Nova Scotia Power Reports Grid Reliability Gains After Avoiding Regulatory Fines
Nova Scotia Power says its multi-year grid strengthening plan is improving response times and reducing outages, following a decision by the Nova Scotia Energy Board not to fine the utility for missing six performance targets.
The Nova Scotia Energy Board decided not to fine Nova Scotia Power (NSP) after the utility failed to meet six of 32 performance targets. Following the decision, NSP officials reported that their multi-year grid reliability plan is already yielding results.
Charlene MacMullin, director and senior manager of reliability at Nova Scotia Power, stated that the first two years of the grid strengthening plan have improved response times and reduced unplanned outages. Pilot projects utilizing smart technology have resulted in a 60 percent reduction in customer outage hours. The technology allows for faster identification and resolution of system issues through real-time data, lowering reliance on customer reports for outage detection.
In 2025, tree-related outages dropped by 19 percent and equipment failures decreased by 14 percent. That same year, Nova Scotia Power recorded the lowest number of customer outages since 2012.
As of Oct. 1, 2025, the utility had installed or completed 17 protective devices, nine automated reclosers, four kilometres of relocated power lines, and 70 kilometres of upgraded lines. Nearly 500 transmission structures were replaced or upgraded as part of the plan. New wooden poles installed under the initiative are designed to withstand winds up to 110 km/h.
The utility's goal is to reduce the length of power outages by 20 percent by 2029 through grid modernization, system strengthening against extreme weather, and increased vegetation management. To support these efforts, $90 million has been allocated for tree clearing between 2025 and 2026. NSP spent $205 million on the project in 2025, expects to spend $230 million in 2026, and has planned $250 million for next year.
Reports differ on the total cost of the five-year plan. CBC News reports the project costs $1.1 billion, while SaltWire reports it as a $1.3 billion plan.
While officials described the early results as encouraging, they acknowledged that more work is needed to meet all five-year goals.