Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board

IN THE MATTER OF THE PUBLIC UTILITIES ACT, the MARITIME LINK

ACT and the MARITIME LINK COST RECOVERY PROCESS
REGULATIONS
- and -

IN THE MATTER OF an Application by NSP MARITIME LINK

INCORPORATED for approval of an interim cost assessment

PRELIMINARY ISSUES LIST

The following issues will be dealt with in the public hearing on NSP Maritime Links
(NSPML) Application for approval of an interim cost assessment (M07718) which is
scheduled to begin Monday, April 10, 2017:

1. Confirmation of the proposed interim assessment amounts of $162 million in

2018 and $164 million in 2019;
2. Impact of the projected two year delay in the delivery of the Nova Scotia Block,
specifically:
a. Will the Maritime Link be used and useful?
b. How might the Maritime Link be used to provide value and benefit to Nova
Scotia customers?
c. What is the value of such use to Nova Scotia customers?
d. What, if any, additional costs will be incurred as a result of the delay in the
delivery of the Nova Scotia Block?
3. What are the debt servicing, interest and financing costs which must be paid by
NSPML in 2018 and 2019?
4. Should NSPML recover all of its equity financing costs before delivery of the
Nova Scotia Block?
5. Should payment of depreciation be reduced or deferred recognizing the projected
two year delay in the delivery of the Nova Scotia Block?
6. Issues of intergenerational equity recognizing that the 35 year term for use of the
Maritime Link will likely be extended by two years;
7. Do the provisions of the Electricity Plan Implementation (2015) Act in any way
limit the options of the Board in this Application?

Document: 251260
8. Could NSPI be required to refund any reduction in the assessment?
9. Accounting for assessment and costs;
10. Potential impacts or restrictions on use of the Maritime Link during the interim
period;
11. Risks and potential of further delay in commissioning of the Muskrat Falls
generating station;
12. Has NSPML properly managed the project costs to account for the delay in the
delivery of the Nova Scotia Block?

Document 251260