KBRS is proud to have played a role in the recruitment and selection process for the Board of Directors of the newly established Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator. The following is an excerpt from their recent announcement.
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The Province has appointed the first board of directors for the Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator.
“We’re making Nova Scotia a clean energy powerhouse to bring more green jobs for people who want to stay in Nova Scotia, especially our rural communities. The creation of the Independent Energy System Operator represents a bold shift in how our electricity system is structured and regulated, bringing more accountability, transparency and competitiveness as we move toward cleaner energy,” said Trevor Boudreau, Minister of Energy. “With these experienced leaders at the helm, the organization’s startup phase can move into high gear. This is an incredibly skilled and capable group committed to this new mandate.”
The government introduced transformative changes to Nova Scotia’s energy system in February 2024, including the creation of a new Independent Energy System Operator to enhance transparency and accountability. The new organization will manage the connection of clean energy projects to the grid and be responsible for system planning and procuring new energy sources.
The organization will be phased in. Once fully operational in 2026, it will also control which power generation facilities are used to meet the electricity demands across the province, on a minute-by-minute basis. This is currently done by Nova Scotia Power.
It will be an independent non-profit organization managed by a CEO reporting to the board of directors and regulated by the new Nova Scotia Energy Board.
The Independent Energy System Operator board members are:
· Douglas Reid, Chair, Halifax
· Peter Doig, Boutilier’s Point
· Maureen Higgins, Calgary, Alberta
· Carmine Marcello, Thornhill, Ontario
· Robert Patzelt, Halifax
· Eric Paul, Hammonds Plains
· Alison Scott, Head of St. Margaret's Bay
· David MacGregor, Associate Deputy Minister, Department of Energy, as the non-voting public service appointee.
These three-year appointments were effective Tuesday, February 18.
The Province will provide $2.5 million to support the organization’s transition planning and early startup costs, giving it time to hire key staff, develop a budget and submit a revenue request to the regulator.
Quotes:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the transformation of Nova Scotia’s energy sector to achieve our province’s clean energy goals. I’m excited to join this outstanding team and contribute my experience and commitment to advancing the long-term success of the new Independent Energy System Operator.”
— Douglas Reid, board Chair, Nova Scotia Independent Energy System Operator
Quick Facts:
the creation of the Independent Energy System Operator was part of legislation in the spring of 2024 to modernize the electricity system
the department hired KBRS, an executive recruitment firm, to lead a search and assess candidates for the board; more than 110 applications were received
future appointments will fall under the board’s bylaws, which will also outline board compensation; only the non-voting public service director will be appointed by cabinet
no job losses are expected as a result of the transition; impacted Nova Scotia Power staff will be offered transfers to the new system operator
the Nova Scotia Energy Board will be in place April 1, 2025; legislation directs the board to consider affordability and the environment in its decisions
Additional Resources:
Energy Reform (2024) Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/PDFs/annual%20statute…
News Release – Legislation to Modernize Electricity System, Improve Regulation: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/02/27/legislation-modernize-electric…
