022. As such, the Proposal Submission Deadline will remain as expected - Wednesday May 11th, 2022 (60 Business Days after the RFP Date of Issuance).
The Inquiries Deadline will be Wednesday April 20th, 2022. All questions regarding the RFP must be submitted by the Inquiries Deadline in order to receive a response.
The PA has updated Section 2.5.1 (Milestones & Timeline) of the RFP accordingly. The updated RFP is viewable on the RFP tab. The PA has also updated the timeline graphic, viewable on the Timeline tab.
April 8, 2022 -Erratum 3 to the RFP
The Procurement Administrator has issued Erratum 3 to the RFP, titled "Corrections to Section 8.2 Definitions". This Erratum serves to provide clarity to three definitions in the RFP. Please note that the RFP has been updated to reflect these revisions. The Erratum and the updated RFP are viewable on the RFP tab of the RBP website.
April 1, 2022 - Addendum 5 to the RFP + CIB FAQ
The Procurement Administrator has issued Addendum 5 to the RFP, titled "Revisions to Section 6.2.2 Financing Experience and Plans". This Addendum imposes similar tests for financial viability for both Soft Commitments and self-financing. Please note that the RFP has been updated to reflect these revisions. The Addendum and the updated RFP are viewable on the RFP tab of the RBP website.
In addition, the Procurement Administrator has issued a CIB Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document. This document is viewable on the RFP tab of the RBP website.
March 25, 2022 - Addendum 4 to the RFP
The Procurement Administrator has issued Addendum 4 to the RFP, titled "Revisions to Section 6.2.5 Project Site". This Addendum expands the scope of ways to secure the right to construct and install Interconnection Facilities. Please note that the RFP and tab “D_Project Site” on the template Configuration Spreadsheet have been updated to reflect these revisions. The Addendum, the updated RFP, and the updated template Configuration Spreadsheet are viewable on the RFP tab.
March 21, 2022 - Addendum 3 to the RFP
The Procurement Administrator has issued Addendum 3 to the RFP, titled "Revisions to Section 6.2.4 and Appendix 8.5". This Addendum revises the Environmental Risk Questionnaire as it applies to Projects sited on private lands and Crown lands. Please note that the RFP and the template Configuration Form have been updated with these revisions. The Addendum, the updated RFP, and the updated template Configuration Form are viewable on the RFP tab.
March 8, 2022 - Notice of Intent to Bid Reminder
The Procurement Administrator (PA) is writing to remind Proponents that the Notice of Intent to Bid Deadline will occur at midnight AST on Monday March 14, 2022. The Notice of Intent to Bid is available for download on the RFP tab. Please refer to the Section 2.5.4 of the RFP for details regarding the Notice of Intent to Bid and Notice of Intent to Bid Fee.
February 25, 2022 - Errata and Addenda to the RFP
The Procurement Administrator has issued the following documents, viewable on the RFP tab:
1) The following Errata to the Request for Proposals:
- Erratum 1: Corrections to Section 6.2.1 Resource Assessment
- Erratum 2: Corrections to Section 6.2.2.3 Scored Criteria for Financing Experience & Plans
2) The following Addenda to the Request for Proposals:
- Addendum 1: Appendix 8.1 Power Purchase Agreement (Approved by the UARB)
- Addendum 2: Appendix 8.11 Form of Royalty and Contribution Agreement with Canada Infrastructure Bank, and a Supplementary Memorandum
February 11, 2022 - Announcement: RFP Issuance
The Procurement Administrator (PA) is writing to announce that the Request for Proposals for the Rate Base Procurement has been issued as of February 11, 2022. The following materials can be found on the RFP tab:
- The Rate Base Procurement Request for Proposals
- Supporting Documents for the Request for Proposals
- Proposal Submission Materials
- Notice of Intent to Bid
Please note that the Notice of Intent to Bid Deadline will be March 14th, 2022 (20 Business Days after the RFP Date of Issuance). The PA will inform Proponents of any adjustments to the RFP timeline via the RBP mailing list, and by posting an update to the RBP website.
In addition, the Proponent FAQ have been updated. The PA intends to provide periodic updates to the Proponent FAQ, which will be announced via the RBP mailing list.
February 9, 2022 - Preliminary Crown Land Desktop Scan
Note: This form has been amended
The form originally stated that “Proponent information submitted must be identical to the information that will be submitted in the upcoming Notice of Intent to Bid Form”.
The form now reads “Proponent information (i.e., Name of Proponent, Name of Project, and contact information) submitted is expected to be identical to the information that will be submitted in the upcoming Notice of Intent to Bid, but is non-binding”. The PA has updated the form (viewable below) with this amended text. For the avoidance of doubt, either version of the Preliminary Crown Land Desktop Scan form will be accepted by the PA.
Prospective Proponents that will require a Crown land lease must receive a Preliminary Crown Land Desktop Scan through the PA as a part of the RFP process. The Preliminary Crown Land Desktop Scan: Proponent Form is due by 5pm AST on Friday February 11th, 2022.
The Procurement Administrator has also updated select definitions that are relevant to the Preliminary Crown Land Desktop Scan, which are included in the 'Information and Directions' document. These updated definitions will be reflected in the final RFP. The following items can be found below:
- The Preliminary Crown Land Desktop Scan - Information and Directions
- The Preliminary Crown Land Desktop Scan - Proponent Form
February 7, 2022 - Announcement: RFP Date of Issuance
The Procurement Administrator (PA) is writing to announce the RFP Date of Issuance. The RFP will be released by EOD Friday February 11th, 2022 to the RFP tab of the RBP website.
