IESO Nova Scotia issued a request for expressions of interest (REOI) for organizations to build, own and operate at least 300 megawatts of fast acting gas fired electricity generation. Two possible locations in Pictou County have been identified, with work now underway to engage with the broader local community. The locations are being proposed in part because of their proximity to the natural gas pipeline that has operated safely in Pictou County for more than 25 years.
“Under Nova Scotia’s Clean Power Plan, coal plants are soon closing and renewable energy is significantly increasing. To ensure the province’s ambitious clean energy goals for 2030 and beyond are met, Nova Scotia needs fast acting generation that acts as a counterbalance to changing winds and is ultimately there to provide stable, reliable and affordable electricity at those rare times when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining,” said Johnny Johnston, President and Chief Executive O icer of IESO Nova Scotia.
The REOI is asking proponents to provide by November 21 responses that demonstrate their technical and financial ability to cost-effectively deliver new electricity generation by 2030. The detailed request for proposals procurement phase will open in January 2026. The successful proponent to build, own and operate the facility will be announced by IESO Nova Scotia by the summer of 2026.
A virtual information session is being held on November 3, 2025. A copy of the REOI is available at: IESO-Nova-Scotia-REOI-for-Capacity.pdf
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About IESO Nova Scotia
Created in 2024 under Nova Scotia law as a new, independent, not-for-profit organization, IESO Nova Scotia began operations this year. IESO Nova Scotia will be responsible for the planning and reliable operation of Nova Scotia’s bulk electricity system, assuming duties from Nova Scotia Power and the Nova Scotia Department of Energy. Over the next 18 months, IESO is taking on the responsibilities of planning and managing the electricity grid in a phased approach. This includes running the integrated resource planning processes, overseeing procurement of energy resources and services, system operations, and the transition to clean energy in a fair and transparent way.