Board Appointed for Nova Scotia’s New Energy System Operator
February 24, 2025
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.