The PA has also updated the timeline page of the RBP website. Kindly note the following adjustments to the timeline: The Notice of Intent to Bid Deadline is now 20 Business Days after the RFP Date of Issuance (originally 10 Business Days). The Proposal Submission Deadline is now 60 Business Days after the RFP Date of Issuance (originally 45 Business Days).
December 20, 2021 - RFP Timeline Update
The PA would like to provide an update regarding the Rate Base Procurement Request for Proposals timeline. This timeline can be found on the Timeline tab of the RBP website. The PA has also provided key updates to this timeline below:
The next iteration of the RFP will be the final issuance, anticipated to be released in mid-February. This will be the RFP Date of Issuance, as referenced in Section 2.5.1 of the RFP (Milestones & Timeline). The Proposal Submission Deadline will occur the later of the following:
- 45 Business Days after the RFP Date of Issuance
- 20 Business Days after the last Interconnection Feasibility Study included in the Expression of Interest submissions (expected in March)
- 20 Business Days after the PPA has been approved by the UARB (expected in March)
An updated FAQ document will be released in mid January, to answer select questions submitted by Proponents during the RFP Draft #2 feedback period.
Guidance on SREPs funding will be released as soon as it becomes available (expected in early January).
The CIB product will be circulated with Proponents who have executed an NDA with the CIB in early January. More instructions on the CIB feedback process will be shared via email, to Proponents who indicated their intent to participate via the EOI forms.
December 6, 2021 - UARB NOTICE OF APPLICATION
The Procurement Administrator would like to announce that the “Application for Approval of a Standard Form Power Purchase Agreement” was submitted on Friday December 3, 2021 to the UARB. The Notice of Application, which includes directions and a timetable for Proponents and interested parties to participate in a paper hearing, is available for download below.
November 19, 2021 - EA Guide + Webinar Announcement
Updated Environmental Assessment Guide
Kindly note that the ‘Guide to preparing an EA Registration Document for Wind Power Projects in Nova Scotia’ has been updated by the Environmental Assessment Branch of the Nova Scotia Department of Environment & Climate Change. This document is available for download below, and on the Resources tab. Proponents are asked to review this document in advance of the webinar.
Upcoming Webinar
The Procurement Administrator would also like to announce that we will be facilitating a webinar between Proponents; and the Environmental Assessment Branch & the Nova Scotia Office of L'nu Affairs regarding:
- The Nova Scotia Environmental Assessment process
- Consultation with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia
The webinar will be hosted on Tuesday, November 30th from 2pm – 3:30pm AST. If you are unable to attend the webinar live, it will be recorded and available on the RBP website, on the Resources tab. The slide decks used throughout the webinar will also be available for download.
To sign up for the webinar, please visit the link below and sign up using an email address. A calendar invite will be sent automatically, along with instructions on how to join the webinar.
November 17, 2021 - RFP Draft #2 Release
The Procurement Administrator (PA) would like to announce that the second draft of the Rate Base Procurement (RBP) Request for Proposals (RFP) has been released. RFP Draft #2 is available under the RFP tab.
The PA is accepting comments and questions regarding RFP Draft #2. Interested parties must submit feedback on the RFP via email to novascotia@customerfirstrenewables.com by EOD Wednesday, December 8th. Feedback must be submitted using the provided template to be considered. The feedback template can be found alongside RFP Draft #2, on the RFP tab.
The PA has also released a document outlining the major changes that have been made between Draft #1 and Draft #2 of the RFP. This can be found alongside RFP Draft #2, on the RFP tab.
The PA has also released an Expression of Interest form, which can be found on the RFP tab. Interested prospective Proponents have until EOD Monday December 1, 2021 to return the completed Expression of Interest form to the PA. This form must be submitted via email to novascotia@customerfirstrenewables.com.
The PA has also updated the RFP timeline, which can be found under the Timeline tab.
September 17, 2021 - Update on Interconnection Requests
The Procurement Administrator is writing to share the dates by which Proponents must submit and finalize an Interconnection Request Deadline. Proponents must submit an Interconnection Request by 10/01/21 and finalize their Interconnection Request (i.e. the request is deemed valid by NSPSO) by 10/15/21 (the “Interconnection Request Deadline”) for their Projects to be highly likely to receive a completed Feasibility Study by the RFP Proposal Submission Date, and be eligible to participate in the RBP.
For Projects already in the queue that seek to increase the capacity of their Interconnection Request, NSPI will be able to transfer the deposit from the initial request (minus costs already incurred that cannot be reused), and efficiently move the Project through the Generator Interconnection Procedure. Proponents also have until 10/15/21 to notify NSPI if they wish to increase the capacity of their Interconnection Request.
The maximum Name Plate Capacity of a Project participating in the RBP is 100 MW. The Name Plate Capacity of the Project must be between 40% and 100% of the Name Plate Capacity in the Interconnection Feasibility Study as per the modifications permitted under section 4.4.1 of the GIP.
In the upcoming weeks, the PA will share a more detailed timeline that includes the Interconnection Request Deadline. We can share that we expect the RFP Release Date to be in early December.
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